Lawyers suing for defamation are unable to recover legal costs if they win the case, confirming the adage that a lawyer acting on their own behalf has a fool for a client.
Non-lawyer self-represented litigants are similarly disadvantaged if they do not nominate a legal representative.
Anyone representing themselves, however, is entitled to recover the cost of subcontracted legal services if they are successful in their litigation.
Let me know your situation and I may be able to assist with your case.