THE CHAMBERS OF
PAUL HEVINGHAM
Direct Access to Barristers
WHAT IS
DIRECT ACCESS?
The Bar Council now allow certain qualified Barristers to act directly for members of the public without there being a solicitor 'in between' them. It's called 'Public Access' by the Bar Council but typically it's referred to by Barristers as 'Direct Access'.
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Direct Access allows you to instruct a Barrister to represent you if your case is suitable and a solicitor is not needed.
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Direct Access works if the client is willing and able to do some of the work that a solicitor would normally do.
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Direct Access Barristers can act on your behalf in a dispute, or provide specialist legal advice in advance of litigation or where you simply have a legal question that needs to be answered. Early expert legal advice can potentially save thousands or pounds in wasted costs and in many cases enable you to avoid litigation altogether.
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A Direct Access Barrister will be able to represent you throughout your case, including drafting legal documents, court forms and letters and representing you in court. He or she will work closely with you to find out exactly what you require and tailor the service to be provided so that you only pay for what you need.
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If your case does require a solicitor, your Direct Access Barrister will be able to guide and assist you in finding the right solicitor at an expense that is appropriate for you and your case.
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If you are unsure about whether your case is suitable for direct access, please fill out the Direct Access form giving basic details of your case, and email it to info@westcountrylaw.co.uk.
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If you want to talk about your case, you can call and make an appointment for a free initial consultation of 15 minutes with a Barrister. You will need to fill in the Direct Access form in advance.
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We will generally respond within 24 hours of receiving your enquiry (Monday to Friday).
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT WILL YOU NEED TO DO?
Direct Access requires the client (referred to in Court as a Litigant Person) to work with the Barrister and do the majority of the ‘leg work’ i.e. finding documents, photocopying, putting together files for the court and other administrative work.
You will need to read and sign yourself all the documents that are to be filled in court or served upon the other Party.
You will need to pay any court fees or the cost of any expert witness that is required to support your case.
The Barrister will guide and assist you throughout the process. You will work closely with the Barrister and have a ‘hands on’ approach and knowledge of what’s going on in your case.
THE RULES
The Bar Council Rules provide that a formal contract is in place between a Direct Access Barrister and a member of the public before any work is carried out – that means that you will know in advance:
1. What work is going on to be carried out, and -
2. How much it is going to cost.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The cost largely depends upon the complexity of the case, the volume of documents, how much work you want the Barrister to do and the time it takes to prepare. Generally, the length of a hearing or trial in court is fixed in advance so that the Barrister will know how much to charge you for.