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Women's Plus Size Apparel
Forget the shapeless and boring clothes of yesteryear: Today's designers are making trendy clothes that are a plus for women of all sizes. The only real rule in fashion is that there are no rules. This applies to plus sizes as well. Stick to dark colors? Don't do stripes? Pleats aren't flattering? Forget that bad advice and the ancient horse it rode in on. When shopping for plus-size jeans, dresses, tops, shorts, and skirts, remember that confidence is your best accessory. Black may be slimming, but colors and prints can be just as flattering.
Joan Vass knit jacket. Round neckline; zip front. Front zip pockets. Boxy silhouette Cotton/spandex. Machine washable. Imported.
Quilted velour jacket by Joan Vassyour choice of color. Approx. length: 26.5L from shoulder to hem, 28.5L down center back. Stand ...collar; zip front. Long sleeves. Banded cuffs. Side slash pockets. Easy fit. Hem hits below hip. Cotton/polyester. Machine... read more
Joan Vass ponte pants, available in your choice of color. Banded waist. Boot legs. Pull-on style. Nylon/spandex/rayon. Machine was...h. Imported. read more
Joan Vass long, flowy cotton dress. Split jewel neckline with lattice detail. Dolman half sleeves. Relaxed silhouette. Slipover st...yle. Machine wash. Imported. read more
Available in Plus Size. Deconstructed details add a cool, casual vibe to our latest denim short. Perfectly on-trend, this short fe...atures a roll cuff and classic five-pocket styling. The slightly relaxed fit and stretch denim are comfortable and... read more
Juniors Plus In Mocean high waist tropical print insert swim bottoms. Body: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex. Lining: 100% Polyester. Hand w...ash. Line dry. read more
Danskin Now Women's Plus Tropic Active legging: Body: 88% polyester, 12% spandex Bottom inset: 87% polyester, 13% spandex Women's ...active leggings All-over tropical print Side-leg mesh detail Stops mid-calf Wide elastic waistband with hidden inner... read more
Faded Glory Women's Plus Fashion Denim Capri
Juniors Plus In Mocean high waist swim bottoms with an elastic waist and a lined body. Body: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex. Lining: 100% ...Polyester. Hand wash. Line dry. read more
Juniors Plus In Mocean high elastic waist swim bottoms with contrasting color trim and a lined body. Body: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex.... Lining: 100% Polyester. Hand wash. Line dry. read more
Available in Plus Size. A crocheted lace panel lends a delicate note to this micro-striped tee. With a versatile three-quarter sle...eve and soft knit fabric, it's easy to wear and pair with your favorite dressy and casual looks. V-neckline. Item Number... read more
Available in Plus Size. Our new yoga styles are bound to be the most essential pieces in your wardrobe. Soft, cozy fabric gives yo...u ultimate comfort. Pull-on style has an elastic waistband for a custom fit. Comes in your choice of seasonless, solid... read more
Available in Plus Size. Texture takes center stage in this dramatic poncho. Made of intricate openwork crochet, a mix of floral sc...rolls and geometric designs is woven into the fabric for a detailed look. The sleeves are lightly tacked under the arm for... read more
Available in Plus Size. We've updated our bestselling layering tank with a touch of extra length, for better coverage without bein...g too long. Scoopneck style features silky, stretch knit fabric for complete comfort. Bust darts offer added fit at the... read more
Available in Plus Size. A diamond medallion pattern adds vibrance to our cozy, soft knit tee. A touch of metallic embellishment ad...ds shine. Pair it with any of our fresh capris this season. V-neckline. Short sleeves. Solid back. Item Number #241767,... read more
Available in Plus Size. A bold ornamental medallion adds an elegant touch to this lightweight graphic tee. Accented with metallic ...embellishments, this top is made of vintage-feeling slub knit for a comfortable fit. V-neckline. Three-quarter sleeves.... read more
Available in Plus Size. Embrace your inner dreamer with this inspirational graphic tee. Featuring a an artful design, this vintage...-feeling slub tee keeps you cool and comfortable all season long. V-neckline. Short sleeves. Solid back. Item Number... read more
Available in Plus Size. Add a pop of color to your look with this vibrant top. With its allover diamond pattern, this soft knit pi...ece dresses up and down with ease and features a versatile three-quarter sleeve for transitional weather. Scoop neckline.... read more
Available in Plus Size. This artful graphic tee features a bird perched against a background of sunset hues. The soft slub knit fa...bric offers lightweight comfort and the three-quarter sleeve design is versatile enough for any weather. V-neckline. Solid... read more
Available in Plus Size. Celebrate in style with this sparkly graphic tee. Featuring the word "lucky" against a glittering shamrock..., this fun top is the perfect way to show your festive side. Scoop neckline. Short sleeves. Solid back. Item Number... read more
Available in Plus Size. Our latest graphic tee features Spring-ready designs and vibrant hues. Accented with a touch of glittering... embellishment for a beautifully textured finish. V-neckline. Short sleeves. Solid back. Item Number #244219, 100% Cotton... read more
Celebrate the seasonal holidays with love in this patriotic tee. Made of ultrasoft slub knit fabric, this tee features a faded hea...rt design with inspirational text. Available in two colors that wear and pair easily. V-neckline. Solid back. Item Number... read more
Available in Plus Size. A timeless favorite that is essential to your wardrobe, our knit pull-on pant features supremely-soft, str...etch cotton fabric for everyday comfort. Our latest style comes in classic colors for fall. An all-around elastic... read more
Available in Plus Size. This layered-look top is made of ultrasoft slub knit fabric. At the neckline, a delightfully feminine croc...het accent catches the eye, with a matching inset that offers added coverage. Available in several versatile colors for... read more
Available in Plus Size. Our extra-long Easy Fit Tees offer relaxed comfort and laid-back style. Swirling bursts of color create a ...stunning visual effect on this soft top. Its square neckline adds a fresh touch to the classic tee for a look that works... read more
Available in Plus Size. Amid the tumble of triangles on this vibrant active tee, we've added inspirational words to keep you motiv...ated. From "Strong" to "Fearless" these little reminders help you stay positive. Metallic accents complete the look.... read more
Delicate pintucking adds a feminine touch to this classic buttondown. The roll-tab sleeves let you customize your look. Choose fro...m a variety of fresh colors and prints. Full buttonfront. Three-quarter sleeves roll to short sleeves. Item Number... read more
Available in Plus Size. Stay cool and on-trend in this Aztec-inspired tank. The diagonal pattern features rows of diamond-shaped d...esigns in tonal sunset shades. Soft knit fabric and an easy-fitting shape keep this top comfortable for all-day wear.... read more
Our Beach Living collection gives you more to mix. Pair together tops and bottoms, experiment with solids and prints to create a l...ook that suits your style. 80% nylon/20% spandex. Hand wash. Imported. read more
This jacket multi-tasks as well as you do. Day to night, workday to weekend, no wardrobe change required. Top off an outfit for th...e office, stay warm during a saturday morning stroll. Boiled wool is the beautiful result of wool that is knit, then... read more
