Volunteer barristers on the COIN scheme provide advice and representation for Litigants-in-Person in the winding up court. They are instructed through our licensed access rights, so there is no need for an instructing solicitor.
Volunteering with the COIN Scheme as a representative for litigants-in-person would be a rewarding endeavour for barristers to:
Make a Difference: Your legal knowledge and expertise can directly impact the lives of individuals and businesses navigating the complex landscape of insolvency. By providing representation, you can help them achieve fair outcomes and ensure their voices are heard. You will also be supporting students develop skills and knowledge that will help them in their careers at the Bar.
Expand Your Practice: Handling diverse cases and collaborating with a network of fellow advocates within the COIN Scheme will expand your legal practice and expose you to a wide range of legal challenges.
Obtain recognition and appreciation: Volunteers like you are instrumental in our program’s success, and we are committed to recognising your contributions through testimonials, awards, and public acknowledgment.
Assistance provided by barristers
COIN barristers assist with the following:
Representation: Common applications that volunteer barristers have made on behalf of Litigants-in-Person include:
- An application for a winding up order (‘Usual compulsory Order’)
- An application for an adjournment (e.g. for time to pay/settle the debt, propose CVA/instruct insolvency practitioner, hold creditors’ meeting etc.)
- Application to dismiss the petition
- Directions for a contested hearing
Legal advice in the following areas:
- The law and procedure of the winding up court;
- How to make or respond to a winding up petition and prospects of success;
- What will happen after a winding up order is made;
- How to apply for a validation order and rescission/appeal of a winding up order;
- Guidance on how to make the applications at v) above and how to write a witness statement.
Recommended reading
Recommended reading before attending the winding up court:
- ‘On Your Feet: A Practical Guide to Civil Advocacy’, Clare Elliott, Brooke Lyne, Emma Horner, Chloë Bell. Chapter 38, Winding Up Petitions.
- Words & Phrases Used in the Winding Up Court, written for the scheme by former Chief Registrar Stephen Baister.
- Insolvency application documents
- COMP 1: Winding Up Petition
- COMP 2: Verification of Petition
- COMP 3: Certificate of Compliance
- COMP 4: Notice of Persons Intending to Appear
- Form IAA: Insolvency application notice
How to volunteer
We operate every Wednesday during the following term dates in the legal year:
2026
Michaelmas: Thursday 1 October to Monday 21 December
2027
Hilary: Monday 11 January to Wednesday 24 March
Easter: Tuesday 6 April to Friday 28 May
Trinity: Tuesday 8 June to Friday 30 July
Check the available dates in the document below and email admin@companyinsolvencyscheme.com to confirm your chosen date(s):
