you represented yourself Glenn?
How did you find that?
Thanks everyone,
Yes Rich, it wasn't enough money to think about hiring a lawyer and in any case, the winning was less important to me than simply feeling I'd been heard properly.
Have to say, I really enjoyed the experience. Watching highly paid, highly qualified, highly intelligent lawyers coming and going in their shabby chic (think 2 grand suits worn to rags and battered briefcases) was interesting. Hearing the way they all interact with each other, lawyers, ushers, clerks etc was instructional..very respectful of one another.
It's full of pomp obviously with the wigs and gowns and yet, the timelessness of it is somehow very reassuring. Inside the courtroom, I was surprised by the fact that things were not very adversarial at all, also by how it was not a remotely intimidating environment..just 2 sides, giving their take on things and allowing the judge to do their job. In complete contrast to the completely transactional nature of magistrates court, you felt you got a hearing.. which is all I was after.
The environment ensured I showed the utmost respect..wait for my turn to speak, never interrupt, sit, stand etc when required, ask if not sure. I resisted the temptation to go LA Law on their ass and stand up and scream objecctioooooooooooonnn at a few things.
Overall, an experience I wouldn't miss and whilst I was very pleased with the outcome, I would have enjoyed it either way, I think.