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Mazur, AI, and the Future of Legal Support | JSH Law

The legal landscape is shifting in two powerful directions at once. On one hand, the High Court decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has reinforced the boundaries around who can legally conduct litigation. On the other, artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding what litigants in person are capable of achieving without formal representation. These developments are not in conflict—they are converging. Together, they are reshaping the future of legal support into something more structured, more transparent, and ultimately more empowering for those navigating the system themselves.

Mazur, AI, and the Future of Legal Support | JSH Law
Key Takeaways
  • Mazur reinforces that conduct of litigation must remain with authorised or exempt individuals.
  • AI does not replace the litigant — it enhances their ability to run their case.
  • The future of legal support lies in structured, transparent, tech-enabled models.
  • Litigants in person can become more capable, not more dependent.
  • The combination of AI and proper legal structure will redefine access to justice.

Mazur, AI, and the Future of Legal Support

The legal system is entering a period of change that is both structural and technological.

On one side, the High Court decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP [2025] EWHC 2341 (KB) has reinforced the boundaries of who can legally conduct litigation. On the other, the rapid development of artificial intelligence is transforming how legal work is prepared, structured, and delivered.

At first glance, these developments may appear to be in tension.

One restricts who can carry out certain legal functions. The other expands who can access tools that were once limited to professionals.

In reality, they are moving in the same direction.

Towards a legal system where structure, transparency, and capability matter more than ever.

The Reinforcement of Legal Boundaries

The significance of Mazur lies not in creating new law, but in clarifying how existing law is to be applied.

The decision reinforces a simple but important principle:

The conduct of litigation is a reserved activity. It cannot be delegated simply through supervision or informal arrangements.

This draws a clear boundary around who can formally run a case.

For litigants in person, that boundary is not a barrier—it is a framework.

It confirms that the case is, and remains, theirs.

The Rise of AI in Legal Support

At the same time, artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how legal work is done.

Tasks that once required significant time and expertise can now be supported by systems that:

  • Analyse large volumes of documents
  • Structure arguments and chronologies
  • Assist with drafting and refinement
  • Identify gaps and inconsistencies

These tools are not theoretical.

They are already being used across the legal sector, from large firms to individual practitioners.

The question is not whether AI will play a role in legal support.

It is how that role is defined.

AI Does Not Conduct Litigation

This is where the alignment between Mazur and AI becomes clear.

AI does not “conduct litigation”.

It does not make decisions, take responsibility, or act on behalf of a party in a legal sense.

What it does is enhance capability.

It enables:

  • Better preparation
  • Clearer structure
  • More efficient organisation

Used properly, AI sits firmly within the category of support.

It strengthens the litigant’s ability to run their own case, rather than replacing them.

A Shift From Representation to Enablement

Traditionally, legal services have been built around representation.

A solicitor or barrister takes conduct of the case and acts on behalf of the client.

For many litigants in person, that model is not accessible.

What is emerging instead is a different model.

One based on enablement.

In this model:

  • The litigant remains in control
  • Support is provided to enhance capability
  • Technology is used to improve structure and clarity

This is not a second-tier alternative.

It is a distinct and increasingly important part of the legal ecosystem.

The Risk of Getting It Wrong

As with any shift, there are risks.

AI, if misunderstood, can create the same problems as poorly structured human support.

If it is used in a way that removes the litigant from decision-making, or creates a sense that the case is being “run externally”, then the underlying issue remains.

The tool itself is not the risk.

How it is used is what matters.

The Opportunity for Litigants in Person

For litigants in person, this moment presents a significant opportunity.

With the right approach, it is now possible to:

  • Prepare cases to a higher standard
  • Organise evidence more effectively
  • Present arguments with greater clarity

Without stepping outside the boundaries of the law.

This is not about replacing legal professionals.

It is about increasing the capability of those who are navigating the system themselves.

A More Structured Future

The combined effect of Mazur and AI is likely to lead to a more structured approach to legal support.

We can expect to see:

  • Clearer definitions of roles
  • More transparent support models
  • Greater emphasis on litigant control

At the same time, the tools available to litigants will continue to improve.

This creates a system that is both more disciplined and more accessible.

Where This Leaves Legal Professionals

For legal professionals, this shift is not a threat—it is a redefinition.

