Public Access Work
What is 'Public Access'?
Some members of chambers are authorised to accept instructions directly from the public. Whilst some cases still require the combined services of solicitors and counsel, direct access to a barrister is often an efficient and cost effective way of obtaining legal advice or representation without any unnecessary duplication of fees.
It offers the advantage of specialist expert, professional advice and advocacy alongside flexibility for the client to decide when, and to what extent, the barrister will become involved in a case.
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Unfortunately, a barrister cannot be instructed directly, under legal aid. If you anticipate requiring legal aid you will need to instruct a solicitor who has an appropriate legal aid contract.
For more information about Public Access, please see the Bar Standards Board’s Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients Guidance.
Barristers who can accept Public Access instructions
Barristers authorised to accept instructions directly from the public are:
Year of Call: 1996
Year of Call: 2002
Public Access Fees
How much will it cost?
The cost of instructing a barrister directly will either be charged as a fixed fee or an hourly rate, depending on the nature of the work. Costs may be determined by the level of complexity and volume of material and will be agreed in advance of any work undertaken by the barrister.
We will require payment to be made in advance to chamber’s fees account.
The following fee ranges are estimate only. For a quotation please contact the Clerks on 029 2023 2032 or via our Enquiry Form.
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[Information is correct as of June 2021]
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VAT will be added to the above fees where applicable.
There may also be additional costs for travel, accommodation or other incidental expenses.
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Instructing us
Instructing a Public Access Barrister
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Please complete our Enquiry Form, providing as much information as possible.
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A member of our clerking team will contact you. If we have sufficient information we will provide a fee quotation to you. We may need to ask for more information before we are able to pass your enquiry to the most suitable barrister, for them to review the information and provide an estimated fee.
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Once terms are agreed, a client care letter will be issued to you. This is a contract between yourself and the instructed barrister, which outlines the barrister’s role and limitations under the scheme, the scope of the instructions, the fees payable and any other conditions subject to which the work will be carried out.
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You are required to sign and return a copy of the client care letter and to provide proof of identity and proof of address to comply with money laundering regulations. Copies will be taken and held on file.
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Once all of the documentation is in place, your papers and instructions have been received and the relevant fee paid and the instructions have been accepted, the barrister can proceed with your case. As part of this process, it may be deemed appropriate to conduct an initial consultation with you. This will generally be free of charge.
Timescales
Timescales for cases vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability, the type and complexity of the case, the approach of the other side and Court waiting times. We will do our utmost to keep you informed of timings, throughout.