Get help with going to court or tribunal

A lawyer (barrister or solicitor) can give advice and help you prepare your case. You might be able to get advice for free.

Legal representation

Lawyers can represent you in court. This means they take on your case and manage it for you. You can ask them to speak for you in court. Or you can speak for yourself.

Legal advice

You can get information and advice from a lawyer even if they do not represent you. They can help you prepare your case.

Some solicitors may offer free advice.

Check if you can get legal aid (GOV.UK)

Finding free or affordable legal help (Citizens Advice)

Find your local Law Centre

You may also be able to get legal support through your:

• home insurance company
• union membership
• charity membership

No win, no fee solicitors may also be an option.

But you may have to pay for legal advice.

Find a lawyer 

The Law Society website has a tool where you can search for different types of lawyers near you. 

You can also refine the results based on access to their building including whether they:

• have induction loops
• provide British Sign Language interpreters
• have step-free access
• accept Legal Aid

Find a solicitor on The Law Society website

If you cannot get help from a lawyer

You can still get information and support from:

• the Scope helpline
• Citizens Advice

Find a lawyer specialising in disability discrimination

The Disability Law Service is a charity that gives free legal advice for disabled people on the phone, online or in writing.

Disability Law Service

You can also ask your local law centre or Citizens Advice for information on local lawyers who specialise in disability discrimination.

Find your local Law Centre

Citizens Advice

The Disability Justice Project has more information and a list of disability discrimination lawyers who work in London.

Disability Justice Project

Independent advocates are trained professionals or volunteers. They work with you to get your voice heard and stand up for your rights.  

An advocate can: 

• listen to you and your concerns 
• give you information about your options to help you make choices 
• help you express what you want 
• go to meetings to support you to say what you want 
• support you to advocate for yourself

Advocates usually act as an expert adviser and not as a representative. They do not usually speak on your behalf unless you ask them to. But they will help you prepare what you want to say.

Find an independent advocate 

To find an advocate in your area, search for ‘advocacy’ on your local council’s website. 

Find your local council (GOV.UK) 

You can then contact the advocacy service in your area.  

Not all councils provide all types of advocates. It depends on where you live. Find local advocacy services from Citizens Advice or Disability Rights UK. 

Find your local Citizens Advice 

Advocacy (Disability Rights UK) 

If you cannot or do not want to work with a lawyer, you can represent yourself. People who go to court without a barrister or solicitor are called ‘litigants in person’.

Being a litigant in person 

A litigant in person is someone who, instead of a solicitor or barrister, plans and presents their own legal case.

Changes to the Legal Aid system mean that some disabled people find it harder to get legal support.

Check if you can get Legal Aid

But get some legal advice if you can.

Finding free or affordable legal help (Citizens Advice) 

Going to court without a solicitor or barrister (Citizens Advice) 

Planning your case

Any point you wish to make in court must have evidence to support it. You must bring this evidence with you. You will need to:

• gather your documents together, such as medical reports, emails and other correspondence
• get your own witness statements
• follow the steps in formal procedures

This will take time and effort. You may need to go to the tribunal or court to present your case.

What to expect coming to a court or tribunal (GOV.UK)

Depending on your case, you might be able to attend by telephone or video call.

What to expect when joining a telephone or video hearing (GOV.UK)

Deciding about representing yourself

If you represent yourself, you can:

• feel more in control of what you say in court
• ask the questions you want 
• save some money on legal fees

But there are also challenges and risks if you represent yourself, including:

• making a mistake if you do not understand the legal process
• feeling intimidated 

You might lose money if you have to take time off work to prepare for your case. And you might still have to spend money on things like:

• photocopying 
• medical reports
• paying for care for anyone you care for while you are working on your case

You can ask the court for reasonable adjustments. For example:

• providing forms in large print
• providing guidance in audio or easy read
• making sure there is an induction loop
• providing a separate waiting area
• making sure ramps and lifts are available

How HM Courts and Tribunals Service supports court and tribunal users with disabilities (GOV.UK)