Until relatively recently, the only way to access a barrister was through a solicitor. That changed with the introduction of the Public Access scheme, now more commonly known as Direct Access. Today, most people with a civil or family law matter can instruct a barrister directly, without a solicitor as intermediary. This guide explains everything you need to know.
Almost any adult with a civil or family law matter can use the Direct Access scheme. There is no financial threshold, no requirement to have tried other routes first, and no specific form of eligibility. The scheme is open to individuals, sole traders, and businesses alike. The main limitation is that some types of work, particularly certain criminal defence matters and conveyancing, require solicitor involvement for specific tasks.
Direct Access barristers work across a wide range of civil and family matters including divorce and financial remedy proceedings, child arrangements disputes, non-molestation and occupation order applications, employment tribunal claims and defences, landlord and tenant disputes, commercial contract disputes, boundary and property litigation, and probate disputes. These cover the vast majority of the legal matters that individuals and businesses face.
The simplest route is to use Barrister Connect. You submit an enquiry explaining your situation, and the team identifies the barrister with the relevant specialist expertise and availability. You receive a fixed-fee quote before any work begins. If you are happy to proceed, you confirm the instruction and begin working directly with the barrister.
Before making an enquiry, gather the key documents and facts relating to your case. Relevant correspondence, court documents, contracts, or any other papers that form the background to the dispute are all useful to have to hand. You do not need a complete picture at the enquiry stage, but the more information you can provide, the more accurate the quote will be.
Many clients who have previously used solicitors find the direct access process refreshingly straightforward. You deal directly with the legal expert who knows your case, rather than communicating through layers of administration. Responses are prompt, advice is direct, and the absence of a billing clock running in the background makes interactions more efficient and focused.
Getting a barrister without a solicitor is straightforward through the Direct Access scheme. The scheme covers most civil and family law matters. Barrister Connect handles the matching and provides a fixed-fee quote before any work begins. You work directly with the barrister, handling your own correspondence and administration. It is a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective route to specialist legal expertise for most people.
Speak to the Barrister Connect team and we will explain how Direct Access could work for your situation and give you a clear, fixed-fee quote. Contact us here.