Question 1

What is direct access or the Public Access Scheme?

Accepted Answer

Direct access is a scheme which qualifies barristers to take instructions directly from a client, enabling them to instruct a barrister without first going through a solicitor.  Our barristers are specialist legal advisors and can deal with a wide variety of legal problems. Direct and early advice from a barrister generally produces a quicker and less costly resolution.

Please read the Bar Standards Board's Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients,(https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/resources/public-access-guidance-for-lay-clients.html) which explains how the Public Access scheme works and shows members of the public ("lay clients") how they can use it to instruct barristers directly.

Question 2

How is working with a direct access barrister different from going through a solicitor?

Accepted Answer

The main difference is that you will not have a solicitor managing your case for you, so you will need to do this yourself. This means you will be responsible for key tasks such as:
 • Organising case documents
 • Filling out forms
 • Writing letters and statements
 • Handling payment of the barrister’s fees and court fees
 • Any other administrative tasks relating to your case
A barrister instructed through the Public Access Scheme is not allowed to do any of the following:
 • Issue proceedings or applications.
 • Acknowledging service of proceedings
 • Provide their address as the address for service of proceedings
 • File documents at court
 • Serve documents on another party
 • Issue notices of appeal
However, a barrister can advise you on how to handle these matters yourself.

Question 3

What type of work can a direct access barrister do?

Accepted Answer

Direct access barristers provide representation in court, tribunals, appeal hearings, committee hearings, or similar proceedings. They can also draft documents for you, including court forms and letters. However, they cannot issue documents or letters on your behalf, so you must do this yourself or instruct a third party.

A direct access barrister may advise you on the evidence you need to progress a case but cannot investigate or collect evidence. They can, however, advise you on which professionals you can contact for additional help with your case and may draft letters of instruction for these professionals/experts on your behalf.

Direct access barristers cannot handle money on your behalf. They also cannot handle the general management of your case. The court will treat you as a Litigant in Person and you will carry out specific tasks that a solicitor would otherwise do.

Question 4

Is working with a direct access barrister right for me?

Accepted Answer

This will generally depend on the complexity of your case and your confidence in managing it.

If we assess that your case is not suitable for public access we will inform you as quickly as possible and if required we can help you find a suitable solicitor.

Question 5

How do I instruct a barrister?

Accepted Answer

Instructing a barrister direct is simple and easy. Fill in the contact form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.

Our work is charged either on a fixed fee basis or an hourly rate. You will be provided with a letter of engagement containing a note of the fees to be charged and only when agreed will our fees become payable. It is Chambers' policy that fees are paid prior to the barrister carrying out any specified piece of work.

Question 6

Why must I make contact with a barrister’s clerk?

Accepted Answer

Due to barristers’ busy schedules, barristers’ clerks are essential to run a barrister's practice efficiently.

Barristers’ clerks take the initiative to have an initial call with the client, understand their requirements and critical dates for hearings or paperwork deadlines, and negotiate and agree on case fees.

Barristers’ clerks can also appropriately allocate cases to barristers, considering experience, availability and specialisms.

Barristers’ clerks will collect fees for the barristers’ work and organise meetings between barristers and clients.

Question 7

Do we also accept instructions via solicitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do. We provide a responsive service and are able to cover hearings or meet important deadlines at short notice.

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