DIRECT ACCESS
Direct Access:
The Bar Council explains Direct Access: "Anyone can now go directly to a barrister without having to involve anyone else (e.g. a solicitor)."
Barristers can prepare application forms for you and represent you at hearings. Barristers may negotiate on your behalf, and attend consultations with local residents, the police and other licensing authorities.
Substantial savings can be made by instructing a barrister under the direct access scheme. If you wish to arrange a free consultation with Gerald Gouriet QC please speak to:
James Kemp
020 7247 1846
Harrison Killick
020 7247 1845
Billy Brett
020 7427 1861
Because the barrister’s role is unchanged and there are certain limits on the types of work that a barrister can do, there are still some situations in which you will need to instruct a solicitor or another intermediary as well as a barrister. However, for many cases the public access scheme allows you to go directly to the expert barrister for advice, and drafting of documents.
The service of documents can be daunting for the non-legally qualified layman. Service of documentation on the authorities can be effected on your behalf by an experienced licensing consultant at a fraction of the cost of using a solicitor ... Licensing Consultancy Service
Direct (public) access has many advantages over and above reduced legal costs. Being able to telephone, email or come in and talk to your barrister directly is often more efficient than having to pass every communication via a solicitor, with each response similarly channelled through a 3rd party.
For more information about public access, see the Guide published by the Bar Standards Board: "Public Access: Guidance for the Lay Client"