labor lawAdivision of labor law center

There is an old saying that anyone who represents himself in court has a fool for a client.

The state of Arizona appears to be trying to change that perception. The state recently published five guides for employers – and others – who would prefer to represent themselves in workers comp hearings, appeals cases and the like.

Each separate guide focuses on an appeals process, and provides step-by-step information to guide the novice through the proceedings, if they decide not to be represented by an attorney. Of course, if a case is complex or lengthy, it may be less expensive and wiser for the employer simply to hire a lawyer. But many employers will appreciate having the information to make a sound decision.

The guides available include:

The Guide for Self-Represented (”Pro Se” or “Pro Per”) Appellants and Appellees. This guide describes how to appeal civil cases from the Superior Court to the Appellate Courts (Court of Appeals, Arizona Supreme Court). It is also available in Microsoft Word format.

Employers will be especially interested in The Guide for Self-Represented (”Pro Se” or “Pro Per”) Parties in Workers’ Compensation Case Appeals. This handy guide describes how to appeal awards of an administrative law judge of the Industrial Commission of Arizona in workers’ compensation cases.

Other guides include Representing Yourself: Appealing a Civil Case to the Superior Court, which describes how to appeal civil, non-traffic cases to the Superior Court from a justice of municipal court.

Representing Yourself: Appealing a Criminal Case to the Superior Court describes how to appeal criminal cases to the Superior Court from a justice or municipal court probably applies to fewer employers. Frankly, if an employer is involved in a criminal case, it is probably time to hire an attorney.

Finally, employers with company vehicles or drivers on staff may find Representing Yourself: Appealing a Civil Traffic Case to the Superior Court describes how to appeal civil traffic cases to the Superior Court from a justice or municipal court.

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