Book details
- Author: Ngozi E. Bolin, Esq.
- Publisher: Pantraxxa LLC
- Genre: Legal guide, civil procedure
- Published: October 10, 2026
- Length: 722 pages (paperback)
- Formats: Paperback, Kindle
- ISBN-13: 979-8950322150
- Language: English
The Pro Se Litigant Handbook
Representing Yourself in New York and California, by Ngozi E. Bolin, Esq.
The Pro Se Litigant Handbook is a step-by-step guide for people representing themselves in basic civil and small-claims cases in New York and California, by attorney Ngozi E. Bolin, Esq., published by Pantraxxa. It follows a case from the first assessment of a dispute through judgment and enforcement.
About the book
A civil case is not won simply because a grievance is serious. A litigant has to identify a claim or defense the law recognizes, file in the right court, meet every deadline, present admissible evidence and ask for relief the court has the power to grant.
This handbook sets out that work in order. It separates general principles from New York and California practice, and it reminds readers throughout to check current statutes, court rules, official forms and local procedures before filing or appearing. Sixteen appendices add decision guides, worksheets, sample documents and trial-preparation materials.
A fuller overview of this guide is on the Bolin Firm’s page for the book.
Who this book is for
People representing themselves in a civil or small-claims case in New York or California, people deciding whether to file or answer a claim, and anyone who wants a structured reference from first assessment through enforcement.
What the book covers
- Whether a dispute supports a viable legal claim or defense
- The proper parties, jurisdiction, venue and court
- Limitation periods and procedural deadlines
- Claims, complaints, answers, demand letters, motions and oppositions
- Filing and service requirements
- Organizing documents, witnesses, damages and exhibits
- Discovery and subpoenas
- Evidence, objections, examination of witnesses and closing argument
- Settlement, judgment, appeal, collection and closing the case
Frequently asked questions
It is a step-by-step guide for self-represented parties in basic civil and small-claims cases in New York and California, from deciding whether a claim is viable through trial, judgment and collection. Sixteen appendices provide decision guides, worksheets and sample documents.
Ngozi E. Bolin, Esq., an attorney with more than three decades of litigation experience across New York and California.
No. It is for informational and educational purposes only, and it does not replace advice from a licensed attorney about your own situation.
The paperback edition is 722 pages.
Paperback and Kindle.
Both formats are available on Amazon.
About the author
Ngozi E. Bolin, Esq. is an attorney and multigenre author whose work spans legal guides, spiritual fiction, romance and contemporary women’s literature. She has more than three decades of litigation experience across New York and California.
