McKenzie Friends

A ‘McKenzie friend’ is someone who can come to court with you if you don’t have a lawyer. You will need to get permission from the Judge to allow your McKenzie friend into family proceedings. The main role of the McKenzie friend is to provide you with moral support, take notes, help you with case papers or quietly give you advice on points of law or procedures, issues that you may want to raise in court or questions that you may want to ask witnesses.

McKenzie friends do not have to have any qualifications or training, but some may have a law degree or they might be retired lawyers. Some may volunteer their services, others may request payment. If you are going to pay your McKenzie friend to come to court with you, it is worth remembering that McKenzie Friends are currently not subject to any formal regulation and, unlike professional lawyers, are unlikely to have any insurance to safeguard you against negligent advice and/or representation.

The judges at the Cambridge Family Court have given their support to the ARU Law Clinic Support@Court scheme which can provide you with law students who can go in to the court with you to give you moral support through the hearing. They can’t speak on your behalf but many people find it helpful to have someone with them. This service is offered every Wednesday morning from 9.30am-1pm and is on a first come, first served basis. There are signs directing you to the service once you get into the court building but just ask security or the usher if you need help finding the team.