There will always be a need for authorised representation.

But alongside that, there is a growing space for:

  • Strategic support
  • Case structuring
  • Technology-enabled assistance

Those who understand this shift are likely to play a key role in shaping the future of legal services.

Final Thoughts

The legal system is not standing still.

Mazur reinforces the boundaries of who can formally conduct litigation.

AI expands the tools available to those who cannot access traditional representation.

Together, they point towards a future where:

Litigants in person are not left behind — but are better equipped, better supported, and more capable than ever before.

The key is structure.

Get that right, and both law and technology work in your favour.

Want to Use AI and Legal Strategy Properly in Your Case?

If you are a litigant in person and want structured, forward-thinking support that combines legal strategy with modern tools, you can book an initial consultation below.


Regulatory & Editorial Notice: JSH Law Ltd is not a firm of solicitors and does not provide regulated legal services. This article is for general information and commentary only and does not constitute legal advice. Any references to legal cases or third-party practices are provided for public interest analysis and educational purposes.

Mazur Explained: The Case That Changes Who Can Run Your Court Case | JSH Law

The High Court has just drawn a firm line around who is actually allowed to run a court case—and it’s a line many people have been crossing without realising. In Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP [2025] EWHC 2341 (KB), the court made it clear that only authorised or exempt individuals can conduct litigation, and that supervision is not enough. For litigants in person, this is not just a technical legal point—it goes directly to how your case is handled, how it is perceived by the court, and whether your position is open to challenge.

Mazur Explained: The Case That Changes Who Can Run Your Court Case | JSH Law High Court legal proceedings and litigation documents
Key Takeaways for Litigants in Person
  • Only authorised or exempt individuals can legally conduct litigation.
  • Even well-meaning support can cross the line if someone starts running your case.
  • You must remain in control of your case at all times.
  • Getting this wrong can expose your case to challenge or criticism.
  • Structured, compliant support can strengthen your position significantly.

Mazur Explained: The Case That Changes Who Can Run Your Court Case

There has been a significant shift in how the courts are approaching who is actually allowed to run a case.

The High Court decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP [2025] EWHC 2341 (KB) has clarified something that, until now, many people in the legal world had quietly blurred:

Only certain people are legally allowed to conduct litigation — and supervision is not enough.

For litigants in person, this matters more than you might realise.

What Happened in Mazur?

The case arose from a situation where work on a legal matter had been carried out by someone who was not an authorised solicitor or exempt person, but who was working within a legal environment.

The argument was that because this individual was supervised, their actions were acceptable.

The High Court disagreed.

The judgment made it clear that:

  • “Conduct of litigation” is a reserved legal activity under the Legal Services Act 2007
  • Only authorised or exempt individuals can carry it out
  • Supervision by a solicitor does not make an unauthorised person compliant

This was not a new rule — but it is now being applied much more strictly.

What Does “Conduct of Litigation” Actually Mean?

This is the critical question.

It does not just mean standing up in court. It includes:

  • Making decisions about how the case is run
  • Sending correspondence on behalf of a party
  • Filing documents
  • Taking responsibility for procedural steps

In simple terms:

If someone else is effectively running your case — they may be conducting litigation.

Why This Matters for Litigants in Person

Many litigants in person rely on support. That support can be incredibly valuable — and in many cases, essential.

But there is now a much sharper line between:

  • Support (which is allowed), and
  • Conduct (which is restricted)

If that line is crossed, it can lead to:

  • Challenges from the other side
  • Increased scrutiny from the court
  • Questions about how the case has been handled

This is not about creating fear — it is about understanding how to stay on solid ground.

The Difference Between Support and Running the Case

A properly structured support model looks like this:

  • You make the decisions
  • You send the emails
  • You sign and file the documents
  • You speak for yourself in court

Support can include:

  • Drafting documents for you
  • Helping you prepare your case
  • Advising you on strategy
  • Assisting you in court as a McKenzie Friend

The key distinction is control.

You must remain in control of your case at all times.

What This Means in Practice

If you are receiving support, you should always be able to say:

  • “I reviewed and approved this document”
  • “I chose to send this”
  • “These are my instructions”

That clarity protects you.

It also strengthens your credibility in court.

