Self-Represented Litigants
People who represent themselves in court without an attorney are Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs), also sometimes called pro se litigants. Under the law, an SRL is held to the same standards and duties as an attorney admitted to the practice of law in the state of Louisiana. A Self-Represented Litigant is presumed to know the law. This means that an SRL is expected to know what the law requires and how to accomplish this in accordance with the appropriate statues and court rules.
IMPORTANT: Court employees (i.e., judges, clerks of the court, minute clerks, stenographers, law clerks, and all personnel connected with the court) are not authorized to tell you what you have to do, how you are to do it, what you should do under the circumstances, or how to complete forms. Some forms are available on the Court's self-help web site: www.25thjdcselfhelp.com.
**BY LAW, COURT EMPLOYEES ARE PROHIBITED FROM PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.**
It is always in your best interest to speak with a qualified attorney about your legal issue. If you do not have the funds to pay an attorney, you may seek assistance from the following civil legal aid organizations and attorney referral services:
Louisiana State Bar Association Modest Means Panel
504-566-1600
New Orleans Bar Association (NOBA) Lawyer Referral Service:
504-561-8828
The Pro Bono Project
Income Eligibility Required
504‐581‐4043
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Income Eligibility Required
504‐529‐1000
ADDITIONAL Resources:
Louisiana Free Legal Answers (Income Eligibility Required): la.freelegalanswers.org
Louisiana Law Help: www.LouisianaLawHelp.org – This website includes civil legal aid resources.
Louisiana Domestic Violence Hotline: 1‐888‐411‐1333 – Free & confidential 24‐hour hotline.