Available in Plus Size. With its flattering seamed details and fit-and-flare styling, this dress is classic and feminine. The midi... length is perfectly on trend and we've added an elegant lace accent for a textured finish. Scoop neckline. Sleeveless.... read more
Available in Plus Size. Our cool and comfortable short pairs effortlessly with everything in your wardrobe. Metallic rivets lend a... polished note. Pull-on styling features an all-around elastic waistband for a custom fit. Item Number #239747,... read more
Available in Plus Size. A mosaic of dots forms an art deco-inspired pattern on this casually elegant top. It's available in severa...l seasonal shades for easy wearing and pairing and is finished with a versatile three-quarter sleeve. Scoop neckline. Item... read more
Lafayette 148 New York Lori blouse in Debonair Dots printed silk. Approx. 26L from shoulder to hem. Bateau neckline. Short sleeves.... Relaxed fit. Pullover style. Dry clean. Imported of Italian material. read more
Lafayette 148 New York embellished sequin-trimmed ribbed sweater. Deep V neckline. Short dolman sleeves. Relaxed silhouette. Pullo...ver style. Silk/cotton. Dry clean. Imported. read more
Lafayette 148 New York ribbed sweater in matte crepe. Boat neckline; V'd back. Long sleeves. Relaxed fit. Pullover style. Viscose/...nylon. Hand wash or dry clean. Imported. read more
Longer-length topper jacket by Caroline Rose in lightweight, graphic-print shantung. Notched collar; open front. Bracelet sleeves ...cuff to 3/4 length. Free-fitting A-line silhouette. Floating pockets. Hem falls to thigh. Polyester. Acetate lining. Dry... read more
Available in Plus Size. Our sleek active hoodie is perfect for working out or lounging in style. Vibrant contrast stitching gives ...a brilliant splash of coordinating color. Comes with an attached hood featuring an adjustable drawstring. V-neckline. Long... read more
Available in Plus Size. Complete any outfit with this stylish printed blouse. The buttonfront design is ideal for layering and rol...l-tab sleeves let you customize your look. Side slits at the hem offer additional movement. Long sleeves roll to... read more
Available in Plus Size. This soft blouse makes a perfect addition to your closet. Its textured crepe fabric and easy shape combine... for an effortless style that dresses up or down. We've added delicate pintucking and a tie neckline for a detailed... read more
Available in Plus Size. Top off any ensemble with this eye-catching cascade. The bold print has an eclectic feel and the drapey, o...penfront style layers easily over your favorite tanks and dresses. Finished with full angel sleeves. Openfront.... read more
Available in Plus Size. A brushed chevron design gives a painted effect to this casually elegant blouse. We added sheer chiffon sl...eeves for an alluring accent and finished the look with a touch of embellishment. Scoop neckline. Three-quarter banded... read more
Available in Plus Size. Sweeping scrolls and paisleys wind along the side of this casually elegant top. The lightweight knit fabri...c easily dresses up or down and we've finished the look with light-catching metallic embellishments. V-neckline.... read more
Available in Plus Size. Give any outfit a burst of color with this beautifully designed sheer topper. The cocoon-style design comb...ines with a bandana print in berry-toned hues for a perfect look. Finished with lace panels at each shoulder and a... read more
Available in Plus Size. We love the striking tie-dye pattern and thoughtful details on this top. An open sleeve design features ta...bbed closures, showing just a hint of skin for an alluring look. The soft knit fabric and crew neck silhouette offer a... read more
Available in Plus Size. Lacy flutter sleeves in a floral pattern add a feminine touch to this stylish top. The soft, stretchy fabr...ic drapes gracefully over your silhouette and we've added gathering at the neckline for a flattering finish. Scoop... read more
Available in Plus Size. The striking top features a tie-dye-inspired design reminiscent of tropical leaves. The soft knit fabric f...lows to a rounded hi-low hem for a silhouette that flatters your curves. Finished with scattered metallic embellishment.... read more
Available in Plus Size. Our latest poncho features marled yarn twisted into an open weave for a nautical-inspired look that comple...tes any outfit. Finished with a braided fringe trim, it's versatile enough to dress up or down and the open styling lets... read more
Vibrant florals burst forth from a faded tile print on this versatile top. The hemline falls to a stylish two-point silhouette and... we've added a touch of embellishment to complete the look. V-neckline. Short sleeves. Item Number #242578, 90%... read more
Available in Plus Size. We love the exotic print on this elegant tunic. The soft, stretchy fabric is easy to wear and tops off you...r favorite leggings and skinny jeans for a complete ensemble. A tie neck with metallic accents adds a perfect finish.... read more
Available in Plus Size. This vibrant top features a chevron pattern in an array of jewel-toned hues. Made of soft knit fabric, it ...dresses up or down with ease. An elegant embellished v-neckline adds interest at the finish. Three-quarter sleeves. Item... read more
With its tiered design and lightweight knit fabric, this tank offers a breezy addition to any outfit. The burnout floral design ad...ds a hint of texture and the bottom tier flows to a pointed hem for a perfect finish. Scoop neckline. Sleeveless. Item... read more
XCVI long paneled denim dress with whiskering, fading and mesh insets. Bateau neckline. Sleeveless. A-line silhouette. Hem hits at... mid calf. Slipover style. Concealed back zip. Rayon; machine wash cold. Imported. read more
Lafayette 148 New York dress in asymmetric-seamed Punto Milano stretch knit. Bateau neckline. Half sleeves. Sheath silhouette. Hem... hits at the knee. Back walking vent. Viscose/nylon/spandex. Imported of Italian material. read more
Lafayette 148 New York Zelia double-georgette silk blouse with contrast piping. Split neckline; half-zip front with divided dot zi...pper pull. Short dolman sleeves. Relaxed silhouette. Slipover style. Dry clean. Imported. read more
XCVI Riley long patterned knit dress. Crew neckline. Short sleeves. A-line silhouette. Asymmetric hem. Slipover style. Cotton/rayo...n. Machine wash. Made in USA of imported material. read more
JWLA For Johnny Was Letty knit tunic with center front embroidery. Available in your choice of color. Scoop neckline. Short sleeve...s. Relaxed fit. Arched hem. Pullover style. Cotton knit with cotton voile front panel. Machine wash. Imported. read more
Rachel Pally floral-printed jersey dress. Plunging V neckline. Kimono half sleeves. Empire waist with self-tie. Gathered, flowing ...skirt. Modal/spandex. Dry clean. Made in USA. read more
Berek knit shell with sequined box pattern; stripe trim; solid back. Scoop neckline. Sleeveless. Slim fit. Hem falls to thigh. Cot...ton/rayon. Imported. read more


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2013 Grappoli del Grillo, Marco De Bartoli, Marsala, Sicily
White | Ready, but will keep | Marco De Bartoli, Sicily | Code: 32848 | 2013 | Italy > Sicily > Marsala | Grillo | Full Bodied, Dry | 12.0 % alcohol
Better known for rescuing the traditional expression of Marsala (do try our fabulous one-off Berry Bros. & Rudd's Vergine Marsala), De Bartoli also make first-class dry wines. Grillo has a ubiquity in the west of the island, but correctly handled, as here, it is both distinctive and impressive.
