Using a barrister

Normally, barristers are instructed by solicitors. However, there are times when clients wish to instruct a barrister directly - normally where they are a professional client (such as a landlord) who is familiar with the law and can undertake much of the work themselves; or where there are budgetary constraints. 

Many of our barristers are trained to provide clients with direct access to expert legal assistance. We can represent clients in court or tribunal hearings; help to prepare documents and statements for use in legal proceedings; and give expert advice on the legal position.

Further information about the scheme from the Bar Standards Board is available here. Click below to get our Guide to Direct Access which will answer all your questions about how the process works, and give information about the costs.

How much will it cost?

When you instruct one of our barristers, we normally agree a fixed fee for the work so that you can control your legal expenses. Occasionally, we will agree an hourly rate with an estimate of the number of hours' work required. We require payment in advance for all public access work (normally 14 days ahead of any hearing). 

Further information about costs is available in our Guide to Direct Access. We are obliged to provide information about possible costs and timescales in certain types of work (including Employment Tribunals; financial disputes in divorce; Inheritance Act advice; licensing applications for business; summary only motoring offences and winding up petitions). Click below for that information (or contact us for a hard copy version).

How to apply

If you wish to engage one of our barristers on a Direct Access basis, we will need some information about your case. Please click Apply Now below, complete our application form in as much detail as possible and email it to our Practice Managers. We will respond as soon as possible.

Please note that we do not normally take enquiries by telephone.

If you know which barrister you wish to instruct, you are welcome to email their Practice Manager directly. You will find details of their Practice Manager on their profile.

If your matter is urgent (hearing within 48 hours), please telephone us on 020 7353 2532.

Direct access mediation

We also offer direct access mediation for those clients who wish to resolve a dispute amicably but do not have a solicitor, or who are willing to attend mediation without a solicitor present. Direct access mediation is only suitable for two party disputes and is only available in civil disputes or TOLATA cases (not for family cases).

The cost will depend on the value of the dispute, and is payable in advance. The cost is shared between the parties. The fees are:

- For disputes worth up to £49,999: £2,500 plus VAT for a one day mediation, shared between the parties;

- For disputes worth £50,000+: £3,000 plus VAT for a one day mediation, shared between the parties. 

To enquire about the availability of a mediator for your dispute, please contact Rob Johnstone.