A Shift in the Legal Landscape

This decision reflects a wider shift.

The courts are becoming more alert to:

  • Who is actually running a case
  • Whether the proper boundaries are being respected
  • How unregulated support is being used

At the same time, the reality remains:

Access to justice increasingly depends on litigants in person having the right support.

The answer is not less support.

It is better-structured support.

Final Thoughts

Mazur does not remove your ability to get help.

What it does is make one thing very clear:

There is a right way to do this — and a wrong way.

If your case is structured properly, support can be a powerful advantage.

If it is not, it can become a vulnerability.

Understanding that distinction is now essential.

Need Support With Your Case?

If you are navigating proceedings as a litigant in person and want structured, strategic support that keeps your case clear, compliant and strong, you can book an initial consultation below.


Regulatory & Editorial Notice: JSH Law Ltd is not a firm of solicitors and does not provide regulated legal services. This article is for general information and commentary only and does not constitute legal advice. Any references to legal cases or third-party practices are provided for public interest analysis and educational purposes.

Advocacy Skills for Litigants in Person: How to Present Your Case Clearly and Effectively in Family Court

Advocacy is not about being loud, emotional, or argumentative. It is about presenting your case clearly, calmly, and strategically so the judge can make a decision that serves your child’s welfare. In this guide for litigants in person, we break down the structure of effective advocacy in Family Court — from opening submissions and referencing evidence properly to cross-examination skills and closing arguments. If you are representing yourself, this is the framework you need.

Advocacy Skills for Litigants in Person: How to Present Your Case Clearly and Effectively in Family Court

Court Skills for Litigants in Person  |  England & Wales  |  Practical, strategic and structured

Key takeaways for litigants in person

  • Advocacy is clarity under pressure — not performance or volume.
  • The court wants structure: issue, law, evidence, proposed order.
  • Judges respond to proportionate, child-focused reasoning — not emotional narrative.
  • Preparation matters more than confidence.
  • Short, focused submissions are stronger than long, unfocused ones.
  • Credibility is built through restraint, accuracy and respect for the process.

Advocacy is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is not about delivering a speech. And it is not about “winning the argument”.

Advocacy in Family Court is the disciplined presentation of your case in a way that assists the judge.

If you are a litigant in person, you are doing two jobs at once:

  • You are a party to emotionally difficult proceedings.
  • You are your own advocate.

That is not easy. But it is manageable if you understand what good advocacy actually looks like.

1. What the Court Is Really Listening For

In private children proceedings, the court’s focus is governed by section 1 of the Children Act 1989 . The child’s welfare is paramount.

Judges are listening for:

  • What order are you asking for?
  • Why does that order promote welfare?
  • What evidence supports your position?
  • Is your proposal workable and proportionate?

If your submission does not answer those questions, it will feel unfocused — even if it is heartfelt.

2. The Core Structure of Effective Advocacy

Whether you are addressing the court at a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), a directions hearing, or a final hearing, use this structure:

  1. Identify the issue.
  2. State the legal framework.
  3. Refer to the key evidence.
  4. Propose a clear order.

Example (Child Arrangements Case)

Issue: The current informal arrangement is unstable and leading to conflict at handovers.

Law: The child’s welfare under s.1 Children Act 1989; harm suffered and risk of harm.

Evidence: Three missed handovers (bundle pages X–Y); school letter confirming child distress.

Proposed Order: Defined alternate weekend contact with school-based handovers.

That is advocacy. Short. Structured. Focused.

3. Tone and Demeanour: How You Present Matters

Judges expect:

  • Respectful language.
  • No interruptions.
  • No personal attacks.
  • Calm responses under challenge.

Losing composure undermines credibility. Even if the other party provokes you.

Advocacy is controlled discipline.

4. Dealing with Evidence in Oral Submissions

Refer to page numbers. Be precise.

Avoid phrases like: “It’s all in there somewhere.”

Instead: “Bundle page 142 shows the police reference number confirming the incident.”

Precision builds authority.

5. Cross-Examination Skills (If Applicable)

If you are permitted to question the other party (and subject to Domestic Abuse Act restrictions), questions must be:

  • Short.
  • Specific.
  • Non-argumentative.

Example:

  • “On 4 March, did you cancel contact at 7:45pm?”

