YOUR LITIGANT TYPE: THE APPEASER

Lack of confidence and experience often leave you vulnerable against aggressive opponents.
You are an Appeaser now, but you are not alone. The vast majority of pro se litigants are Appeasers or Fighters. The best thing about being an Appeaser is that there’s plenty of up to go!

The Appeaser is defined by fear, confusion, lack of confidence, and lack of knowledge about civil procedure. You are a reluctant litigant, typically appearing in court as a defendant. You’re rarely the one to sue because litigation is too daunting. You show up in court because you fear the consequences of not doing so.

Often, you don’t know how to even begin advocating for yourself, so you might seek help from judges, clerks, or even opposing counsel who don’t have your best interests in mind. You may apologize in court unnecessarily to appease others. Most self-represented litigants start as Appeasers, and that’s okay. What’s important is your willingness to learn and grow from this point. If you’re an Appeaser now, aim for the aggressiveness of a Fighter. Learning enough to stay in the game will build your confidence.

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HERE’S HOW WE HELP

At Courtroom5, we help you assert yourself in filings and at hearings and build your knowledge of civil procedure–all with easy to use software and services.

LIVE WORKSHOPS

At Courtroom5, we’ve stood where you stand. With any active subscription — even the most affordable one — you’ll gain access to our exclusive Founders’ Workshop each month. In these sessions, we share insider strategies no lawyer will tell you: how hiring a court reporter protects you from judicial bias, how to recognize unfair tactics early, and how to take small steps that build your confidence over time.
You’ll learn how Appeasers like you can turn fear into focus — and confusion into courtroom control. Subscribe and claim your seat at the table.

DECISION SUPPORT

Decision Support is your trusted companion in uncertainty. When you feel overwhelmed and fearful about your next steps, our AI guidance offers clear direction and concrete options tailored to your situation. Whether suggesting relevant courses to build your knowledge, recommending specific journeys to address your legal needs, or connecting you with other helpful services, Decision Support removes the paralyzing “what do I do now?” question that often holds you back. This feature transforms confusion into clarity and fear into focused action.

FILING SYSTEM (SUMMARIES)

The Filing System transforms overwhelming legal documents into clear, understandable summaries that remove the fear of missing something important. Rather than facing intimidating walls of legal text, you’ll have concise summaries that highlight what matters. This organization creates certainty where there was confusion and gives you confidence that you understand what’s happening in your case. The ability to integrate these documents into future filings means you’re building on solid ground rather than starting from scratch with each new step.

ANALYSIS

Analysis serves as your supportive guide through unfamiliar legal territory. When you’re uncertain about claims or defenses, this feature provides clear, non-judgmental direction on exactly what you need to know. It breaks down intimidating legal concepts into specific elements you can understand and address one by one. Rather than facing the paralyzing fear of “I don’t know what to do,” you’ll have structured guidance that builds your confidence with each step. This feature transforms overwhelming legal requirements into manageable tasks that anyone can accomplish.

LAWS

The Laws feature removes the intimidation factor from legal research by providing curated laws specific to your situation. Instead of facing an overwhelming legal library with uncertainty about where to begin, you receive exactly the statutory guidance relevant to your case. The AI researcher ensures you’re getting accurate information you can trust, even when you’re not sure what to look for. This transforms the fear of “I don’t understand the law” into the confidence of having exactly the legal authority you need, presented in an accessible way.

DOCUMENTS

The Documents feature eliminates the fear of “getting it wrong” when preparing legal papers. With one click, your work is assembled into professional-quality documents that follow court requirements, giving you confidence that your filing will be taken seriously. For someone who worries about making mistakes in complex legal paperwork, this feature provides reassurance that your submissions will look professional and be properly formatted. This transforms anxious uncertainty into confident presentation, ensuring your voice is heard without being dismissed for technical errors. This feature transforms confusion into clarity and fear into focused action.

HUMAN ASSISTANCE

Personalized services require an additional fee.

• STRATEGY WORKSHOPS – The strategy workshop is a 1-hour session customized to your specific journey or to specific challenges in your case. In the workshop, you’ll get a clear and personalized roadmap that helps you overcome fear and gain the confidence to move forward without feeling overwhelmed.
• EXPERT CONSULTANTS – Use independent lawyers (where available) for legal advice and document review. With expert consultants, you’ll get peace of mind from a legal professional who can confirm you’re on the right track and help you avoid mistakes.
• ORAL ARGUMENT PRACTICE – Get ready for court and prepare for battle with oral argument practice sessions. With oral argument practice, you’ll build the confidence to speak in court, overcome your fear, and present your case clearly and calmly.