Represent Self?

It depends on your personality and your willingness to fight. Trust me, arbitration isn’t like a management/union collective bargaining agreement, it is a very emotional event. Be prepared for it. An attorney doesn’t have an emotional stake so his/her representation of you is based on fact and your interests.

Dear Rusty:

Greetings. Some people do have attorneys as coaches only, but I do not recommend this option. Instead, hire a firm that does things by a flat fee, so that you will know exactly how much everything costs and you will know what will happen if you run out of money. Thank you.

Janet L. Fritts
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm

4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.256.1665 direct fax

301 McCullough Drive Suite 510
Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
704.644.2831 main voice
704.307.4595 main fax

1829 East Franklin Street, Bldg 600
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.321.0780 main phone
919.787.6668 main fax

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service but a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action.

When one runs out of money for legal fees, how well would it work to represent self in arbitration or litigation? An attorney could possibly be consulted as neede.