Not: “You always manipulate contact to control me, don’t you?”

The first invites a factual answer. The second invites conflict.

6. Common Advocacy Mistakes

  • Reading a 20-page statement aloud.
  • Re-arguing past points repeatedly.
  • Interrupting the judge.
  • Speaking over the other party.
  • Failing to propose a clear outcome.

Judges are time-pressured. Clarity helps them help you.

7. Managing Nerves

  • Prepare bullet points.
  • Practice aloud.
  • Focus on structure, not performance.
  • Pause before answering.

Silence is not weakness. It is thinking time.

8. Advocacy in Safeguarding Cases

Where domestic abuse is raised, the court applies Practice Direction 12J .

Your advocacy must:

  • Identify risk.
  • Link it to welfare.
  • Propose proportionate safeguards.

Avoid framing safeguarding as punishment. Frame it as protection.

9. Closing Submissions at Final Hearing

Your closing should:

  1. Summarise findings you seek.
  2. Link them to welfare checklist factors.
  3. Propose final orders clearly.

Keep it focused. Judges appreciate brevity.

10. The Mindset Shift: From Emotion to Structure

Advocacy requires a shift:

  • From grievance to framework.
  • From reaction to strategy.
  • From narrative to evidence.

This is not about suppressing emotion. It is about presenting it lawfully.


Book a 15-minute consultation (phone)

If you want help preparing structured submissions or practising how to present your case calmly and clearly, you can book a consultation below.


6 Useful Links


Regulatory & Editorial Notice

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. JSH Law provides litigation support services to litigants in person and does not conduct reserved legal activities.

Family Court Etiquette: How to Conduct Yourself as a Litigant in Person

Nervous about a Family Court hearing? Learn how to behave, address the judge properly, and present yourself confidently as a litigant in person.

Family Court Etiquette: How to Conduct Yourself as a Litigant in Person

Category: Court Etiquette (Family Court Procedure UK)  |  Audience: Litigants in Person (England & Wales)

Key takeaways for litigants in person

  • Be calm, structured and respectful — credibility matters more than volume.
  • Address the judge correctly: usually “Sir” or “Madam” in the Family Court.
  • Speak to the judge, not the other parent.
  • Never interrupt. Make notes and wait your turn.
  • Focus on the child’s welfare — that is the court’s legal priority under the Children Act 1989, s.1.
  • Your behaviour in court becomes part of the evidence.

Why Court Etiquette Matters in Family Proceedings

The Family Court is less formal than the Crown Court — but it is still a court of law. Proceedings are governed by the Family Procedure Rules 2010, and hearings are recorded. Judges are assessing not only the evidence but also each party’s ability to prioritise the child’s welfare.

In private children cases, the court’s paramount consideration is the child’s welfare under section 1 of the Children Act 1989. Your conduct in court can directly affect how your credibility, insight, and emotional regulation are perceived.

Put simply: if you appear hostile, chaotic, or unable to focus on the child, that impression can undermine your position.

Before You Enter the Courtroom

  • Arrive early. Aim to be there at least 30 minutes before your hearing.
  • Dress smartly and conservatively. You do not need a suit, but avoid casual or provocative clothing.
  • Turn your phone off. Not silent — off.
  • Bring an indexed bundle and spare copies.
  • Prepare a short position statement. Clear, structured, and child-focused.

How to Address the Judge

In most Family Court hearings before a District Judge or Circuit Judge, you should say:

  • “Sir” (for a male judge)
  • “Madam” (for a female judge)

If unsure, court staff can advise you before the hearing begins. Do not say “Your Honour” unless you are certain of the judge’s title.

Practical tip

If you make a mistake in how you address the judge, correct yourself calmly and move on. Confidence and composure matter more than perfection.

Speaking in Court: The Core Rules

1. Stand when speaking (unless told otherwise)

In most hearings, you stand when addressing the judge. If you are told to remain seated, follow that direction.

2. Do not interrupt

Even if something inaccurate is being said. Make a note. You will be given a chance to respond.

3. Speak to the judge — not to the other parent

You are not there to argue with the other party. All submissions go through the court.

