RULES OF COURT—2009
PAPER 7.1

When David Becomes Goliath: Litigating Against Self-Represented Litigants

These materials were prepared by Michael D. Parrish of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver, BC, for the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, April 2009. © Michael D. Parrish

7.1.1

WHEN DAVID BECOMES GOLIATH: LITIGATING AGAINST SELFREPRESENTED LITIGANTSI. II. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 Strategies and Tactics for Dealing with Unrepresented Litigants Generally …………………. 2 A. Communicating with Self-Represented Litigants ………………………………………………………… 2 B. Service and Delivery ofDocuments…………………………………………………………………………… 3 C. Pleadings………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 D. Document Discovery ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 E. Examinations for Discovery…………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 F. Judicial Case Management ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 G. Alternative Dispute Resolution ………………………………………………………………………………… 6 Interlocutory Motions By and AgainstSelf-Represented Litigants ………………………………. 7 A. Generally……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7 B. Motion Materials …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7 C. Delivery of Materials……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7 D. Hearings and Submissions………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 E. Ad-Hoc Retainer of Counsel and Adjournments ………………………………………………………… 8 F. Orders…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 G. Costs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9 Summary Disposition of Claims ………………………………………………………………………………. 9 A.Generally………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9 B. Rule 19(24) Applications……………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 C. Rule 18 Applications ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 10 D. Rule 18A Applications…………………………………………………………………………………………… 10 Other Protective Measures ………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 A. Applications for Security for Costs …………………………………………………………………………. 11 B. Vexatious LitigantOrders………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

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Introduction

The appearance of self-represented litigants in BC courts, particularly the BC Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, has…