FAQsPUBLIC AND DIRECT ACCESS

Barristers are specialists in various areas of law with particular expertise in analysing the strength of a case, giving advice, drafting documents and presenting and arguing cases in court. Take a look at our team of Barristers here.

A number of factors will decide which barrister is right for your particular case. You may already have had a barrister recommended to you and know who you wish to instruct. If you don’t, our clerks can advise you based on your personal circumstances and taking into consideration factors such as:

• your budget
• complexity and urgency of your case
• specialist knowledge required
• experience and
• qualifications and availability

The rules on Direct Access mean that a barrister is not allowed to do any of the following;

• Engage in correspondence on a client’s behalf, although we are happy to draft letters on your behalf.
• Take responsibility for the general management of a client’s case.
• Make or arrange payment of court fees, expert’s fees or witnesses’ expenses.
• Issue proceedings, file documents at court or serve documents on other parties.
• Investigate a case or collect evidence.

Some of the above steps can be taken by the instructing indivuals or our Clerks team can recommend solicitors who can assist in this part of the process.

Barrister’s fees are usually calculated according to their level of experience, the complexity of the case and the length of time involved in dealing with it. Once you have outlined the main acts of your case (ideally by email) our Clerks can give you an estimate of costs and once they have seen any papers relating to a case, agree a fixed fee for each piece of work that you ask them to undertake. Barrister’s fees need to be paid in advance.