Best Practices in Handling Cases with Self-Represented Litigants

June 4-7, 2012
Location: Reno, NV
Tuition: $985
Conference Fee: $245

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In the last decade, self-representation has increased exponentially. Self-represented litigants now appear on court dockets in almost every case possible including civil, criminal felony, domestic relations, traffic, criminal misdemeanor, small claims, probate and administrative cases. Self-represented litigants pose a special problem for the judge presiding over the case because they are not keenly aware of courtroom procedures and evidence rules. After this course, participants will be able to recognize when an indigent self-represented party may be entitled to court-appointed counsel; move a self-represented party civil docket expeditiously; use settlement techniques in cases involving self-represented litigants; recognize the limits on assisting self-represented parties; and apply innovative methods and strategies to ensure that these litigants have proper access to the justice system. After this program, participants will be able to describe some of the best practices for managing these difficult cases.

Qualifies as an elective for the Certificate in Judicial Development, Administrative Law Adjudication Skills, Dispute Resolution Skills, General Jurisdiction Trial Skills, Special Court Trial Skills and Tribal Judicial Skills programs.