[Direct answer]Yes, it's possible. According to Article 51 of the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended for the fifth time on September 1, 2023, and implemented on January 1, 2024), citizens, legal persons, and other organizations may serve as parties to civil litigation. Article 52 stipulates that parties have the right to appoint agents to collect and provide evidence, engage in debate, request mediation, file appeals, and apply for enforcement. Whether to appoint a lawyer is at the discretion of the parties themselves. Article 61 provides that parties and their legal representatives may appoint one to two persons as litigation agents. Therefore, parties may file lawsuits, defend against lawsuits, present evidence, and attend court hearings on their own. It's not illegal not to appoint a lawyer, and it doesn't affect litigation rights. However, when litigation involves procedural rules, evidence presentation order, and legal application, or when the case is complex, the subject matter is large, or it involves professional appraisal issues, it is recommended to appoint a professional lawyer to represent them to reduce procedural and substantive risks.

I. Problem background and typical scenarios

When parties need to sue or be sued due to disputes, they often have doubts about whether they need a lawyer. Typical scenarios include: civil loan or sales contract disputes with relatively small amounts and clear facts; parties who are financially constrained and wish to litigate on their own; cases involving professional appraisals or complex legal relationships; parties who have some legal knowledge but lack trial experience; and parties who have already appointed lawyers but are preparing to handle the case on their own. When handling civil cases in Beijing, the court will legally guarantee the parties' right to litigate on their own and provide necessary explanations about evidence collection and procedural matters.

II. Key points of dispute

First, the right to choose between self-litigation and entrusting an agent. Second, understanding the time limit for providing evidence and the rules regarding evidence. Third, determining and modifying litigation requests. Fourth, ensuring the correctness of jurisdiction and procedural choices. Fifth, conducting cross-examinations and debates during the trial. Sixth, assessing and balancing risks and costs.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

Based on Henglu Law Firm's practical experience in handling civil and commercial litigation cases, such issues typically revolve around three points. First, the basis of rights: parties have the right to conduct litigation on their own, and they also have the right to appoint lawyers, grassroots legal service workers, close relatives, or staff members as litigation agents. Whether to appoint an agent is the party's own choice. Second, the key points of self-litigation: parties should accurately determine the litigation requests and legal relationships, submit evidence within the evidence-presentation period, correctly select the jurisdictional court, attend court hearings on time, and conduct cross-examination and debate; if they are not familiar with the procedures, they can consult the court or apply for clarification. Third, risk warnings: improper litigation requests, insufficient evidence, or procedural errors may lead to a loss of the case or damage to rights; in cases with high professional requirements, large-scale disputes, or involving appraisals, hiring a lawyer can help reduce risks and improve efficiency. In practice, whether to hire a lawyer should be determined based on the complexity of the case and the party's own capabilities.

IV. Practical Suggestions and Legal Basis

Action list: First, sort out the facts and evidence and clarify the legal relationship and litigation requests; Second, confirm the jurisdiction court and the evidence submission period; Third, prepare the complaint and evidence list and submit them as required; Fourth, apply for investigation and evidence collection or appraisal when necessary; Fifth, attend the court hearing on time and give a truthful statement; Sixth, evaluate the complexity of the case and, if necessary, entrust a professional lawyer to intervene in time. For matters involving litigation representation and procedures, you can refer to the relevant provisions.Special services；涉及合同类纠纷的可结合Business and contract disputes in enterprisesColumn; for reference on the recovery and enforcement of fundsCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementFor cases involving family disputes, you can combine the following methods:Divorce and family disputesFor cases involving personal injury, you can refer to the following guidelines.Personal injury and medical disputesLegal basis: Articles 51, 52, and 61 of the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended for the fifth time on September 1, 2023, and implemented on January 1, 2024). The specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Advice

Firstly, the right to litigate on one's own is granted by law, and not hiring a lawyer does not affect the litigant's status. Secondly, procedural rules and the time limit for providing evidence are the most error-prone aspects of litigating on one's own, so extra attention should be paid to them. Thirdly, the litigation requests should be clear and specific, avoiding omissions or exceeding the scope. Fourthly, it is recommended to involve a lawyer as early as possible in complex cases to avoid losing substantive rights due to procedural errors. If you are currently facing similar problems, you can seek help throughSpecial servicesYou will receive a comprehensive solution for the service, and you can consult us regarding contract disputes if necessary.Business and contract disputes in enterprisesFor reference, you can check the section related to executionCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcement.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I sue without hiring a lawyer?

Yes. According to Article 51 of the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China, citizens, legal persons, and other organizations may serve as parties to civil litigation; Article 52 stipulates that parties have the right to appoint agents, collect and provide evidence, and engage in debate. Whether to appoint a lawyer is a matter for the parties to decide for themselves. Parties may file lawsuits, respond to lawsuits, present evidence, and appear in court on their own. It is not illegal to not appoint a lawyer.

Q2: Who can be appointed as a litigation agent?

According to Article 61 of the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China, the parties and their legal representatives may appoint one to two persons as litigation agents, including lawyers, grassroots legal service workers, the parties' close relatives or staff, as well as citizens recommended by the parties' communities, units, or relevant social organizations. When appointing others to act on their behalf in litigation, a power of attorney must be submitted.

Q3: What are the most common problems when representing oneself in court?

Common problems include: unclear or omitted litigation requests; failure to submit evidence within the time limit for evidence presentation; selecting the wrong court of jurisdiction; unfamiliarity with the rules of cross-examination and debate; and missing the appeal deadline. These issues may lead to a loss of the case or damage to rights. It is recommended to understand the procedural requirements in advance and, if necessary, consult the court or apply for clarification.

Q4: Under what circumstances is it advisable to hire a lawyer?

For cases with complex circumstances, overlapping legal relationships, large-scale litigation, or involving professional appraisals, finance, intellectual property, construction projects, and other specialized fields, it is generally recommended to hire a professional lawyer. Additionally, when the parties lack the time and energy, or the opposing party has already hired a lawyer, hiring a lawyer can help grasp the litigation process, organize evidence, and increase the likelihood of winning the case.

Q5: What can I do if I can't afford a lawyer?

You can apply for legal aid. Qualified parties may apply to legal aid agencies in accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Legal Aid and other regulations, and the agencies will assign lawyers to provide representation services. In addition, you can also choose to consult a lawyer, make an appointment for legal consultation, or entrust a lawyer to assist in drafting documents, thereby obtaining necessary professional support while controlling costs.

The above Q&A is mainly based on the judicial practice in Beijing. There may be differences in the interpretation of the law in different regions. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer based on the specific circumstances of the case.

If you are currently facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the relevant evidence, to avoid missing the statutory time limits. →Specialised services - legal services·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and publicly available adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If a dispute arises, please consult a practicing lawyer in a timely manner.