FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Direct Access ?

Direct Access is what lawyers call the ability of clients to 'go direct' to a Barrister rather than having to first use a Solicitor.

What is the difference between a Barrister and a Solicitor ?

Traditionally Solicitors worked 'in the office' and Barristers worked 'in court'.

There are many more Solicitors than Barristers and Barristers are widely regarded as being specialist Court Advocates and Expert Advisors.

Solicitors generally work for 'Law Firms' while Barristers are self-employed freelancers who belong to one or more Barristers' Chambers.

Why might I want to use a Direct Access Barrister ?

If you want to save the costs of retaining a Solicitor and act as a Litigant in Person using Barristers as and when you want or need to.

When might I want to use a Solicitor and a Barrister ?

If you want or need a Solicitor to

(1) Issue applications at the Court Office (taking or sending certain court forms to the Court)

(2) Using their professional address as the ‘Address for Service’ (formally ‘going on the record’ with the Court)

(3) Otherwise handle your affairs

How much does a Direct Access Barrister cost ?

Far less than you might think and generally a fraction of what you would pay a Solicitor's firm. The Bar Standards Board requires Barristers to negotiate fees for each item of work rather than offer clients a general retainer. This gives clients real control over their own budgets and fixed fees enable clients to plan more carefully in advance without writing their lawyer a 'blank cheque'.

How do I instruct you ?

Simply send me an email setting out a brief summary of your case and what you are looking for in terms of advice and representation and I will get back to you if I can help.

You will need to read my Client Care Letter, agree my terms of engagement and pay the Brief Fee before I am instructed.

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