McKenzie Friend
A person who assists a litigant in person in court by taking notes, quietly offering advice, and helping organise documents. Named after McKenzie v McKenzie [1971]. A McKenzie Friend has no right of audience unless granted by the court.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
The current guidance issued by the Master of the Rolls and the President of the Family Division confirms that 'Litigants have the right to have reasonable assistance from a layperson, sometimes called a McKenzie Friend (MF)'. Crucially, a litigant who is assisted by an MF does not thereby gain legal representation: they 'remain litigants-in-person', and 'MFs have no independent right to provide assistance' — the right belongs to the litigant, not the MF, and can be limited or withdrawn by the court.
The guidance sets out concrete boundaries on the role. Permitted activities are that 'MFs may: i) provide moral support for litigants; ii) take notes; iii) help' with case papers, and iv) quietly give advice on the conduct of the case. By contrast, 'MFs may not: i) act as the litigants' agent in relation to the proceedings', manage the litigant's case outside court (for example by signing court documents), or address the court, make oral submissions, or examine witnesses — those advocacy functions require the court's specific permission.
Related terms
Official sources
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