If it were state court, I'd be more inclined to go it alone, but it's federal court. I wouldn't be worried about making my case, but would be more worried about not following the proper rules of civil procedure.
Yes, this is valid concern. It has happened here that you just ask to the judge, that could he/she help you to go through the case. So judge actually did help, stepped in when something needed to say or similar. If you behave well, judge has no reason to dismiss or belittle you. Actually, if this is clearly a bully case, it is easy to win judge to your side. I did exactly that.
There's more i wanted to say.
Make your case and stick to the strongest point and strongest point only. Do not answer to any question momentarily, even to the easiest ones - make pause, thnk 5..10 seconds, then answer. Stick to that pause. Never lie. Answer only yes or no answers - yes i did, no i did not. Never ever ever, under any circumstances answer yes, but or no, but. Never. Again, never hurry. Do not settle. Those kind of cases are built to bully you to settle. Even judge will press you to settle at some point. Do not settle, see it through. Keep your plan. Write it down. Stick to it. And you will be fine.
