Media Release
Launch of Federal Court’s Litigants in Person Practice Note
5 March 2026
The Federal Court of Australia has today published the Litigants in Person Practice Note, representing an important piece of work for the Court’s ongoing Litigants in Person and Pro Bono Project.
The Practice Note provides straight forward guidance for people who have a case in the Federal Court, but do not have a lawyer. It provides information about avenues for legal help and emphasises the serious nature of a person’s responsibilities if they decide to proceed without a lawyer. Contained within the Practice Note is clear information on the role of the Court and what unrepresented litigants must, and must not do, if they decide to commence or defend a legal claim.
Chief Justice Mortimer explained:
“The Litigants in Person Practice Note ensures that obligations and expectations are communicated to litigants in person from the beginning. It enables people who do not have the benefit of legal advice to know what they are in for and to make informed decisions about how to proceed. This includes being informed whether there might be free or low-cost legal support available. The number of matters commenced by litigants in person is rising significantly in the Federal Court, which only heightens the importance of having clear, accessible guidance available at the outset, and providing such support as its resources allow to those people who conduct a proceeding without a lawyer”.
The Litigants in Person Practice Note was developed in consultation with a range of organisations and external individuals, which included community legal centres, the legal profession, peak bodies and litigants in person.
Chief Justice Mortimer expressed her gratitude for their contributions.
“The Federal Court is extremely grateful for the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided as part of our consultation process. The input received has shaped the Litigants in Person Practice Note and is making a significant contribution to the Court’s ongoing work in this area”.
A full copy of the Litigants in Person Practice Note is available on the Court’s website. The Court is in the process of arranging translated versions of the Practice Note, as well as other accessible formats.
More information on the Court’s Litigants in Person and Pro Bono Project can be found here.
