The Public Access scheme means that members of the public no longer need to use a solicitor to instruct a barrister, you can now go direct.

By having direct access to a barrister you save money by managing your own case whilst still benefitting from specialist independent legal advice and representation.

Direct Access barristers can provide advice at all stages of litigation, draft legal documents, draft correspondence, attend mediations, and represent people at court hearings.

If a Direct Access barrister believes it would be in a client’s best interest, or in the interests of justice, for the client to instruct a solicitor, then the barrister will say so and will withdraw from the case. This is likely to include where a client is eligible for Legal Aid.