
What is Direct Public Access?
In 2004 the Bar Standards Board set in motion a revolutionary scheme that allows Barristers in England and Wales to receive instructions directly from members of the public and SMEs. Some 17 years later many people are still unaware that a Barrister can now be instructed in place of a solicitor, to engage directly with clients, often at a much lower cost. The purpose of this directory is not to single out any particular legal individual, but to provide members of the public and small/medium size businesses with an introduction to a selection of Public Access Barristers and Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals (Mediators & Arbitrators), that are suitably qualified to deliver this service.
Depending on the service you require, you can access our online directory by clicking on one of the two links above. Selecting ‘Barristers’ will take you to a selection of Public Access qualified Barristers, capable of handling a variety of legal work, each of which have undergone public access training, and will hold a full practising certificate issued by the Bar Standards Board. For legal help that requires the use of either a Mediator or Arbitrator, then by selecting the ‘ADR’ link you will be taken to a directory of qualified professionals who have been appointed to handle this style of work. In many cases Barristers who are qualified for Public Access work are also qualified to handle Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR).
SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Advantages of the Public Access Scheme
Is my case suitable for Public Access?
What if I qualify or may qualify for legal aid?
Can a Barrister conduct litigation?
Self-employed and employed barristers can apply to the BSB for an extension to their practising certificate, authorising them to conduct litigation. If a barrister is not authorised to conduct litigation, they should not file proceedings on your behalf with the court or file other applications, or take other formal steps in court or other proceedings. (If the barrister has not been authorised to conduct litigation, you will have to send the documents to the court, although the barrister could help prepare them for you.)
Does a Barrister require special training to take Public Access work?
How will I be charged?
What is ADR?
Where can I get more information on Public Access
- Click HERE to take you to the Bar Standards Board ‘Guidance for Lay Clients’
- Click HERE to take you to the Bar Standards Board ‘Barristers Register’
- Click HERE to take you to the Bar Council ‘Direct Access Portal’
- Click HERE to take you to the Bar Standards Board ‘Using a Barrister’
- Click HERE to take you to the Bar Council ‘Public Access’
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