Direct Access
It is now possible, in some cases, for a member of the public to go directly to a barrister, without needing a solicitor.
The Bar Standards Board have rules which must be complied with, these can be found here
The Bar Council have produced a guide for members of the public to read before going directly to a barrister, that can be found here
We consider that it would be helpful, if you are thinking about going directly to a barrister, to look at both these documents as an introduction. Although any of the content of the above can be explained to you by a barrister if you directly instruct them.
What can a barrister do?
- Help decide whether you need to make an application to the court;
- Whether there are proceedings or not, meet you at a conference and give advice in person; or, provide advice in writing
- Give help and advice in the run up to a court hearing;
- Represent you at a court hearing, and perform specialist functions such as cross examination;
A barrister cannot:
- Represent you if you qualify for public funding;
- Correspond directly with other parties in the case or the Court;
- Collect evidence or interview witnesses, including taking statements for them;
- Issue court documents, including starting proceedings;
- Instruct experts directly on your behalf;
- Handle money on your behalf
How to contact us:
If you wish to instruct a barrister directly from the below list, please either;
a) Click here to fill in our online referral form, or
b) Click here to download a copy of the form which you can return to us by post.
If you would prefer please feel free to call the clerks on 020 7242 0858 and ask to speak to Geoff, James or Robyn and they will be happy to discuss things with you. You can see their profiles on the website here
Once we receive this referral form we will:
- Ensure that a clerk contacts you promptly to acknowledge receipt and possibly to clarify some of the information provided on the referral;
- Inform you quickly to let you know whether or not we can provide a barrister to assist with your enquiry;
- Discuss with you which barristers are available and help you choose which barrister you would like to directly instruct;
- Once this is agreed, we will send you a letter which contains all the information required about the terms of the contract which will exist between you and the barrister;
- We will ask you to sign this and return a copy to chambers – if anything in this document is not understood, the clerks or the barrister will be happy to explain;
- It may be that you might want to meet the barrister concerned before deciding that you wish to retain his or her services, or a barrister may need more information before being able to discuss exactly what advice or assistance you need. Some barristers may be prepared to meet you free of charge whereas others will require to be paid. You will be notified in advance which is the case.
- Once you have agreed the contract in the letter, signed it and returned a copy to chambers, and made payment in advance for the work to be done, the barrister will be able to begin carrying out the agreed work.
The following is a list of barristers who are registered with the Bar Council as able to undertake direct access work:
Sarah Forster
Joanna Hall
Richard Kingsley
Brenda Morris
Gillian Marks
Jean Paul Sinclair
Richard Alomo
Rhys Jones
Martin Ward
Jane De Zonie
Sarah Pope
Sara Hammond
Samantha Whittam
Ronan O'Donovan
Michael Glaser
Christopher Miller
Sally Gore
Byron James
