What is direct access?
Reasons why you might want to work directly with me
Direct access, also known as public access, is a scheme that allows members of the public and businesses to instruct a barrister directly without going through a solicitor. You can find more about it here. I have been a champion of direct access since the outset. Not every case is suitable, nor every client able, to work directly with a barrister. It allows people to be professionally represented or obtain specialist advice they might not otherwise be able to afford. Sometimes, solicitors ask me to act for clients where they are confident I can work directly, and they want to offer the most cost-effective service. Some highlights of direct access are:
Benefits:
- Savings on legal fees
- Direct relationship with counsel
- Early involvement with counsel who might ultimately present the case and thereby will have more thorough knowledge of case history and evidence
Barrister's role:
- Provide specialist legal advice
- Familiarity with procedure
- Assist with drafting correspondence
- Help draft statements from litigants and witnesses
- Draft formal court documents
- Advise on suitable experts
- Assist in trying to resolve the case
- Representation in court and settlement meetings
- Drafting settlement agreements
