The difference between a McKenzie Friend and a solicitor in family court is substantial in terms of qualifications, roles, and legal authority. A solicitor is a legally trained and regulated professional who can provide legal advice, draft documents, and represent clients in court. In contrast, a McKenzie Friend is typically not legally qualified and may be a layperson who supports a litigant in person by offering moral support, taking notes, and quietly advising during hearings.
While solicitors are accountable to a regulatory body and carry professional indemnity insurance, McKenzie Friends are generally unregulated and cannot speak on behalf of a client in court without the judge’s permission. As such, solicitors play a formal, professional role in legal proceedings, whereas McKenzie Friends offer informal, limited assistance.
NOW, having said that...
McKenzie Picave carries professional indemnity insurance such a solicitor does. We also have close trading partnerships with solicitors and barristers. We provide our clients with legal advice which has been learned through 20 years in the family court corridors. We draft documents and we support clients in courts - on occasions, we do speak for our clients whilst in the courtroom.
So, there are McKenzie Friends and there is McKenzie Picave...
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