Public access

The traditional method for hiring a barrister was for the client (a member of the public, company or organisation) to first engage a UK regulated solicitor, who would then instruct the barrister on behalf of the client. Whilst this remains the most common method for instructing a barrister, in July 2004 the Public Access Rules came into place, allowing for the direct instruction of barristers by clients.

Barristers are now able to advise on legal disputes, draft documents and represent lay clients in court on a direct access basis, without the need for a solicitor as an intermediary.

You can view our Barristers, who are qualified to accept direct access instructions here

How does it work?

When you have a legal matter for which you need the help of a barrister, simply contact our clerks in chambers either by email or by phone (0207 936 3030) and they will guide you through the process. They will help you choose the right barrister, advise you on fees and terms & conditions, and let you know if for any reason they feel you still need a solicitor for your case.

There are a number of advantages to the Direct Access Scheme, including:

Cost – without the cost of solicitor’s fees, you will save money on your case. However, this does mean that you will have to carry out the work that the solicitor would normally have done in your case
Expertise – our Barristers are experts in their chosen fields. The Direct Access Scheme allows you to gain the benefit of their expertise without having to go through a solicitor.

See our guidance on fees.

We accept online payments and payments by card.

(We do not store credit card details nor do we share customer details with any 3rd parties. Once payment has been made by card with our Paypal card reader, whether this is in person or by telephone the client will receive an email copy of the receipt, unless a hard copy is requested which we can also provide).

What work can a Direct Access Barrister do?

Not all cases are suitable for the direct access scheme. In the event that we feel that your case still requires a solicitor, our clerks will advise you of this and help you find a suitable solicitor.

You can view the areas of law in which our barristers specialise.

Generally, barristers are able to do the following type of work:

Drafting – of legal documents like pleadings, statements, skeleton arguments, court orders etc; correspondence; forms; contracts, wills etc
Advising – on the merits of your case; strategy; settlement; evidence and experts etc (whether in writing or in conference)
Negotiating – on your behalf with the lawyers on the other side
Representing – in court hearings

You can learn more about the Direct Access Scheme on the Bar Council website here
You can read the Bar Council’s Guidance for Lay Clients here
You can read the rules relating to the Direct Access Scheme here.