WHAT IS A LAY REPRESENTATIVE?
A lay representative is an individual who is not legally qualified (i.e. not a solicitor or barrister), but who may, in certain circumstances, assist or support a party in legal proceedings, but not act as a legal representative. This right is recognised in various UK courts and tribunals, most notably under Rule 11 of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2013, and further supported by Section 27(3) of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, which allows individuals to be accompanied and supported by a non-lawyer representative in some tribunals and specific civil proceedings, where permitted by the court.
Lay representatives can assist with case preparation, provide moral and procedural support, help with the presentation of documents, and — in some tribunals and hearings — speak on behalf of the party (with the court or tribunal’s permission). Note: speaking rights for lay representatives are rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances.
Importantly, a lay representative cannot charge a fee for advocacy unless authorised to practise by a legal regulator, and must always act in a way that supports the interests of the individual, without misleading the court.
At SelectBarristers.com, we operate fully within this legal framework, offering free layman support to help you better understand your rights, prepare your case with procedural guidance only, and — where appropriate — connect you with a qualified direct access barrister for formal legal representation. (subject to direct access agreement and applicable fees). This service is designed for people who need clear, reliable guidance at what can often be a stressful and unfamiliar time. We do not provide legal advice or act as legal representatives in any formal capacity.
Note: Referrals to barristers are not guaranteed and depend on availability, suitability, and case complexity.
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At Select Barristers, our mission is to make access to justice simpler, clearer, and more human.
We provide free, non-legal support to individuals navigating legal challenges — offering layman guidance to help them understand their rights, prepare effectively, and make informed decisions. Where appropriate, we connect individuals with experienced direct access barristers from our carefully selected network, without offering legal advice or acting as solicitors or barristers. Engagement with barristers is arranged directly under public access rules and may involve legal fees agreed between the client and barrister
We operate fully within the legal boundaries of lay representation in the UK, offering practical assistance and case preparation support, without offering legal advice or acting as solicitors or barristers.
Our goal is to empower people — not to replace lawyers — by ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or means, has the opportunity to face legal processes with clarity, confidence, and trusted support.
– The Select Barristers Team –