DIRECT PUBLIC ACCESS

Traditionally clients instructed Solicitors to handle their paperwork and those Solicitors would then 'brief' a Barrister to give them expert legal advice and to represent their clients in court.

Solicitors were widely seen as being the 'General Practitioner' who could handle the 'paperwork' and Barristers the 'Consultant' who could handle the 'courtwork'.

All that has changed.

Since 2004 clients have been able to brief a specially qualified Barrister directly in family law cases without needing to use a Solicitor. This is called 'Direct Public Access'.

Direct Access Barristers can :

Provide you with expert legal advice about the merits and potential outcomes of your case;
Assist you with drafting correspondence;
Help to draft statements from litigants and witnesses;
Draft formal court documents;
Advise you on suitable experts and draft instructions to expert witnesses;
Offer you advice on the next steps to be taken in proceedings;
Assist you in trying to resolve your case; and
Represent you in court
Advise you on your Appeal options
Give you a Second Opinion

Most barristers who offer Direct Access do not 'conduct litigation'. That means that the responsibility for the day to day management of your case will remain with you - and you save the costs of associated with that work.


Some differences remain between Solicitors and Barristers and what each profession can do. You should always read the Bar Standard Board's Guidance before using a Barrister rather than a Solicitor as not every case is suitable for Direct Access work.

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