On 16 January 2013 16:34, Zane H. Healy <healyzh at aracnet.com> wrote I have to concur. From a UK perspective: Without going into details, we are currently in legal battles getting money back off someone, and whilst, so far, we've done everything ourselves (successfully, if slowly) the defendant has been representing himself too. The judges have for the most part been sympathetic and have taken our lack of experience into account. The moment however that he does find himself a solicitor willing to take on his case (he had one drop out already once we explained matters to them), then we'll have to do the same. I've dealt with the professionals in the past, and they are mostly akin to playground bullies, and delight at stomping on the amateurs. Don't let yourself get into that situation. Rob