Direct access enables you to work directly with a barrister rather than going to a solicitor first, and having the solicitor liaise with the barrister on your behalf.
You might instruct a barrister directly to:
Give you written advice about your case, after reading the documents
Give you advice in conference – that is, face-to-face, on the phone or virtually, after reading the documents; or
Represent you either in court at a hearing, or at a settlement conference or a mediation.
The advantages of direct access are:
Cost – You can save substantially on solicitors’ fees by going to barrister direct and doing some of the work yourself. In many cases, solicitors seek specialist advice from barrister n any event. By using direct access you are by-passing the solicitor and their fees.
Clarity – Fees can be agreed in advance, so there are no hidden costs. We operate a fixed-fee service for direct access work so that you know exactly what you are paying for, whether that is for the whole case or just a part of it.
Expertise - Barristers are often instructed for their expert opinions.
Speed - Barristers are experts in their fields. We will identify the key issues and points of law quickly and efficiently.
Support – Our experienced support team will ensure that the barrister will have the appropriate documents and information to work efficiently on your behalf.
Direct Access Barristers are regulated by the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board and have strict professional rules by which they abide, giving you the benefit of consumer protection and the backing of a professional conduct regime built up over centuries. Only barristers who have achieved a specialist direct access qualification are allowed to work directly with clients. If you would like more information about how a barrister could work with you directly, you can look at the public direct access page on the Bar Council’s website (https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/bar-council-services/for-barristers/direct-access-portal.html) or the guidance notes prepared by Bar Standards Board (https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/uploads/assets/20f0db2a-a40c-4af9-95b1b9557ad748e9/Public-Access-Guidance-for-Lay-Clients.pdf), by clicking the links.
Chambers of Rosa Zaffuto will be able to discuss whether your case is suitable for public access and will be able to provide you with information on what specifically is required in order to prepare a meaningful estimate, after which a quote for the work will be provided within 14 days.
Please note the provision of a quote is not an acceptance of instructions. An acceptance of instruction is fixed upon the signing of a public access agreement. Where we provide a fixed price for a piece of work we will seek not to exceed the amount we have quoted without prior client authority.