While there is no legal requirement that you must be represented by an attorney in a civil matter, the legal system is complex, particularly for those who have no experience with the law. Trial lawyers spend years obtaining the education and experience they need to provide effective representation to their clients. An important point to remember is that, for every legal matter in civil court, there is an opposing side. Most often, this opposing side has sought the services of an experienced attorney to help them. Those who choose to pursue a legal matter without an attorney are often outmatched by the opposing side's attorney, which makes it difficult to obtain a positive outcome.