When facing a legal problem, many people are surprised to learn there is an alternative to the traditional solicitor-first route. Through Direct Access, also called Public Access, you can instruct a barrister directly, without going through a solicitor first.
This article looks at why that might appeal to you, the practical benefits it can offer, and the points to weigh up so you can decide whether it suits your situation.
Direct access to specialist expertise
Barristers are specialist legal advisers and advocates, and most concentrate on particular areas of law. Working with one directly puts that focused expertise within reach from the outset, rather than after a matter has been passed along.
For many people this is the central appeal. You are dealing with the person who will give the advice or argue your case, and you can ask them your questions directly. That can make a complex situation feel more manageable.
Barristers in England and Wales are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), and those who offer Direct Access have completed the Bar Standards Board’s approved public access training, so you can expect professional standards throughout.
A potentially more cost-effective route
Cost is often a deciding factor, and Direct Access can be more cost-effective for suitable work because there is no solicitor involved as well. You are paying for one professional rather than two.
Barristers set their own fees, and for Direct Access work many offer a fixed fee for a defined piece of work, such as an advice, a document or a hearing. The advantages of this approach include:
- Knowing the cost of a defined piece of work before you commit.
- Being able to instruct a barrister for just the help you need, rather than a full service.
- Avoiding duplication where two professionals would otherwise cover similar ground.
It is worth remembering that not every matter is suitable for Direct Access, and for some cases a solicitor’s involvement remains sensible. Where the work is suitable, though, the saving can be meaningful.
Clear, direct communication
Working directly with a barrister can make communication simpler. You explain your situation to the person handling it, and their advice comes back to you without passing through an intermediary.
That directness can reduce delay and the risk of detail being lost along the way. It also means you can build a working relationship with one expert who understands your matter from start to finish.
Many people find this reassuring. Legal problems can be worrying, and being able to speak to the specialist dealing with your case helps you feel informed and in control.
Flexibility to instruct for what you need
Direct Access lets you tailor the help you receive. You might want:
- A one-off written advice on your options.
- A document drafted or reviewed.
- Representation at a single hearing.
- Ongoing support across several stages of a matter.
You are not obliged to commit to a full, open-ended service. You can instruct a barrister for a specific, defined task, see how that goes, and return for more help if you need it. This flexibility suits people who want expert input at key moments without taking on more than they require.
Points to weigh up
Direct Access is not the right choice for every situation, and it is fair to consider the limits. Barristers do not usually handle the day-to-day administration of a case, the gathering of large volumes of evidence, or the handling of client money in the way a solicitor’s firm does.
If your matter involves a great deal of that kind of work, a barrister may recommend that a solicitor is involved too. They will assess suitability at the start and be honest with you. Taking that advice seriously is part of getting the best outcome.
Thinking through the nature of your matter, how much administrative support it needs and what you want to achieve will help you judge whether Direct Access is the right fit.
Conclusion
Working with a Direct Access barrister can give you direct contact with specialist expertise, clearer and often more cost-effective fees for suitable work, and the flexibility to instruct only the help you need. It is not right for every case, and a barrister will tell you honestly when a solicitor should be involved. Weighed against your particular circumstances, though, it is a route well worth considering. This article is general information and not legal advice about any specific case.
This article is general information about the law in England and Wales, not legal advice on your individual circumstances. For advice on your matter, instruct a barrister. Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).