Understanding Your Position Before You Spend Money
Most people who find themselves in a legal dispute face the same initial problem: they do not know where they stand. Is their claim strong or weak? What court or tribunal would hear it? What documents do they need? What are the time limits? These are fundamental questions, and answering them traditionally requires either legal training or a consultation with a solicitor — which many people cannot afford or do not know how to arrange.
Legal simulation addresses this gap. It does not replace a solicitor, but it gives you a structured understanding of your legal position before you decide whether to instruct one. Think of it as preparation — the legal equivalent of researching your symptoms before seeing a doctor. You arrive at the consultation better informed, with better questions, and better able to evaluate the advice you receive. In England and Wales, the number of litigants in person — individuals representing themselves without a lawyer — has risen sharply since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, making accessible legal preparation tools more important than ever.
Step 1: The Intake Wizard
RATIO's Simulate feature begins with a guided intake wizard. You select the type of dispute — contract, consumer, employment, housing, or small claims — and answer a series of structured questions about the facts of your situation. The wizard is designed to extract the information that matters legally: dates, amounts, what was agreed, what went wrong, what you have already done, and what outcome you are seeking.
The questions are presented in plain English, not legal jargon. You do not need any legal knowledge to complete the intake. The system translates your answers into the legal framework applicable to your case type.
Step 2: Case Analysis
Once you have completed the intake, the Case Analyst processes your information and produces a structured assessment. This includes an identification of the legal issues in your case, an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of your position, the relevant legislation and procedural rules, and the potential remedies available to you.
The analysis is not a binary "you will win" or "you will lose." Legal disputes are rarely that simple. Instead, it identifies the factors that strengthen your position and the factors that weaken it, explains why, and highlights the areas where additional evidence or further legal advice would be most valuable.
Step 3: Procedural Walkthrough
Understanding the merits of your case is only half the picture. You also need to understand the process — and for most people, court procedure is the most intimidating part of any legal dispute. The procedural walkthrough explains, step by step, what happens from the point of deciding to pursue a claim through to a hearing or settlement.
This covers pre-action protocols (the steps you must take before issuing a claim), the correct court or tribunal to use, the claim form and how to complete it, court fees and potential fee remission, track allocation (small claims, fast track, or multi-track), disclosure obligations, and what to expect at a hearing. Each step is explained in the context of your specific case type and the facts you provided. Court fees for issuing a claim in the County Court range from £35 to £10,000 depending on the value of the claim, so understanding the financial implications early is essential.
Step 4: Draft Document Generation
The simulation generates draft legal documents tailored to your case. Depending on the dispute type, these may include a letter before action, particulars of claim, a witness statement template, a chronology of events, and a list of documents to gather. These drafts follow the format and conventions expected by the courts of England and Wales.
The documents are educational drafts — starting points, not finished products. They show you what a properly structured legal document looks like for your type of case, what information it must contain, and how legal arguments are presented in written form. If you instruct a solicitor, these drafts give them a head start. If you are acting as a litigant in person, they provide a framework to build upon.
The Court Companion
After the analysis and documents are generated, the Court Companion is available for interactive follow-up. This chat assistant operates in three modes:
- Explain — breaks down legal concepts, procedural steps, and terminology in plain English. Ask it what "particulars of claim" means, or how track allocation works, and it will explain without jargon.
- Direct — provides step-by-step guidance for specific tasks. Ask it how to complete an N1 claim form, or what to include in a witness statement, and it walks you through the process.
- Opposing counsel — argues the other side's case against you. This is the most valuable mode for serious preparation. It identifies the strongest arguments your opponent could make and forces you to consider how you would respond. If your case survives the opposing counsel's scrutiny, you can proceed with greater confidence.
What This Does Not Replace
Legal simulation is an educational and preparatory tool. It is not legal advice. It does not create a solicitor-client relationship, and it cannot account for every nuance of your specific circumstances. The law is complex, and individual cases often turn on facts or procedural points that a general analysis cannot fully address.
If your dispute involves significant sums of money, complex legal issues, or potential consequences for your liberty or livelihood, you should consult a qualified solicitor. Many solicitors offer free initial consultations, and organisations such as Citizens Advice, law centres, and university law clinics provide free legal assistance for those who qualify.
What simulation provides is a foundation. It helps you understand the landscape before you navigate it — whether you do so with professional assistance or on your own. An informed litigant, whether represented or not, is always in a stronger position than an uninformed one. For Advocates developing their legal skills, simulation complements the oral advocacy training available through the Moot Court — understanding how disputes work from the client's perspective makes you a more complete advocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use legal simulation if I have no legal knowledge?
Yes. The intake wizard is designed to be completed by anyone, regardless of legal background. Questions are presented in plain English, and the system translates your answers into the relevant legal framework. The Court Companion's "explain" mode can break down any concept or term you encounter during the process.
How long does it take to complete a legal simulation?
The intake wizard typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The case analysis, procedural walkthrough, and draft documents are generated within minutes after that. You can then spend as much time as you need with the Court Companion exploring specific aspects of your case in greater depth.
Is legal simulation suitable for business disputes?
The simulation currently covers five case types: contract disputes, consumer rights, employment, housing, and small claims. Many business disputes fall within the contract or small claims categories. However, for complex commercial litigation, insolvency matters, or disputes involving specialist tribunals, the simulation may not cover the relevant procedures, and professional legal advice is strongly recommended.
What happens to the information I provide in the intake wizard?
The information you provide is used solely to generate your case analysis and documents. It is processed on the platform and is not shared with third parties. However, because legal simulation is an educational tool and not a legal service, the information you provide is not protected by legal professional privilege. If you are involved in active or anticipated litigation, consult a solicitor before disclosing sensitive details in any online tool.