A little oak gives a hazelnut nuance to the ripe lemon pith and oil aromas and the dry, subtle saltiness creates an assertive palate, whilst remaining light on its feet. This is one of those wines that first appear neutral, yet finish full of character. Drink now but will keep for up to at least 2019.
Mark Pardoe MW, Wine Buyer
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The Producer
Marco De Bartoli seems to have single-handedly restored (rescued?) the good name of Marsala, two hundred years after the British put it on the map (and before the Italians reduced it to a mere cooking ingredient). The 20ha family baglio (cantina/winery) close to the Sicilian town of Marsala is now also producing a range of sweet passito, fine dry white and excellent sparkling wines.
Scion of two industrial producers, Pellegrino and Mirabella, in 1978 Marco De Bartoli chose the lonely route to quality, deciding to grow and vinify the fruit himself in-house. To re-inforce this message he launched their flagship wine: 'Vecchio Samperi', named after the location of their baglio/farm, 'Samperi': a 100% 'perpetuum'/solera aged 100% Grillo wine, it's an original 'Marsala' made without fortification or the adding of 'mistella' (caramelised sweetner), perpetually racked to produce a fine, dry, delicate 'rancio' style wine. Alongside, De Bartoli also produces a range of classical, English-style, quality Marsala Superiore Riserva, from his own vineyards, using only Grillo (for quality) and not adding Inzolia or Catarratto (for quantity).
His children, Renato, Sebastiano and Giuseppina have now succeeded their father, continuing along the path of quality, but their campaign is to further promote Sicily's autochthonous (indigenous) grape varieties (in the face of the sea of international ones), notably local Grillo, Zibibbo, Catarratto and red Pignatello (Perricone), through dry still and sparkling wines (the latter called 'Terzavia' in reference to the three ways in which Grillo can be vinified: oxidative, still white and sparkling!)
And since 1986 they have been producing a sweet Passito on the island of Pantelleria, close to Tunisia. Here the family own 8ha of Zibibbo vineyards (Muscat di Alessandria/Canelli) at the contrada/frazione of Bukkuram, making only a couple of thousand cases a year.
Other wines by this producer:
The Grape
The Region
Historic fortified wine style of the Marsala zone, in the west corner of Sicily, whose reputation was built by the British during the mid-18th century, fresh from creating Port, and keen to have options as they fought Bonaparte! British merchants would tour round the small artisan producers of white wine from the Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia grapes, who would keep their wines in botte grande for years, waiting for the knock on the door. These would then be blended together in a solera ('perpetuo') system and, if necessary, fortified with acquavite prior to beginning its journey to England.
The quality industry was taken over by the new fledged Italy in 1870, led by the likes of Florio, but then subsequently ruined by the large Bourbon estates, who, after WW2, turned it from a high quality, artisan product – a stravecchio wine – into a volume product, adulterated with 'mistella' (grape concentrate and brandy). The rise of the cooperative movement ('cantine sociale'), along with the fashion for sweet carbonated drinks (eg Coke), exacerbated the problem. Marsala became an industrial product, and preferred cooking ingredient. But since 1978, Marco De Bartoli has led a counter-revolution to restore the good name of Marsala by using wine made from his own estate.
Marsala is classified into three styles: Vergine (the finest, aged for 10+ years, fortified but without mistella); Superiore (the middle level, the 'British style', aged for 5 yrs, with added 'mistella' and fortified) ; and lastly Fine, aged for 2 yrs, mistella added and fortified)
Marco De Bartoli is regarded as the region's top quality producer, making wines that echo those of their heyday. His flagship wine is Vecchio Samperi: a 'stravecchio' wine in the original, authentic style of Marsala, made without 'mistella' or fortification.
Recommended Producers: Marco De Bartoli
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subset: commoncrawl


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Self Represented Litigants and Court and Legal Services Responses to Their Needs. What We Know
- Gerard Park
- 2 years ago
- Views:
1 Self Represented Litigants and Court and Legal Services Responses to Their Needs What We Know Prepared for the Center for Families, Children & the Courts California Administrative Office of the Courts by John M. Greacen By now everyone in the judicial branch in every state knows that we are experiencing an explosion of unrepresented persons appearing in the courts of general jurisdiction of this country. We know that they impose major burdens on judges, court staff, and on court processes. And we have learned that court programs to assist them to understand the law and court procedures, to prepare complete and adequate legal filings, and to prepare themselves for court hearings and trials meet the needs of these litigants to get their cases heard and resolved and save time and resources of judges and court staff. Or do we? The American Judicature Society s recent study of 25 self-help programs in rural areas points that none of the programs contains an evaluation component. (12) 1 The judiciary is investing substantial effort in terms of both time and money on self-help programs without knowing whether they are accomplishing their objectives. While this is not unusual, and there is every reason to believe from anecdotal reports and common experience that self-help programs are benevolent and worthwhile, the judicial branch should base such a large programmatic effort on careful and thorough research. Because self-help programs are a new venture and because they do not intrude extensively into the operations of the court and the courtroom (although they are intended to improve both operations) these programs are uniquely amenable to dispassionate study and analysis. This paper explores the empirical evidence available from studies and reports that have been done on the nature of the self-represented litigant phenomenon and on court and legal services self-help programs developed in response to it. It not intended to draw definitive conclusions about self-help programs. Rather, its purpose is to assist in the structuring of research and evaluation efforts capable of reaching those conclusions. This paper is the first of several like analyses of current topics of interest to the courts identified by the members of the Trial Court Research and Improvement Consortium. 2 The research and evaluation done to date suggest that: 1 References in parentheses are to the list of sources appearing at the end of this paper. 2 A group of leading trial courts and state court administrative offices convened in 2000 by Greacen Associates, the Justice Management Institute and the National Center for State Courts to spur research and improvement in trial courts
2 Large numbers of self represented litigants appear in domestic relations and domestic violence matters in many states. However, it is not clear that the percentage of cases in which they appear continues to increase. Nor does it appear that persons appear to represent themselves in significant numbers in other types of general jurisdiction court cases. There is reason to believe that some of the more serious problems facing unrepresented persons arise in the limited jurisdiction courts, such as landlord/tenant matters, where persons have appeared without lawyers for years. What little empirical evidence exists suggests that some hearings and trials take longer when self-represented litigants are involved. Many take less. However, it also suggests that cases with self-represented litigants are far less likely to require hearings or trial than cases with lawyers and that they proceed through the court much faster. Available data suggests that most self-help programs serve only a fraction of selfrepresented litigants in their jurisdiction. Yet no study has addressed empirically how easy it is for potential litigants to learn of a self-help program and gain access to it. Large numbers of people come to self-help programs and use their services. Studies show that varying percentages of persons follow through with the forms and information provided to attempt to resolve their problem in court or otherwise. Self represented litigants universally appreciate court and legal service programs that provide them with forms, information, or advice, rate the staff as helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous, and are highly satisfied with the services rendered. Self represented litigants