What is a Pro Se?

If you are representing yourself without the benefit of an attorney, you are known as a “pro se litigant.” Pro se is a Latin term meaning “for oneself.” As a pro se litigant, you enjoy every right entitled to you under the law and you will not be penalized because you are not represented by an attorney. However, pro se litigants are expected to follow the rules that govern the practice of law in the federal courts. Pro se litigants should be familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and the Local Rules of this court.

• Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
• Local Rules of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia  

This Pro Se Help section provides a summary of procedures to initiate a civil action, but may not cover all procedures that apply in your case. The information on this website is neither legal advice nor a substitute for legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney in your area as court staff cannot provide legal advice to the public.

This information is for procedural guidance only and should not be viewed or used as legal advice.