Direct Public Access

 

It is now possible to instruct members of the Bar directly without employing the services of a solicitor. This allows a wide range of clients to benefit from the cost savings and efficiency that can come from going direct to our experts rather than through an intermediary. We will help those who are considering using a barrister directly to decide if this is the best route for them and understand how this way of accessing legal services works.

Hardwicke is committed to providing clients with a service that is swift, efficient and user friendly.

Hardwicke has published two reports on Direct Public Access:

Direct Access to Barristers: a survey of market views and needs Feb 2007

Public Access to Barristers: a survey of market views and need June 2008

What is Public Access?

Public Access is the name given by the Bar Council to the scheme where members of the public can instruct barristers directly. Now anyone - individuals, companies, firms etc – can instruct a barrister directly.

What services do barristers at Hardwicke offer?

We continue to provide the specialist legal services the Bar has always offered - this includes drafting documents, giving written and oral advice as well as providing advocacy services for clients in courts, tribunals, arbitrations, mediations and any other situation where you are permitted to have someone speak on your behalf.

However, there are some things a barrister cannot do for you such as corresponding with the other side on your behalf or handling money for you.   The work that barristers are not permitted to do will need to be carried out by you. If you do not feel you are able for whatever reason to do that work then you will need to instruct a solicitor to do the work on your behalf.

How can I instruct a Hardwicke barrister?

Your first point of contact for an enquiry about instructing a barrister is the Practice Management team. In a barristers' chambers the Practice Managers help our clients to find the right barrister for them. Whilst they are not legally qualified, they have an extensive knowledge of the legal system. To speak to one of our friendly team, please ring 020 7242 2523 and ask for a Practice Manager. 

They will assess the nature of your case and suggest the most appropriate barrister based on the information that you provide. You can find more information on each of our barristers here. We can also give you an initial estimate of the costs that are likely to be incurred. 

Once a barrister has agreed to take on your case or matter, you will be sent a "client care letter". This letter will be your contract with the barrister for the work to be done. 

 Your agreement will be with a particular individual barrister and not with Hardwicke Building. No-one else will carry out any work for you unless there is a separate agreement with that further barrister. Until a barrister has agreed to take your case neither the Barrister nor Hardwicke Building can accept any responsibility for advising you on any other aspect of your case or matter.