report that their understanding of the law and legal processes is improved, but those reports are not very reliable. There is some evidence particularly in landlord/tenant matters and domestic violence cases -- that self-help services give litigants a more realistic understanding of their legal situation and cause them to have more realistic expectations concerning the likely outcome of their case in court. Court staff universally appreciate such programs and believe that they save time and effort both at the front counter and in the courtroom and that they reduce the number of hearings that need to be reset because the paperwork is not adequate. Most judges agree. Judges in two jurisdictions disagree. We have no evidence that assisted litigants get their cases resolved more quickly or with fewer procedural steps than those self-represented litigants who do not get assistance. There is some evidence that self-represented litigants who have received assistance are better prepared in court, more self confident, and better able to present their cases. We have little evidence on whether self-represented litigants who receive assistance are more likely to obtain a favorable court outcome. What little we have is mixed. There is some evidence that persons satisfied with the self-help service they received are also satisfied with the outcome of their case in court. We have little information on whether programs for self-represented litigants have an effect on other agencies and institutions and whether assistance programs positively affect the lives of self-represented litigants
3 One study compared the per client cost of self-help programs with other forms of legal assistance. The analysis showed that self-help programs were one half to one fifth the cost of other approaches. The courts face serious obstacles in obtaining valid and generalizable data about these programs. We have poor data on who is self-represented. We have great difficulty contacting self-represented litigants after they have concluded their cases to find out their views and experiences. We have difficulty understanding and comparing data from court records across different courts. We have no defined methodology for analyzing case results by reviewing court files. We have no measure for the justness of a court outcome. And we lack baseline data against which to compare data on program outcomes. Self represented litigants 3 The first comprehensive study of self-represented litigants was done in Phoenix, Arizona in 1991 by Bruce Sales, Connie Beck and Richard Haan. (29) With funding from the ABA, the Sales study interviewed both represented and unrepresented litigants (by telephone interviews of persons completing their divorces and consenting to be interviewed 4 ) and concluded, in part, that: the percentage of domestic relations cases involving self-represented litigants had increased from 24% in 1980 to 47% in 1985 to 88% in 1991 self-represented litigants were relatively well educated 90% had at least a high school education, with an average of one to three years of college more than half had annual incomes of $30,000 or less; however, quite a few persons making more than $50,000 annually chose to represent themselves they were more likely to be young they were more likely to self-represent if there were no children or real property (which, in turn, the researchers found to explain why younger persons are more likely to self-represent) they had three major reasons for representing themselves they felt that the matter was relatively simple and they could handle it themselves (45%), they could not afford a lawyer (31%), or they did not want to pay for a lawyer even though they could afford one (22%). persons hired a lawyer because they wanted an expert to represent their interests (64%), they thought their case was complex (39%), they were unfamiliar with the law (19%), or they did not think they were capable of handling their own case (12%). 3 Because the focus of this paper is on actual data about self-represented litigants and self-help programs, it does not report the results of statewide surveys of judges and court staff concerning their perceptions of rates of self-representation and the types of cases in which they appear. Such surveys have been conducted in Mississippi, Nevada, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The American Judicature Society conducted a national study of such perceptions prior to the November 1999 National Conference on Pro Se Litigation. 4 Sales, et al, state that their results may under represent poor litigants who chose not to sign a consent to be interviewed or did not have a telephone
4 self-represented litigants had the same level of positive reaction to their court experience 5 as those with counsel (64% compared to 63%), but had far fewer dissatisfied and very dissatisfied reactions (16% compared to 29%) 6. they were far less likely to seek interim relief than persons represented by counsel they were less likely to have written settlement agreements they were more likely to report that they understood the divorce decree they were less likely to seek a modification of the judge s decision, and 70% would represent themselves again 7 This study was completed before the Maricopa County Superior Court implemented its precedent setting self service center. Since then, the percentage of cases with self-represented litigants has remained the same. More recent data (from the 1997 evaluation (14)) found that 89% of Center users have a high school degree, 59% have some college or a degree, and 5% have postgraduate degrees. 18% have up to $10,000 annual income; 27% have up to $25,000; 28% have up to $40,000; 11% have up to $55,000; 7% have up to $70,000 and 4% have over $70,000. The state of Florida conducted an 8 week study in late 1999 of self-represented litigants in 19 of the state s 67 counties. (27) The study was limited to family law cases. It found that 65% of domestic relations cases began with at least one self-represented person. By the end of the case, that percentage had grown to 85% in Miami. Unlike Arizona, Florida found that most of its self-represented litigants were very poor, with 69% making less than $20,000 per year. A subsequent study confirmed that fewer than 8% of self-represented litigants in family law matters make more than 300% of federal poverty guidelines (a limit specified by the state legislature in its funding for self-help programs in Florida) (27). Florida s self-represented are 56% women. 85% of them are petitioners; only 15% are respondents. In Florida, the reported reasons for self-representation are the cost of a lawyer (62%), the simple nature of the case (49%), belief that lawyers cause delay (7%), and lack of trust in lawyers (5%). They appeared in dissolution, simplified dissolution, child support, domestic violence, name change, and stepparent adoption cases, in that order of frequency. 78% were original cases; 22% were reopened. The evaluation of the Idaho Court Assistance Office found that 59% of its users were women. (16) Over 70% of all program visitors sought help on domestic relations 5 Sales, et al, note and discuss differences in litigant satisfaction with the case outcome, the case fairness, the judge, and court staff. They also note that there are significant differences for self-represented litigant satisfaction when the other side defaults, appears without a lawyer, or is represented by a lawyer. 6 A telephone study of civil and domestic relations litigants in New Mexico found a similar phenomenon 64% of self-represented litigants reported that the judge was fair or very fair while only 54% of represented litigants rated the judge that highly. John M. Greacen, How Fast, Fair, and Cheap Should Courts Be? Instead of Letting Lawyers and Judges Decide, New Mexico Asked Its Customers, Judicature, May June Unless the other side had been represented by a lawyer, in which case only 36% would represent themselves again
