Public Access

Public Access
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Many of our barristers are Public Access qualified and can represent members of the public without the need for a solicitor to be instructed first. If you think you need a barrister to represent you or offer you help and advice, you can come to us directly and get one of our barristers to represent or advise you. This means that you can now go straight to a barrister, if you think it's right for you. 

Certain of our barristers are available to accept work directly from the public in appropriate circumstances. You can learn more about instructing a barrister directly by reading the Bar Standards Board’s Public Access for Lay Clients which is available here.​

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Services
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Our Direct Access-qualified barristers can offer you a wide range of services. This can include traditional advice and representation at court, or something more bespoke, such as a written advice or a conference before court. Whatever you need, we will be able to help and advise.

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The cost of instructing a barrister through public access is often higher than the barrister would charge in cases where a solicitor is also involved. This is because the barrister is undertaking an element of extra work and will be guiding you through the appropriate steps in relation to the litigation process. It is, however, often a cheaper solution than engaging the services of a solicitor and a barrister.

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There are still limits on the type of cases and work that a Direct Access-qualified barrister can take on, but we will do what we can to help. We will only advise you that you should contact a solicitor if we think it's in your best interests. Our indicative public access fee structure can be found here.

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Get in Touch
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Our clerks can offer you advice on Direct Access and our accredited barristers. For more information contact us on (0191) 447 4389 or on .