Within legal actions, the plaintiff usually has a lawyer. The lawyer is the plaintiff’s legal advisor -which means that he/she represents the plaintiff in court and takes all actions for them.

In addition, the plaintiff can consult an Ombudsman or outside assistance if desired. Usually this is someone the plaintiff can trust or an institution, for example a friend or a specialized association. The association can appear next to the plaintiff and his/her lawyer and can make further suggestions within the trial up to a certain point. The associations’ presentation is evaluated as if the plaintiff introduced it independently, provided that the testimony is not immediately revoked. Consequently, it is necessary that the plaintiff is personally present during trial. The assistance can portray moral support as well. Ideally, there is an exchange between the association and the lawyer, to ensure coordinated action.

The request of assistance is only possible if there is a legal basis. Assistance is possible within different proceedings, specifically within administrative proceedings, administrative action, criminal procedure and civil action.

Legal requirements in order to receive a legal advisor depend on the prevailing field of law.