4. Be concise

Judges prefer structure. Use this format:

  • The issue
  • The relevant fact
  • The evidence reference
  • The order you seek

What NOT to Do

  • Roll your eyes, sigh loudly, or react visibly to evidence.
  • Interrupt professionals (Cafcass, social workers, legal representatives).
  • Raise your voice.
  • Use insulting language.
  • Speak over the judge.
  • Film or record the hearing.

Recording or publishing details from Family Court proceedings can amount to contempt of court due to the privacy rules in children cases. The Family Court is generally private, and restrictions apply to what can be shared publicly.

If You Feel Overwhelmed

Family Court hearings are emotionally intense. You may hear allegations you strongly dispute. The judge is watching how you handle pressure.

  • Pause before responding.
  • Ask for a short break if genuinely overwhelmed.
  • Return to the child’s welfare as your anchor.

Key mindset shift

The hearing is not about “winning.” It is about persuading the court that your proposal best serves the child’s welfare.

After the Hearing

  • Listen carefully to the judge’s summary.
  • Make notes of directions and deadlines.
  • Clarify politely if you do not understand something.
  • Comply strictly with filing dates.

Failure to comply with directions can weaken your position significantly.


Book a 15-minute consultation (phone)

If you want help preparing for an upcoming hearing — including drafting a clear position statement, structuring your submissions, or understanding what the judge is likely to focus on — you can book a 15-minute initial consultation below:

Useful links

  1. Children Act 1989 – Section 1 (Welfare Principle)
    The legal foundation for how decisions are made in children cases. Read on legislation.gov.uk.
  2. Family Procedure Rules 2010
    The procedural framework governing Family Court hearings. Read on legislation.gov.uk.
  3. Practice Direction 12B (Child Arrangements Programme)
    Explains the structured pathway of private children cases. Read on justice.gov.uk.
  4. Practice Direction 12J (Domestic Abuse in Child Arrangements Cases)
    Safeguarding framework where abuse is alleged. Read on justice.gov.uk.
  5. GOV.UK – Child Arrangements Orders
    Overview of section 8 applications. Read on GOV.UK.
  6. Cafcass – Private Law Proceedings Guide
    What parents can expect during the process. Read on Cafcass.

Regulatory & Editorial Notice

This article is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Family Court outcomes depend on individual facts, evidence, and judicial discretion. Court rules and procedures may change. If you require advice tailored to your circumstances, seek professional guidance.

The Rise of McKenzie Friends: Support, Risk, and the Reality in UK Courts | JSH Law

As more people navigate family court proceedings without legal representation, McKenzie Friends are becoming an increasingly visible part of the system. For many litigants in person, they offer practical support at a time when it is most needed. But while the right support can make a real difference, the wrong support can create serious and often irreversible consequences. Understanding that distinction—and where the risks lie—is now essential for anyone managing their own case.

Female litigant reviewing family court documents with McKenzie Friend support in UK courtroom setting
The Rise of McKenzie Friends: Support, Risk, and the Reality in UK Courts | JSH Law
Key Takeaways for Litigants in Person
  • McKenzie Friends can provide valuable support, but they are not legal representatives.
  • They operate outside formal regulation and oversight.
  • There is a wide variation in quality and experience.
  • Understanding their role — and its limits — is essential.
  • Used properly, they can strengthen a case. Used incorrectly, they can create risk.

The Rise of McKenzie Friends: Support, Risk, and the Reality in UK Courts

Over the past decade, the landscape of the family courts has changed significantly.

Increasing numbers of people are now navigating proceedings without legal representation. The reasons are well understood — rising legal costs, reduced access to legal aid, and the practical reality that many simply cannot afford traditional representation.

In response, a growing number of litigants in person have turned to McKenzie Friends for support.

For many, that support can be the difference between managing a case and becoming overwhelmed by it.

But as their presence in the courts has increased, so too has the need to properly understand what they are — and what they are not.

What Is a McKenzie Friend?

The concept of a McKenzie Friend originates from case law and is now an established part of court practice in England and Wales.

At its simplest, a McKenzie Friend is someone who provides support to a litigant in person during legal proceedings.

That support can include:

  • Taking notes in court
  • Helping organise documents
  • Assisting with preparation
  • Providing quiet guidance during hearings

They may sit beside you in court and help you stay focused and organised.

But their role is limited.