5 matters. 43% reported annual income no more than $15,000; 13% reported income above $40,000. The users averaged over 13 years of schooling the equivalent of one year of college. The Van Nuys Legal Self Help Center found that 56% of its clients were at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. (33) Another 23% were between 100% and 150% of the level. 21% were over 150% of the level. The Monroe Self Help Legal Access Center is in Los Angeles County. The median household income of its visitors is below the federal poverty guidelines. It serves a heavily Latino community. 78% of the visitors seek help with evictions, 9% with small claims, and the rest miscellaneous. (4) In Hennepin County s Legal Access Point volunteer lawyer counseling program, 76% of clients have incomes below 187% of the federal poverty level. The clients were interested in family, civil, housing, criminal, and other cases, in that order. (18) In Hennepin County, survey results revealed one additional reason for not hiring a lawyer that the litigant thought the case would proceed more quickly if he or she handled it. This was the third most frequent answer, following could not afford a lawyer and thought it would be easy and ahead of did not want to spend money on a lawyer. (18) In Maryland in 1996 only 6% of persons interviewed by the Family Law Assisted Pro Se Project did not have a high school education. 38% had a college degree or higher. 12% made over $50,000 annually. (Persons ineligible for assistance under the Maryland Legal Services Program standard were given only legal information and not advice). (10,19) The Pine Tree Legal Assistance evaluation found that 4 of 50 persons interviewed to learn about the effectiveness of written materials admitted that they were illiterate. However, 3 of the 4 were able to make effective use of the materials by having a literate person assist them; they actually proved more likely to follow through in solving their problem than many of the literate users of the service. (21) In Alaska, 70% of persons contacting the statewide self-help program by telephone report that they have access to the Internet, and have an address at which they can receive materials (even though the address may be that of a friend or relative.) 8 Staff of the Washington Administrative Office of the Courts analyzed data from the statewide general jurisdiction court case management system. (15) Acknowledging inconsistencies in the way in which courts, and staff within courts, recorded data on the self-represented status of litigants, they concluded nonetheless that there had been no significant growth in the percentage of persons representing themselves in domestic relations cases from 1995 to 2001 and that there were very low percentages of selfrepresented persons in other types of cases, except for paternity and domestic violence cases. The data is summarized in the table on the next page. 8 Private correspondence from Katherine Alteneder to the author
6 Case type Filing trend from 1995 to 2001 Dissolution without children 1.3% annual increase from 55.8% to 62.3% Dissolution with children 0.8% annual increase from 42.7% to 46.7% Paternity Flat, around 80% Domestic violence Flat, around 95% Torts and commercial Flat, around 2-3% Property rights Flat, around 19-20% Matching litigant addresses with census tract average income levels, the Washington state study found virtually no difference between the average median income of represented ($35,500) and self-represented litigants ($34,800). 9 (15) The authors of the study concluded that Washington state was not experiencing a phenomenon of continually increasing numbers of self-represented litigants. Further, litigants in that state appeared to be making rational decisions about the complexity of the cases they chose to pursue on their own. The state of California has extracted data on rates of self-representation from a judicial time study conducted in four counties for the purpose of a judicial needs assessment project. (This study is described in more detail in the next section.) The study reports the percentage of proceedings not the percentage of cases in which at least one of the litigants represented him or herself. It found the following, confirming the Washington state conclusion about differential rates of self-representation, but also pointing out the huge percentage of small claims, landlord/tenant, and minor criminal matters in which at least one of the parties appears without counsel It is obvious from the various self-reported litigant income calculations that a standard format for gathering that data would be useful. 10 This data is contained in an internal California judicial branch memorandum made available to the author
7 Case type % of proceedings with at least one self-represented party Small claims 91.1 Infractions 83.1 Unlawful detainer 81.1 (landlord/tenant) Lower misdemeanors 58.2 Appeals from lower courts 44.4 Other civil petition Family 35.3 Habeas corpus 26.7 Higher misdemeanors 23.8 Other civil complaints 13.5 Civil less than $25, Other felony 7.5 Probate 6.5 Motor vehicle torts 6.1 Felony against person 5.8 Drug crimes 5.4 Other PI torts 4.8 Felony property crimes 4.5 Mental health 1.9 Homicide 1.3 Juvenile dependency 0.3 Juvenile delinquency 0.1 Older data from other sources support the Washington state finding that selfrepresentation is far more likely in domestic relations than in other types of civil cases. Data on self-representation in domestic relations cases 1991 District of Columbia 53% California 1991 and % National Center for State Courts study of 16 urban trial courts 72% Data on self-representation in other civil cases 1996 BJS study of 45 urban trial courts 3% of tort cases 1995 data from Chicago 30% of new civil filings A September 2001 analysis done by the San Diego Superior Court found that 88% of family law cases include at least one self-represented litigant. (31) In Van Nuys and Pasadena, 89% and 81% respectively of family law cases involve at least one selfrepresented litigant. (33) 11 This category is probably dominated by petitions for name change
8 Federal court data shows a relatively low rate of self-representation, except for prison inmate cases. In % of civil filings in ten federal district courts studied by the Federal Judicial Center were filed by unrepresented persons; 63% of them were from prisoners, leaving an 8% self-represented filing rate for non-prisoners. In 1996 in the District of New Mexico, self-represented debtors filed less than 2% of bankruptcy petitions. In 1993, 37% of all pending appeals in the federal courts of appeals were filed without counsel; the huge majority of these cases involved prisoners as well. In 2000, Paula Hannaford and Nicole Mott of the National Center for State Courts studied self represented litigants in five jurisdictions, large and small, across the country. (22) Unlike the studies in Arizona, Florida, and Washington state, the courts they studied handled cases typically heard in limited jurisdiction (small claims and landlord/tenant) and well as general jurisdiction courts (civil, domestic relations, domestic violence). In fact the courts jurisdictions differed from each other so much, the researchers limited their analysis to a court by court review of the data. The study relied on court data and surveys distributed in the courtroom, at the filing counter, or at a self-help center. Responses were completely voluntary. The study found that self-represented litigants were primarily from 25 to 44 years of age, had a high school degree or some college (except in a college town where 45.5% had a college degree and 18.2% had a post graduate degree), and, with one exception, were majority female. Their racial and ethnic mix varied from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The primary reasons given for selfrepresentation were (1) the expense of legal representation and (2) the simple nature of the case. Large percentages (23% to 41%) in all sites reported that they had received help from a lawyer or legal clinic. Significant percentages reported that they had obtained information from court staff (36%, 15%, 15%, and 17%). Interesting observations from the five courts were: in one small claims court, 43% resulted in a plaintiff judgment (1/3 from defaults), 22% were settled, 22% were dismissed, and 9% were defendant judgments. only 12% of small claims judgments had documentation in the record that they had been satisfied in one domestic relations court, it appeared that motions were dismissed twice as often in cases with two self-represented litigants than in cases with two lawyers, and in some, but not all of the jurisdictions, it appeared that self-represented litigants were at a consistent disadvantage in terms of the case outcomes if the other side was represented. Most judges and self-help program staff report that some relatively small proportion of persons are incapable of representing themselves. The Maryland Legal Assistance Network has developed a web-based software program designed to assist persons in determining whether they have the characteristics needed to represent themselves successfully. The questions focus on a person s willingness to devote significant amounts of time and effort to the case, whether they are detail oriented, and whether they want to resolve the case or, instead, get even with their spouse. The program also provides the potential litigant with a rough estimate of his or her likelihood of obtaining custody of children, child support, and property. The program is based on - 8 -
