Public Access
Some of our Barristers are qualified to take on Public Access work which means members of the public can approach us directly without first instructing a solicitor.
The chosen Barrister will initially discuss your requirements over the telephone and let you know whether your case is suitable to be conducted under the Public Access Scheme, discuss the options for working together and the likely costs. In most cases this will be followed by a conference during which the details of the case are discussed and advice about how best to proceed given.
Once instructed the Barrister will present you with a Client Care Letter in which he/she sets out the accepted instructions, his/her fees (+ VAT) and payment. Once you have agreed and signed the Client Care Letter and the terms therein, work can proceed.
Barristers are able to provide the following services under the Public Access Scheme:
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Providing legal advice and written opinions,
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Drafting documents for filing at court and serve on the other side (filing and serving will have to be undertaken by you, the client, and you will be responsible for any court fees due),
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Advising you and drafting letters, and/or other documents,
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Conducting negotiations on your behalf,
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Represent you at court.
However, in the event that your barrister takes the view that your case requires the assistance of a solicitor, he/she will advise you accordingly and signpost you to find a suitable solicitor.
We are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). For further details on Public Access provision you may wish to have a look at the Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients on the Bar Standards Board’s website, https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/for-the-public/finding-and-using-a-barrister/how-to-instruct-a-barrister/public-access-guidance-for-lay-clients.html