Please complete our enquiry form, in the first instance, so that we can pass your details to the most suitable barrister for your case. We will then contact you to make further arrangements.
Direct Public Access has transformed the work of a barrister since its introduction in 2004. It was previously necessary to engage the services of a solicitor before a barrister could be instructed, which often resulted in high costs and lengthy proceedings.
The Direct Public Access scheme enables certain members of Chambers to be instructed directly by members of the general public. There are substantial savings to clients under the scheme and costs can often be agreed on a fixed fee basis; offering the piece of mind that costs will not spiral out of control.
What type of work is covered by Direct Public Access?
We are able to accept instructions on a range of Employment, Commercial, Planning and Property matters and on certain aspects of Criminal Law and Family work. At present we are not able to assist with Asylum or Immigration matters under the scheme.
What are our barristers able to do for you under the scheme?
We are able to provide specialist legal advice, draft legal documents and also provide representation and advocacy before Courts and Tribunals. Your barrister will inform you if you require a solicitor and will often be able to recommend one
What are our barristers unable to do?
Barristers will not be able to investigate or collect evidence for use in your proceedings or instruct an expert witness on your behalf. Whilst our barristers are able to draft legal documents, they are not allowed to issue proceedings or take formal steps in the proceedings. Our barristers will be acting on your behalf but they will not be taking responsibility for the general management of the case or your business affairs.
How do you instruct our barristers?
Please complete the form with a brief outline of your case. Once we have received your form we will contact you to discuss the matter and if the case is suitable for Direct Public Access we will recommend one of our barristers. The first step is to arrange a consultation so that you can discuss the matter with your barrister, once this consultation has taken place we will draft a ‘Client Care Letter’ that states the work to be carried out, the charges for the work and any terms on which the work will be carried out.
More information on the scheme:
For more information on the Direct Public Access Scheme please view The Bar Council’s information by following the link: http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/about/publicaccess/
The Bar Council have produced a handbook on the Direct Public Access Scheme, this can be downloaded at: http://www.12cp.co.uk/furniture/cms/documents/publicaccess.pdf
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