She’s not licensed to practice law in any state, but Cecelia Lebby spends so much time arguing in court that she considers it "a full-time job."

Lebby’s last paid position was in a doughnut shop several years ago and she relies on disability income of about $700 month to survive. But her proficiency with pen and paper has made her well-known among judges in the New Britain Judicial District, where she has filed more than 80 lawsuits and 40 appeals. Lebby insists she is just protecting her legal rights from abusive acts.