9 the professional experience of judges and lawyers. It undoubtedly draws upon the findings of a 1996 Assisted Pro Se Project conducted by the University of Maryland School of Law. (10,19) That study concluded that two out of three or three out of four litigants were able to represent themselves in family law matters if they were able to speak and read English, had a basic intelligence level, were free of emotional and mental disabilities, and had some degree of self-motivation. The MLAN instrument has not been validated against actual case outcomes of litigants having, or reporting that they have, the characteristics mentioned in the program. The impact of self represented litigants on court processes In the California judge time study 12, judges recorded the length of various hearings and trials. The study asked the judge to note the presence of a pro per litigant at a proceeding. The staff then analyzed the data gathered for the judicial needs study to assess the amounts of time required for proceedings with and without pro per litigants 13 and reported that the average length of time for hearing or trial with and without selfrepresented litigants in the case was as follows for different types of cases. 14 (The percentage difference is calculated by using the shorter time as the denominator in each instance in order to show the effects equally for cases in which proceeding times involving self-represented litigants are both longer and shorter.) 12 See footnote The researcher notes two weaknesses in the data. For some proceedings the judges were allowed to record time in bulk for multiple hearings of the same type (e.g., initial appearances in felony cases). In those instances it is impossible to break out the time for those with and without representation. Further, judges were told that the accuracy of the time data was critical to the validity of the study; recording data on unrepresented litigants was not stressed as highly. 14 The chart contains only those types of proceedings in which at least 2% include self-represented litigants
10 Case type Average minutes without self represented parties Average minutes with self-represented parties Difference Probate % Habeas corpus % Other PI torts % Felony against person % Motor vehicle torts % Civil less than $25, % Other civil petition % Other felony % Other civil complaints % Family % Infractions % Small claims % Drug % Appeals from lower % courts Lower misdemeanors % Unlawful detainer % (landlord/tenant) Higher misdemeanors % Felony property crimes % These findings are fascinating. First, the presence of self-represented litigants actually speeds proceedings in family cases! Second, proceedings with self-represented litigants also move faster for all small civil and criminal matters. It is only in probate, non-motor vehicle tort, habeas corpus, and felony against the person cases that their presence seems to substantially slow down proceedings. The Washington state study (15) concluded that self-represented litigants were far less likely to have hearings and trials in their cases than cases with two lawyers. 15 Cases with lawyers, on the other hand, were much more likely to have continuances. 15 The Washington state analysis treats cases with a defaulting respondent as different from one in which the respondent represents him or herself
11 Type of proceeding Likelihood of occurrence in case with two selfrepresented litigants Likelihood of occurrence in case with two represented litigants Dissolutions with children Non-jury trial 2.1% 41.9% Motion hearing 37.3% 74.7% Continuance 1.5% 35.6% Dissolutions without children Non-jury trial 1.0% 40.1% Motion hearing 23.4% 57.7% Continuance 0.1% 24.3% While it is understandable that more complex cases will place a greater burden on court resources, and that the presence of lawyers is an indicator of greater case complexity, the study concludes in the main, the picture that emerges... is certainly not one of high court resource usage by pro se litigants. The same study (15) found a similar picture for total time from filing to disposition. Case type Elapsed time both selfrepresented Dissolution with children Dissolution without children Elapsed time petitioner represented Elapsed time respondent represented Elapsed time both represented 136 days 170 days 276 days 345 days 111 days 136 days 187 days 283 days The study concludes that both data sets indicate that the parties in most selfrepresented domestic relations cases have already resolved the issues in the case and are merely looking to the court to confirm that resolution. The image of the inexperience of a pro se litigant creating dilemmas and frustrations during a trial or hearing has a basis in reality. However, the data suggest that this picture is not the norm. A San Diego County Superior Court study similarly found that 66% of all cases with self-represented litigants were resolved within 365 days of filing while only 35% of cases in which both parties were represented had been concluded within that time period. (31) The Hannaford and Mott study from the National Center for State Courts (22) gathered time to disposition data in four of the five courts. It found the same
12 phenomenon in three of the four courts cases move much faster when both parties represent themselves than when both are represented by lawyers. In one of the jurisdictions, the full Washington pattern repeated cases with a represented plaintiff and a self-represented defendant moved more quickly than the obverse. In the other two, the reverse was true -- cases with a self-represented plaintiff and a represented defendant generally moved more quickly. In the fourth jurisdiction everything was reversed the fastest cases were those where only the respondent was represented and cases with two self-represented litigants took slightly longer than those with two lawyers. As with the Washington data, Hannaford and Mott were not able to differentiate between the effects of the presence of lawyers in the cases and of the likely greater complexity of the cases. The San Diego County Superior Court study (31) found that there was no difference between the length of elapsed time between filing of a petition and filing of a proof of service or filing of a response for cases with self-represented and represented litigants. It did document that 95% of cases in which a request for default or request for judgment was rejected by the court clerk more than once were self-represented cases. Half of them had both types of requests rejected one or more times. In neither case were the actual number of such cases large (40, or less than 1%, of 500 family law filings). Typical court and legal services responses Both courts and legal services programs have developed programmatic responses to better equip self-represented litigants with the information and forms they need to present their cases effectively. For the courts, these programs are designed to provide better service to this group of litigants and to reduce the extra burden the courts believe these litigants impose on staff, judges and the caseflow process. The perceived burden arises from three sources -- clerk time taken up in answering their questions and helping them complete forms, judge time required to explain hearing and trial procedures and to complete those proceedings when the parties are unskilled at presenting evidence and argument, and court and litigant time lost to hearings that cannot be concluded because the paperwork or the evidence brought to court are inadequate and incomplete For legal services programs, assistance for persons who will represent themselves are a response to the chronic lack of resources available to represent all poor persons with legal problems. Assisting some clients to represent themselves allows the legal services program an opportunity to help many more people pursue legal remedies. The programmatic approaches pursued by courts and legal services programs are similar in some regards. They both provide access to information about the law, legal rights, and the legal process in written form, on the Internet, on videotape, through seminars, and through brief in person exchanges. Court-based programs do not give legal advice, unless they are conducted by volunteer lawyers who come to the courthouse at regular times to meet with persons needing their help. Legal services programs can give brief legal advice through hotlines or in person -- and can provide limited legal assistance in drafting documents or otherwise advising litigants about how to pursue their cases, including how to present themselves in court, when needed. A number of legal services programs choose to operate their self-help programs in the same mode as courtbased programs limited to providing legal information and avoiding the creation of a
