Direct Access

Changes in the law mean that members of the public, commercial organisations and non-commercial organisations can now instruct a barrister directly without having to go through a solicitor or intermediary. This is known as public or direct access and choosing this approach can have several advantages.

However, you should note that not all matters and cases are best addressed through direct access. See below for guidance on direct access is right for your case.

For further information contact our dedicated direct access team or complete our enquiry form and we will contact you.

• Cost – You can save substantially on solicitors’ fees by going to a barrister direct and doing some of the work yourself. In many cases, solicitors seek specialist advice from barristers in any event. By using direct access you are by-passing the solicitor and their fees.
• Clarity – Fees can be agreed in advance, so there are no hidden costs. We operate a fixed-fee service for direct access work so that you know exactly what you are paying for, whether that is for the whole case or just a part of it.
• Expertise – Barristers are often instructed for their expert opinions, many of Pump Court’s barristers are recognised as leaders in their field in the leading legal directories.
• Speed – Barristers are experts in their fields. We will identify the key issues and points of law quickly and efficiently.
• Support – Our experienced clerking team will ensure that your case is matched with the right barrister and that they have the appropriate documents and information to work efficiently on your behalf.

While solicitors and barristers are kinds of lawyers, the two roles were, historically, quite distinct.

In the past, solicitors would give advice to their clients and then prepare their cases for litigation or trial. In contrast, barristers focused almost exclusively on representing their clients in courts and tribunals with the intention of achieving the most favourable outcomes. Barristers typically specialise in a few areas of the law, enabling them to develop acute expertise, experience and knowledge of how the law has been applied in their areas previously. Barristers‘ experience in arguing cases before a judge means that they are well placed to give the best advice on what a judge is likely to do in any particular case. Traditionally, barristers were not allowed to act directly for members of the public or for companies and had to be instructed by a solicitor.

However, changes in the rules for the provision of legal services mean that barristers can now be instructed without the need for a solicitor. Many people do not appreciate that using a barrister directly can often be very much cheaper than going to a solicitor first. This is because you can do some of the preparatory work yourself and only take expert advice as and when you need it.

Direct access (also known as Public Access) allows our barristers to undertake the following work:

• represent you in court or in tribunal or other disciplinary hearings
• provide you with expert legal advice
• assist you to draft correspondence
• help to draft statements from litigants and witnesses
• negotiate settlement terms and execute them (e.g. settlement agreements)
• advise you on suitable experts and draft instructions to expert witnesses
• offer you advice on the next steps to be taken in proceedings
• draft formal documents – such as wills

All of our barristers‘ administrative functions are managed by our experienced and specially trained clerking team. Our clerks are known for providing a consistently high-quality service while remaining sensitive to your needs and the needs of the case.

Once you’ve completed our contact form with the details of your case, a member of our clerking team will contact you within one working day to match the right barrister to your case.

Alternatively, you can call us on +44 (0)1793 539 899 and speak to a member of the clerking team.

For further information about the areas of work we cover by way of Public Access, please contact us. Please also see the information which sets out our pricing and fee information in a number of areas:

• Civil Claims
• Children
• Employment
• Family Finance
• Inheritance
• Property
• Summary only Motoring Offences
• Winding up Petitions

Our barristers are required to adhere strictly to the Bar Code of Conduct. If, on reviewing your case, our barrister considers that your interests would best be served by instructing a solicitor, they will advise you of this and of the next steps for you as soon as possible.

This may also be the case in the event that your case is be suitable for public funding.

For more information about the Public Access Scheme, please visit the Bar Council’s website.

Please note that our clerks cannot give legal advice and that we do not accept liability for your case until a Public Access Agreement has been signed by you and your barrister.