Anyone is permitted to represent themselves in a pending legal action.  However, in doing so you are held to the same standards as a licensed practicing Attorney.  Specifically, you are not provided any exemption from complying with the Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence or Local Court Rules. 

Courts serve as impartial arbiters, so the Judge, Magistrate and/or Court staff are ethically precluded from assisting you with your understanding of those requirements, or the underlying law pertaining to your pending matter. 

Therefore, retention of counsel will ensure that you are no longer tasked with trying to effectively navigate the legal process.  It will also likely culminate in your securing an optimal case result.