Direct Access
Due to recent changes in the Bar Council rules, it is now possible for members of the public and companies to instruct barristers directly.
This means that in some cases you can instruct us for professional legal advice and representation without the need of a solicitor, thereby significantly reducing your legal costs. We consider it important for Chambers to be at the vanguard of these changes, which, in allowing direct instruction for the purposes of advice and advocacy, potentially revolutionise the relationship between barristers and the public.
All the barristers at 2 Harcourt Buildings who undertake Direct Access work are specialist criminal advocates, trained and registered with the Bar Council to ensure the provision of Direct Access work to the highest standard.
It is worth bearing in mind:-
- Direct Access instruction of a barrister is not suitable for anyone who is, or wishes to be, legally aided.
- Barristers remain unable to conduct some of the administrative functions of a solicitor (such as the sending of letters etc.), but can draft any documents required, conduct negotiations, and advise on all areas of case preparation such as the instruction of experts or the assessment of witnesses, as well as conducting all required advocacy.
- Cases of gravity or complexity, requiring the tracing of potential witnesses, significant evidence-gathering or litigation, are unlikely to be suitable for the Direct Access scheme.
- An example of a case that would benefit from Direct Access instruction is a road traffic offence, such as drink-driving or speeding, where a guilty plea is likely. Instruction of a Direct Access barrister would lead to an inevitable cost saving of up to 50%, as compared to the instruction of the same barrister through a solicitor.
- Other cases likely to be suitable include less serious criminal offences in the Magistrates Court (such as Public Order offences), appeals against conviction or sentence in the Crown Court, or appeals against firearms revocation.
- Advisory work for individuals or companies regarding all aspects of criminal work is particularly suited to Direct Access instruction, since, in many instances, it removes the need to incur the unnecessary cost of instructing a solicitor, who would commonly seek the expert advice of a barrister regarding the issue.
We would be happy to give guidance in the first instance about whether the Direct Public Access scheme is suitable for your legal requirements, and how to continue with our professional service.
Should it become apparent that a solicitor is required in your particular case, we will gladly make recommendations to meet your needs.