If you wish to start a civil action in federal court, but do not have an attorney to represent you, you may bring your case on your own. Bringing a case on your own is called proceeding "pro se".
The Western District of Virginia has prepared a Pro Se Handbook specifically for the pro se litigant. The handbook is a procedural aid that contains practical and informative information that will assist you in the decision-making process of proceeding pro se and in the filing of a civil lawsuit when choosing not to retain the aid of a license attorney. If you file a case pro se, you will have to follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and this Court's Local Rules the same as any attorney who represents someone.
DISCLAIMER: The Pro Se Handbook is not intended to take the place of an attorney's legal advice. It also may not contain information that addresses your particular case or problem.
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