Bavarian court denies legal aid request for self-representation

The Bavarian State Social Court (LSG Bayern) has ruled that a lawyer cannot appoint herself as legal counsel to claim legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe) for her own financial disputes. The case involved a single mother and lawyer who, facing significant financial hardship and insufficient social security benefits, attempted to represent herself in proceedings regarding SGB II claims.

The court rejected the attempt, noting that the lawyer could not validly authorize her 15-year-old son to represent her, as his legal capacity was limited and her parental custody had been judicially revoked. The ruling emphasizes that legal aid is intended to ensure access to justice rather than serving as a personal financial subsidy.