They are not your representative.

They do not automatically have the right to address the court, they cannot sign documents on your behalf, and they do not conduct litigation.

This distinction is fundamental.

Why Their Use Has Increased

The increase in the use of McKenzie Friends is not accidental.

It reflects a wider shift in access to justice.

Legal representation is, in many cases, expensive. For some, it is simply out of reach.

At the same time, the complexity of family proceedings has not reduced.

The result is a growing number of individuals who are expected to manage legally complex situations without formal support.

In that context, it is entirely understandable that people seek assistance where they can find it.

McKenzie Friends have emerged as part of that response.

The Benefit — and Why It Matters

When used properly, a McKenzie Friend can provide genuine value.

They can:

  • Help you stay organised
  • Improve how your case is prepared
  • Support you during stressful hearings
  • Provide clarity where the process feels overwhelming

For many litigants in person, particularly in emotionally demanding cases, that support is not just helpful — it is essential.

It can increase confidence, improve presentation, and make the process more manageable.

The Other Side of the Picture

However, the growth of this sector has also highlighted a more difficult reality.

There is no single standard for who can act as a McKenzie Friend.

Unlike solicitors or barristers, they are not subject to:

  • Formal qualification requirements
  • Regulatory oversight
  • Mandatory professional insurance

This creates a wide variation in the quality of support available.

Some individuals operate with care, structure, and a clear understanding of their role.

Others may not.

Where Risk Can Arise

The risk is not simply about competence.

It is about structure.

Problems tend to arise where the boundary between support and control becomes unclear.

For example:

  • Where decisions are effectively made for the litigant
  • Where communication is handled on their behalf
  • Where the case begins to feel as though it is being “run” by someone else

This is rarely intentional.

It often develops gradually.

But when it happens, it can affect both the integrity and the perception of the case.

There is also a very real, practical cost where support is poorly structured. What may initially appear to be a cheaper or more accessible option can, in some cases, lead to significant financial and personal loss. This can arise where a McKenzie Friend has little or no legal experience, offers services without clear boundaries, or operates without any form of professional accountability. Warning signs can include a lack of onboarding or written agreement, no clear explanation of their role, no insurance, and a tendency to take control rather than support. In those circumstances, mistakes are not just procedural—they can affect outcomes. Poorly drafted documents, missed deadlines, or misguided strategic decisions can result in prolonged proceedings, increased costs, and in some cases, irreversible damage to a person’s position. The reality is that in litigation, the consequences of getting it wrong are not theoretical—they are measured in time, money, and outcomes that cannot always be undone.

The Variation in Experience

Another factor to consider is the variation in experience across the sector.

Some McKenzie Friends bring years of practical exposure to court processes.

Others may have very limited experience.

Without formal standards, it can be difficult for a litigant to distinguish between the two.

This places an additional responsibility on those seeking support to ask the right questions and make informed decisions.

Practical Safeguards

If you are considering using a McKenzie Friend, there are some simple steps that can help protect your position:

  • Ask about their experience and background
  • Understand clearly what they will and will not do
  • Ensure you remain in control of your case at all times
  • Keep all arrangements clear and documented
  • Be cautious of anyone presenting themselves as a substitute for a solicitor

These steps are not about limiting support.

They are about ensuring that support is used properly.

The Balance That Needs to Be Struck

There is a clear tension within this space.

On one hand, access to justice requires that people are able to obtain support.

On the other, there is a need to ensure that support does not become something it is not intended to be.

Finding that balance is essential.

Support should strengthen your position, not compromise it.

Final Thoughts

The rise of McKenzie Friends reflects a system under pressure.

It also reflects the adaptability of those navigating it.

For litigants in person, the key is not whether to seek support.

It is how that support is structured.

Used correctly, it can be a significant advantage.

Used without clarity, it can introduce unnecessary risk.

Understanding that distinction is one of the most important steps you can take in protecting your case.

Need Structured Support With Your Case?

If you are navigating proceedings as a litigant in person and want clear, structured support that strengthens your case while keeping you in control, you can book an initial consultation below.


Regulatory & Editorial Notice: JSH Law Ltd is not a firm of solicitors and does not provide regulated legal services. This article is for general information and commentary only and does not constitute legal advice.