13 lawyer-client relationship. (For instance, the Monroe Center program in Los Angeles (4) is staffed primarily by volunteer high school students.) Both courts and legal services provide forms, often drafted specifically for use by persons without legal training, both written and automated, including forms accessible through the Internet, and assistance in completing the forms. The ICAN project of the Legal Aid Society of Orange County California is including the ability to file documents created through its online forms process electronically with the court as soon as they are created, and from the same application. Some courts are developing processes by which a special master or court staff member screens paperwork to identify any problems before the case reaches a judge. In Florida, this role is sometimes performed by a legal services attorney. A major difference between court-based and legal services-based programs is one of perspective legal services programs have traditionally focused on being the advocate for one party while courts are ethically required to provide services impartially to all parties. As noted, some legal services providers have adopted an information providing approach for some levels of assistance freeing the program from a lawyerclient relationship. On the other hand, some courts are now providing funding to legal services programs to provide services to one party (e.g., representation of tenants) that a court could not provide. The difference between programs providing information only and programs providing legal advice is one that confounds some of the analysis in this paper. It is not always clear from evaluation reports what level or type of service is being rendered. Cross-jurisdictional comparisons cannot be made without knowing in detail that the programs being compared are very similar. It is not at all clear, however, that user satisfaction is related to the type of service rendered. Understanding the data presented in this paper is also made more difficult by the different case type emphases of the programs evaluated. Some focus on family law matters. Several focus on landlord/tenant matters. One focuses only on domestic violence restraining orders. One of the programs is a law school clinical project. Data for family law cases is very different from data for small claims and landlord/tenant cases. A logical model for the effectiveness of self-help programs for self represented litigants The following thirteen questions represent a logical flow of questions about the effectiveness of court and legal services programs designed to assist self-represented litigants. Access to the service did clients learn of the service and were they able to access it? Use of the service did clients actually use it? Client satisfaction how did those who used the service rate it? Client education did the client understand the information or advice provided? Client expectations did the client change his or her expectations about the likely outcome of the matter as a result of the service?
14 Court or agency satisfaction how was the service rated by judges, court staff and other entities whose work was affected by the service? Client actions did the client do anything as a result of the service? Client outcomes did the action taken by the client produce any change in the client s situation? Client outcomes was the change in the client s situation a positive one from the client s perspective? Client outcomes was the change in the client s situation sufficient to achieve the client s goal or goals in the matter? Client outcomes was the outcome for the client just from the standpoint of knowledgeable legal observers? Client outcomes what was the impact of the outcome on the client s life? Other outcomes what was the impact of the service or outcome on other agencies or entities? In addition, one might well ask whether a self-help program is cost-effective, both in comparison to other such programs and in comparison to other forms of assisting poor litigants. The next section of this paper addresses the evidence we have that bears on each of these fourteen questions. Access to the service did clients learn of the service and were they able to access it? Maureen Solomon s evaluation of the Maricopa County Self Service Center (14) included an exit survey with almost 1000 responses (a 60% participation rate). 16 One question was how the user found out about the Center. 40% learned about it from the court, a judge, the child support agency or a child welfare agency. 21% were referred by friends, neighbors and family members (in that order). 10% were referred by a lawyer or legal aid office. 7% saw the sign in the courthouse. Very few learned of it through the Internet. The Idaho study (16) asked whether the office location was convenient. 94% said yes. In one county, 62% of the respondents lived more than 25 miles from the courthouse; nonetheless, 71% of them reported that the program s location was convenient. The Sonoma County Self Help Access Center (SHAC) (13) evaluation compared the rate of use of SHAC with the number of cases filed in the court by low income 16 The methodology used is of interest. Surveys were administered by court staff members who were not members of the Self Service Center staff. Every person leaving the Center during a 40 hour block of time, broken into 3 hour blocks, spread over three weeks, were asked to take 5 minutes to go over a series of questions designed to improve Center services. The court staff member actually completed the form, based on the user s responses
15 persons. It concluded that SHAC served roughly 44% of that population. It did not compute such a percentage of all self-represented litigants. The Van Nuys Legal Self Help Center (33) found that one half of its visitors were referred by the court clerk s office. Observers noted that litigants with family law questions routinely got a flyer describing the Self Help Center. Half of litigants seeking legal advice at the court counter were referred specifically to the program. Only 18% of persons seeking advice on landlord/tenant issues received such a referral. The Van Nuys evaluation concluded that it served persons in only 14% of all dissolutions filed. If 89% of Van Nuys cases are self-represented, the Van Nuys program is reaching only 16% of self-represented litigants in its jurisdiction. It is merely replacing private fee-based self help programs, without reaching out to additional litigants. That evidence suggests that self-help programs do not come close to serving all persons who could benefit from their help both in terms of preparing a case for court and, more importantly, in obtaining information that might help them resolve a legal issue with or without bringing it to court. To address the larger question would require surveying the citizenry at large to determine what proportion know about the self-help program. It would also be useful to survey all self-represented litigants to determine what proportion knew of the program, what proportion of them used its services, and the reasons why those who knew of the program but did not use it chose that course of action. 17 Use of the service did clients actually use it? Most programs maintain data on use. They are used heavily. Florida s 8 week study data (27) extrapolated statewide and for a full year suggest that 200,000 persons visit self-help programs in that state and another 350,000 call them by phone annually. The Maricopa County Self Service Center is serving over 50,000 persons per year. (14) 35% of the visitors are there to get a divorce. Another 13% are concerned about child support. 24% appear to be interested in case types for which the Center does not have forms. The purposes reported by the visitors do not correlate to the subject matter of the forms distributed. The Self Service Center requires the visitor to determine the appropriate form or packet to obtain. This may show a significant level of misunderstanding of the appropriate form on the part of the users. The SHAC evaluation (13) documented assistance to 100 persons per month, and detailed the specific services provided information, referral, forms preparation, advice and counsel, and library assistance. It also compared the use of SHAC with the use of the Sonoma County Legal Aid program (SHAC serves about 25% more persons each month, even though it operates only three mornings a week). The Van Nuys Legal Self Help Center evaluation (33) recorded 80 to 100 visitors per day, most of whom stayed for over one hour and received extensive counseling. It found that 32% sought information on marriage dissolution, 28% on unlawful detainer (89% tenants and 11% landlords), 12% on paternity, 11% on small claims, 3% on civil, 17 This would be the obverse of Idaho s asking those who used the self-help program whether it was located conveniently
