What is Direct Access?

Direct Access is the modern way to conduct litigation. As the name suggests, Direct Access allows you to instruct a barrister direct. 

Why is this different?

Until quite recently barristers were not allowed to accept cases direct from members of the public. People who wanted a barrister to advise or represent them could only do so via a solicitor.

What are the advantages of Direct Access?

First and foremost, instructing a barrister direct is almost always less expensive than instructing a solicitor and a barrister. It's easy to see how it's cheaper to retain one lawyer rather than two.

With Direct Access you are able to keep litigation costs to a mimimum. This is because you need only instruct the barrister to do particular pieces of work - drafting witness statement for example, or attending at an interim or final hearing. The day to day case management (writing to the other side, filling in court forms, photocopying documents etc) can be done by you. This can lead to very significant savings. 

Is Direct Access available in all areas of law?

No. The regulations currently do not permit members of the public to approach a barrister direct in family or criminal cases. There are expeptions though. A barrister can be instructed direct in family cases both before the litigation has begun and after it has concluded. This means that, for example, you could approach a barrister to draft a pre-nuptual agreement. Alternatively, you may wish to have an advice on the merits of appealing the order made at the conclusion of your family case.

In what areas of law will members of Chambers accept instructions?

Members of Chambers have a broad range of expertise, ranging from education law to boundary disputes. A full list of work undertaken can be found here 

How much does Direct Access cost?

This depends on the seniority of the barrister you instruct, the type of law involved and the work that you instruct the barrister to undertake. as a rough guide however, hourly rates are likely to fall somewhere between £100 and £200.

Fees will always be agreed before the work is undertaken. That way you will know in advance how much the hearing or advice is going to cost.

Where can I find more information about Direct Access?

If you want to find more about Direct Access then please do not hesitate to contact Chambers.  You may find it convenient to complete the on-line enquiry form here

Further infomation is on the Bar Council website www.barcouncil.org.uk

Members of Chambers who undertake Direct Access work:

Sita Cox (1987)
Michael Batey (1989)
Adam Clegg (1994)
Tom Bragge (2000)
John Thornton (2002)