Direct access enables you to work directly with a barrister rather than going to a solicitor first. See the barrister as a tool that parachutes into your case at a time that you need it. Who Barristers can accept Instructions from Solicitors, other authorised litigators, employed barristers and legal advice centres and clinics in England (known as Professional Clients). European lawyers registered with the Law Society and qualified from other jurisdictions Licensed professionals in the UK, under the Licensed Access scheme. Individuals from other jurisdictions, companies and members of the public (‘lay clients’) under the Public Access scheme (sometimes also referred to as direct access, see here(link) My chambers practice management team Clerksroom Direct (‘clerks’) receive and manage my instructions. They are happy to answer questions about potential instructions. Professional, licensed access or lay clients may contact me or Clerksroom Direct to obtain a quotation for legal services and discuss suitability and availability. The clerks aim to provide such a quotation promptly, and certainly within the 14 day period indicated by the BSB.

Barristers can: Represent you at court Provide advice and guidance Draft legal documents Represent you at a mediation or arbitration Some barristers can conduct litigation for you, but I do not- the Bar Standards Board will have a list of barristers accredited to conduct litigation for you I cannot do the following for you: I cannot issue proceedings or applications Acknowledge service or proceedings Give my address as the address for service Filing documents at court or serving documents on the other party Issuing notices of appeal I can draft case summary, chronology, list of issues and position statement as long as it is ancillary to my role as an advocate Exchanging skeleton argument I cannot handle client money except as payment of fees I cannot make disbursement on behalf of client, court fees or witness fees