16 3% on restraining orders, 1% on name change, and 10% on other. 82% came for advice on navigating the court system 54% did not understand procedures and 22% did not understand the forms. Only 18% came to the Center to learn about their rights and legal remedies. The Van Nuys evaluation gathered data on the use of private, nonlawyer feebased self help programs, and concluded that the Center had replaced those services, based on the comparability of the percentage of all family law cases served by the Center (14%) with the percentage of such cases served by fee-based self help programs the year before (15%). The Hennepin County Family Law Facilitator Program (18) helped approximately 23,500 people in 2001, up from 17,000 the year before, and 3,000 in The McKnight Clinic which provides unbundled legal advice served 180 families and had 120 failed appointments last year. (18) It discontinued an evening clinic for lack of attendance. Bryan Borys evaluation of the Orange County Family Law Facilitator Program (2) documented many specific uses of the program 10,000 customers per year, 286 workshops for 6000 persons, assistance with 2200 District Attorney child support enforcement cases, and preparation of 400 motions, 600 income and expense declarations, and 2000 requests to show cause. Client satisfaction how did those who used the service rate it? Consistently, self-represented litigants give very high ratings to self-help programs. The table below gives representative scores for programs on various factors measured. Program Florida statewide (27) Maricopa County Self Service Center (15) Satisfaction with services 85% 4 or 5 on a 5 point scale Staff knowledgeable 4.5 on 5 point scale Staff courteous 4.7 on a 5 point scale Materials and information provided (or quality of service provided) 70% to 75% 4 or 5 on a 5 point scale, depending on the type of information 69% definitely leaving with info needed to go ahead with the case; 15% probably; only 5% probably or definitely not
17 Program Idaho Court Assistance Office (16) Satisfaction with services 98% reported they would return to CAO in the future SHAC (13) 4.86 on a 5 point scale Staff knowledgeable 98% reported staff knowledgeable and able to answer all questions Staff courteous Materials and information provided (or quality of service provided) 98% reported information helpful and informative 86% very useful Van Nuys marriage Dissolution (34) Van Nuys unlawful Detainer (34) Monroe Center (4) Mother Lode Pro Per Project (20) Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic (8) 47% extremely satisfied; 43% very satisfied on exit surveys 95% of those in follow up interviews satisfied 53% very satisfied; 40% somewhat satisfied 47% excellent; 33% good 92% satisfied 100% materials helpful 76% 10; 13% 9; and 4% 8 on a 10 point scale 90% experience excellent or good 90% explanation of process very helpful 76% resource information very helpful
18 Program Hennepin County Family Law Facilitator (18) Pine Tree Legal Assistance (21) Satisfaction with services Over 90% would refer a friend to the service Staff knowledgeable Staff courteous 95% strongly agree or agree that staff are courteous and informed Materials and information provided (or quality of service provided) 81% strongly agree or agree that forms and instructions are easy to use and understand 100% reported tenants rights materials helpful; 50% reported family law materials helpful Orange County Family Law Facilitator (2) AARP Senior Statewide Legal Hotlines (1) Legal Services Law Line of Vermont (9) 90% very satisfied 83% would call again 86% would recommend to a friend 100% information useful or very useful 66% enough info; 10% too much; 23% much too much 87% found advice helpful or somewhat helpful 75% information received was helpful
19 Program Maryland Family Law Assisted Pro Se Project (10,19) Alameda County Partnership 18 Satisfaction with services 8.1 to 9.4, depending on the type and stage of the case, on a 10 point scale 97% would use again Staff knowledgeable Staff courteous 97% very satisfied Materials and information provided (or quality of service provided) 97% to 100% information helpful and understandable, depending on item 97% very satisfied This data is collected from exit surveys of persons using a self-help center, from follow-up client interviews conducted by telephone, or from interviews in the courthouse following court proceedings. The difficulties associated with obtaining such information are demonstrated by the Monroe Center evaluation. (4) The program s principal users are persons facing eviction. It was able to reach only 16 of 280 litigants assisted by the program in the course of its telephone survey. In Hennepin County (18), only 71 of 115 customers who filled out a written survey at the close of their session with the family law facilitator agreed to provide follow up information after their court process was completed. Of those, staff conducting a follow survey could only contact 18 by phone. The Maryland Family Law Assisted Pro Se Project was able to contact only 275 of 2460 clients of the program. (10,19) The Orange County Family Law Facilitator evaluation also employed the use of focus groups of litigants to obtain greater depth of understanding of issues they encounter. (2) Maricopa County obtained information on the ease of use of its Center. 70% reported it very easy to use; another 20% rated it somewhat easy to use. (14) Idaho asked about the timeliness of its help. 67% said the response was immediate and another 23% said it was provided within 15 minutes. (16) The Van Nuys Legal Self Help Center study hypothesized that persons who had used the courts frequently in the past would be less satisfied with the Center s services than persons new to the system. The data gathered did not support the hypothesis. (34) Maricopa County also found no differences in views between new and repeat customers. (14) User satisfaction with Web-based services can be obtained from a feedback form automatically provided at the end of a session. This study did not identify any such 18 Data provided by the California Administrative Office of the Courts
20 studies to date. Alaska has developed a web-based evaluation form for use by persons getting services from the web or by other means. It is clear from the table that it would be helpful to standardize the exact form of questions asked about self help services. The data also suggest the need to determine whether client satisfaction numbers are so high that they do not differentiate significantly between well run and poorly run programs. The figures for different programs do contain some variation. Most programs combine highly satisfied and somewhat satisfied as positive outcomes. AARP has concluded that somewhat satisfied should be rated as reflecting dissatisfaction with services rendered. Only a cross jurisdictional study using the same measures and paying close attention to the rating categories used -- will be able to decide whether client satisfaction will be a useful measure of program quality. Client education did the client understand the information or advice provided? The Pine Tree Legal Assistance Program of Maine commissioned an evaluation of its client education program, principally to determine the level of understanding of its written materials sent to persons calling its hotline. (21) The evaluator interviewed 50 program participants by telephone. All of those receiving the tenants rights materials found them helpful. Half of those receiving the family law materials reported that they had trouble understanding them. The evaluator did not ask substantive questions to try to determine the client s actual level of understanding. A number of clients refused to answer any follow up questions, suggesting to the evaluator that they may have been misrepresenting the level of their comprehension. The evaluator stated that most illiterate persons will deny their lack of reading ability. The SHAC evaluation (13) asked court clerks whether persons who used SHAC understood the process better than those who did not. 83% of the clerks reported that SHAC assisted litigants understood the filing process better than others. 92% of the assisted litigants reported that they were less confused. 86% of SHAC clients selfreported that they understood the system better. 87% of those contacted for the Monroe Center evaluation reported that they understood the court process better. (4) Client expectations did the client change his or her expectations about the likely outcome of the matter as a result of the service? The Van Nuys Legal Self Help Center evaluation (34) concluded that litigants who had received Center services, who then lost their unlawful detainer cases, were more likely to perceive that they had not been prepared than litigants who had not visited the Center. In other words, visiting the Center appears to have increased a litigant s expectations of his or her own ability to perform in court. One Van Nuys judge reported
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