Direct Access
This scheme allows individuals and members of the public to instruct a barrister directly, without the need to instruct any other lawyer.
However, some legal problems are not suitable for Direct Access and there are some elements of a case that a barrister will not be able to do for you. In these circumstances we would provide guidance as to how best to proceed.
The Bar Standards Board’s Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients may be found here.
Please contact our clerks for further information.
Services offered
Under the Direct Access scheme, our barristers may:
- Appear on your behalf at court
- Provide you with legal advice about the merits and potential outcomes of your case
- Assist you with drafting correspondence
- Advice you on the formal steps which need to be taken in proceedings and draft formal documents for use in those proceedings
- Assist with drafting witness statements
- Advise as to suitable experts and draft a letter of instruction to them
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Draft documents for use in non-contentious matters, such as contracts.
Our barristers cannot:
- Issue court documents for you
- File and serve witness statements and other documents
- Instruct an expert witness on your behalf
- Take responsibility for the handling of clients’ affairs
- Handle clients’ money.
However, our barristers can provide guidance as to how to do this yourself or suggest other legal professionals that may assist.
The Bar Standards Board’s Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients may be found here.
Pricing
All Direct Access work is to be paid privately, in advance of the work being undertaken. We will agree a fixed fee for each item of work and there will be no charge until the fee is agreed. Your barrister will contact you to let you know what documentation and information is required to enable them to provide a price. Work will commence after payment has been received.
Guideline prices for certain areas of work, together with potential timescales, are below:
Timescale
Upon receipt of instructions, we shall seek to agree a timescale for the work with you. This may depend on the nature and complexity of the work required, the volume of documentation, the need for additional documents, the other side’s approach and the barrister’s other commitments.