Becoming Litigious (tm)

Earlier this year I wrote a blog post about how the exposure of corruption would push average people to become more litigious.

I didn't realize it at the time, but this was the NEW inspiration I've been waiting for. Perhaps it's from all the healing inner work I've done but I'm feeling excited again about making positive contributions to the legal field.

I still do a lot of the same things I've always done, which is guiding and coaching people through legal problems.

If you've been with me for awhile, you know that I started out helping people in foreclosure in 2009. Around 2014, most of the foreclosure defense work was over and so many of my clients had fantastic outcomes. I felt fulfilled, like my work made a difference.

It has taken awhile to get inspired again. I did some other things. I've done all the things in a traditional role as a paralegal. Doc prep, contract paralegal work, litigation consulting. I just ran out of creative ideas, so I pivoted and did other things.

The changes here in Arizona with the addition of the LLLP program are also exciting. This is probably THE biggest reason for me to return. I am optimistic about the changes here for people who need access to the legal system, but can't afford a lawyer.

The Supreme Court has recognized the need for paraprofessionals in the legal field in Arizona. The legal field had been too limited and top heavy and it's created a lot of issues for people who need representation but can't afford it.

Things are changing in a positive way, but that doesn't mean it's rainbows and unicorns. There are a lot of problems here that I think would change if more people got fed up and starting litigating.

I'm not talking about filing major lawsuits. There are absolutely still times you need an attorney. But many people need help with things like small claims and landlord tenant issues, and these are issues that lawyers don't want to bother with.

Maricopa County also has an extensive library of forms. I recently had a friend ask me for help enforcing a divorce settlement and was happily surprised to find that there was a packet of forms for that specific purpose.

Many states have free forms packets available. Check online in your state for forms packets and information on self-representation.

My personal opinion is that when more people engage with the legal system, even if they lose, they still gain.

I've filed lawsuits and lost. Although the loss was disappointing, the person I sued will think twice before doing the same thing to someone else. I've defended lawsuits and lost but the fact that I showed up mitigated my damages. Sometimes you're just going to lose but by participating you get a better outcome.

A lot of people will be nervous about going to court, and I'll talk about that here on the blog, too.

To help you on your journey to Becoming Litigious (tm), I offer videos on my YouTube channel, plus many digital products, including Legal Research for Non-Lawyers and DIY Mortgage Auditing for Borrowers.

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Christine