McKenzie Friend Support
Professional, calm, and informed assistance for self-represented claimants in Employment Tribunals. Practical guidance, document support, and in-hearing presence — without crossing into legal representation.
- Pre-hearing preparation and procedural guidance in plain English.
- Support with document organisation, bundles, and schedules.
- In-hearing presence for quiet note-taking and reassurance.
- Hourly or daily booking — flexible and transparent pricing.
Disclaimer: EquHire provides legal information, not legal advice. Learn more →
Who This Service Is For
The McKenzie Friend Support service is designed for self-represented individuals who need practical, professional assistance before and during Employment Tribunal proceedings.
- You are representing yourself in an Employment Tribunal and want calm, procedural support.
- You need help understanding forms, evidence bundles, or hearing logistics.
- You want an experienced, neutral person to assist you during the hearing for reassurance and note-taking.
- You wish to stay within lawful self-representation boundaries while ensuring you are well-prepared and supported.
Not suitable for: advocacy, representation, or advice on the merits of your case. See What’s Not Included for compliance details.
What You’ll Get
The McKenzie Friend Support service provides structured, professional assistance before and during Employment Tribunal hearings — so you can stay confident, organised, and in control of your own case.
1. Pre-Hearing Guidance
Support with understanding procedure, completing forms, and preparing your evidence bundle and schedule of loss.
2. Document Review & Organisation
Help structuring your papers clearly for submission or presentation during hearings, ensuring professional formatting and order.
3. Tribunal Attendance
Calm in-person presence during hearings to take notes, provide quiet procedural reminders, and assist with documentation management.
4. Post-Hearing Summary
A concise written summary of key events, observations, and deadlines for any next steps following the hearing.
Support is available hourly or daily, depending on your case requirements. All services are provided under FairHire’s clear compliance framework.
How It Works
Booking your McKenzie Friend support is straightforward. Follow these three steps to prepare and feel supported at every stage of your Employment Tribunal.
Book Your Session
Choose hourly or daily support through our online booking form. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a welcome email outlining what to prepare.
Prepare Together
We’ll review your documents, timelines, and procedural questions in advance. You’ll receive clear, plain-English guidance to help you stay organised.
Attend Confidently
On the day, your McKenzie Friend will attend quietly, take notes, and help you stay calm and focused throughout the hearing.
What’s Included & What’s Not
The McKenzie Friend Support service offers structured, lawful assistance before and during Employment Tribunal hearings — giving you the confidence to represent yourself effectively while staying compliant.
Included
- Pre-hearing preparation and procedural guidance.
- Document review and help with organisation.
- In-hearing attendance for quiet support and note-taking.
- Post-hearing debrief and written summary of key points.
- Professional, calm, and confidential conduct at all times.
Not Included
- Legal advice, representation, or advocacy before the tribunal.
- Speaking on your behalf during proceedings.
- Preparation of bespoke legal arguments or pleadings.
- Direct communication with the respondent, tribunal, or witnesses.
- Handling or managing your case beyond procedural support.
Important: McKenzie Friends may sit quietly in hearings, take notes, and offer moral or procedural support only. EquHire operates strictly within these boundaries to remain unregulated and lawful.
Benefits & Outcomes
The McKenzie Friend Support service helps you represent yourself confidently and professionally in Employment Tribunals, with calm guidance at every step.
Stay Calm and Prepared
Receive reassurance and structure throughout the tribunal process, from paperwork to hearing day.
Understand the Process
Get clear explanations of procedures, timelines, and expectations — without legal jargon or overcomplication.
Keep Organised
Ensure your bundles, schedules, and correspondence are properly ordered for effective self-representation.
Be Supported in the Hearing
Have someone by your side who understands tribunal procedure and can quietly assist throughout the day.
Act Professionally
EquHire’s McKenzie Friend model emphasises respect, objectivity, and ethical conduct under UK tribunal guidance.
Pricing & Booking Options
Choose the support level that suits your situation. Transparent hourly and daily rates with professional, information-based assistance.
Travel & Expenses: Travel costs (if required) are charged at cost and agreed in advance.
Refunds: Cancellations with 48+ hours’ notice are refundable, minus processing fees. See our Refund Policy.
Licence: Support is for individual, personal use only and does not constitute legal advice. See Licence Terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about booking, boundaries, and how EquHire’s McKenzie Friend Support works in practice.
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is a layperson who provides moral and procedural support to someone representing themselves in court or tribunal. They may take notes, offer quiet advice, and help with documents but cannot address the tribunal directly.
Can my McKenzie Friend speak for me in the hearing?
No. A McKenzie Friend is not an advocate or representative. They may sit beside you, help organise documents, and quietly remind you of key points but cannot speak to the judge or panel.
Do I need to tell the tribunal that I have a McKenzie Friend?
Yes. You must inform the tribunal clerk or judge before the hearing begins. Permission is usually granted as long as your McKenzie Friend behaves appropriately.
Can I book support for part of the day?
Yes. Hourly sessions are available for shorter hearings or preparation work. Daily bookings cover full-day attendance at the Employment Tribunal.
Can my McKenzie Friend give legal advice?
No. EquHire McKenzie Friends provide information and procedural assistance only. They do not offer legal advice or interpret the merits of your case.
What happens if the hearing is rescheduled?
If your hearing date changes, your booking can be transferred at no additional charge, subject to availability. Please notify us as soon as possible.
Will my McKenzie Friend travel outside London?
Yes, where practicable. Travel and accommodation costs (if needed) are charged at cost and confirmed before booking.
Is the support confidential?
Yes. All communication and assistance are treated as confidential and handled under EquHire’s privacy and data protection policies.
Compliance & Boundaries
The McKenzie Friend Support service operates lawfully within the limits of non-regulated assistance, providing information and procedural help — never legal advice or representation.
- EquHire McKenzie Friends provide information, reassurance, and procedural guidance only.
- We do not give legal advice, interpret evidence, or act as representatives or advocates in any proceedings.
- Our support complies with HMCTS guidance on McKenzie Friends and the Legal Services Act 2007.
- EquHire operates under Konve People (Konve Ltd), a UK-registered company.
- We are not regulated by the SRA or FCA and make no claim to regulated status.
- All communications are confidential and handled under our Privacy Policy and GDPR obligations.
- If you require legal advice, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated adviser.