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Representing Yourself in Federal Court (Pro Se)

Welcome! This page is designed to provide information to people who are representing themselves in civil cases in the Southern District of California.


Pro Se Litigant

When you are without an attorney, you are "proceeding pro se." If you represent yourself in Court, you are called a "pro se litigant" or a "self-represented litigant." "Pro se" is a Latin, legal term meaning "for himself," and a "litigant" is someone who is either suing someone or is being sued in court.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, serve as legal advice or representation. This information is simply meant as a guideline for non-prisoner pro se litigants in civil matters.

If you are a pro se prisoner with a pending civil case, please see here for applicable forms for prisoners.



DISCLAIMER: This page is NOT a substitute for legal advice from an experienced lawyer. The materials contained on this page are informational only. These materials are not legal advice and should not be considered as legal advice. Using information on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship.

If you are looking for an attorney, see our Local Legal Organizations and Resources Page.