Direct Access
Recent developments in the law mean that a member of the general public can now instruct a barrister directly, without first going through a solicitor. For example, a barrister can draft documents and represent you in courts or tribunals. A barrister can negotiate on your behalf and attend employment or investigative interviews where appropriate. As barrister’s role is unchanged and there are limits on the types of work that a barrister can do, there are still some cases and situations in which you will need to instruct a solicitor or another intermediary as well as a barrister.
We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible for you by contacting us on 020 7842 7070. If we are not able to speak to you directly, a clerk will call you back within one-day to discuss your enquiry, suggest the right barrister for you and explain the fee that will be charged. You can also find out more information about the fees we charge and the Estimated Costs for Public Access Scheme. Please also click here for BSB’s Price Transparency Policy Statement bsbpricetransparencypolicystatementjuly2019.pdf (barstandardsboard.org.uk)
Prior to beginning work, a letter of agreement will be sent, setting out our terms of agreement. We will also request certain identification documents from you and take payment. You will then receive confirmation, and our clerks will put you in contact with the barrister working on your case. It is important that the barrister has all the documents that s/he needs to prepare for your case. You can find out more about direct access barristers through the public access scheme and the BSB Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients.
1.
Members of the public can now instruct a barrister directly without involving a solicitor.
2.
Barristers can advise you on your legal status or rights. We can draft documents and represent you in court, tribunals and mediations.
3.
Barristers can also negotiate on your behalf and can attend employment or investigative interviews and hearings where appropriate.
4.
To find a barrister who does public access work please see below. Use the filter to find someone who deals in the area of law relevant to your case.
