If you need legal advice or representation, you don’t always have to go through a solicitor first. Barrister Connect gives you direct access to barristers in England and Wales on a clear, fixed-fee basis, without any surprises.
This page explains how the direct access process works and answers the most common questions about costs, legal aid, confidentiality, and how quickly we can match you with the right barrister for your case.
Direct access — also known as public access — allows you to instruct a barrister directly, rather than through a solicitor. It means you can go straight to a legal specialist who can advise you, draft documents, or represent you in court.
Direct access is:
We work on transparent fixed fees, so you’ll always know the cost before you choose to go ahead. Prices depend on the type of legal work you need, such as written advice, drafting court documents, or representation at a hearing. Initial enquiries and quotes are completely free and without obligation.
You can see typical fees and what is included on our Direct Access Barrister Fees page.
Yes — in England and Wales you can instruct a barrister directly under the Direct Access (Public Access) Scheme.
This allows you to seek expert legal help quicker and more affordably. If your case needs a solicitor too, your barrister will explain why and help guide you.
Lawyer” is a general term for qualified legal professionals, including both solicitors and barristers.
Solicitors usually manage the day-to-day handling of a legal matter, paperwork, negotiations and communication with the court.
Barristers specialise in legal advice, drafting complex documents, and advocacy — speaking for you in court.
Through Barrister Connect, you can go straight to a barrister for expert advice and representation when you need it.
You don’t need to search yourself. Barrister Connect matches you with a direct access barrister who has the right expertise, availability, and experience for your legal issue.
We review the details of your situation, identify suitable barristers from our network, and provide a fixed-fee quote so you can decide how to proceed.
We cannot assist cases funded by legal aid because Barrister Connect is a private fixed-fee service.
If you think you may be eligible for legal aid, you can check using the Government’s online legal aid eligibility checker, or speak to a solicitor who offers legal aid services.
Yes — everything you share is treated as strictly confidential. Your information is only shared with our team and the barrister assigned to your case. We use secure systems to protect your data, and our barristers are bound by professional confidentiality rules set by the Bar Standards Board.
We do not sell or share your information with third parties for marketing.
In many cases we can match you with a barrister within 24–48 hours, sometimes the same day — especially if you have a court deadline approaching.
You can start online anytime or call us directly for urgent matters on 03301 911 875.
Yes — you can instruct a barrister for one-off legal advice without committing to full representation.
This could include reviewing documents, advising you on your next steps, or giving a second opinion on your case. If you need representation later, you can come back to us at any time.
We assist with a wide range of areas including family law, divorce finance, child arrangements, employment, property disputes, commercial contracts, and more. If you’re unsure whether we can help, just ask — we’ll confirm quickly.
Getting support is simple:
Step 1: Submit your case
Tell us about your situation using our short online form or by phone.
Step 2: Receive a fixed-fee quote
We match you with a suitable barrister and provide a clear price with no hidden fees.
Step 3: Connect with your barrister
Once you’re happy to go ahead, we put you in direct contact with your barrister so work can begin.
How much will it cost to instruct a barrister through Barrister Connect?
We work on transparent fixed fees, so you’ll always know the cost before you choose to go ahead. Prices depend on the type of legal work you need, such as written advice, drafting court documents, or representation at a hearing. Initial enquiries and quotes are completely free and without obligation.
You can see typical fees and what is included on our Direct Access Barrister Fees page.
Can I go directly to a barrister without using a solicitor?
Yes — in England and Wales you can instruct a barrister directly under the Direct Access (Public Access) Scheme.
This allows you to seek expert legal help quicker and more affordably. If your case needs a solicitor too, your barrister will explain why and help guide you.
What’s the difference between a lawyer, solicitor and barrister?
Lawyer” is a general term for qualified legal professionals, including both solicitors and barristers.
Solicitors usually manage the day-to-day handling of a legal matter, paperwork, negotiations and communication with the court.
Barristers specialise in legal advice, drafting complex documents, and advocacy — speaking for you in court.
Through Barrister Connect, you can go straight to a barrister for expert advice and representation when you need it.
How do I find the best barrister for my case?
You don’t need to search yourself. Barrister Connect matches you with a direct access barrister who has the right expertise, availability, and experience for your legal issue.
We review the details of your situation, identify suitable barristers from our network, and provide a fixed-fee quote so you can decide how to proceed.
Can I use legal aid to fund my case?
We cannot assist cases funded by legal aid because Barrister Connect is a private fixed-fee service.
If you think you may be eligible for legal aid, you can check using the Government’s online legal aid eligibility checker, or speak to a solicitor who offers legal aid services.
Is your service confidential?
Yes — everything you share is treated as strictly confidential. Your information is only shared with our team and the barrister assigned to your case. We use secure systems to protect your data, and our barristers are bound by professional confidentiality rules set by the Bar Standards Board.
We do not sell or share your information with third parties for marketing.
How quickly can you find me a suitable barrister?
In many cases we can match you with a barrister within 24–48 hours, sometimes the same day — especially if you have a court deadline approaching.
You can start online anytime or call us directly for urgent matters on 03301 911 875.
Can I go to a barrister just for advice?
Yes — you can instruct a barrister for one-off legal advice without committing to full representation.
This could include reviewing documents, advising you on your next steps, or giving a second opinion on your case. If you need representation later, you can come back to us at any time.
What types of cases can Barrister Connect help with?
We assist with a wide range of areas including family law, divorce finance, child arrangements, employment, property disputes, commercial contracts, and more. If you’re unsure whether we can help, just ask — we’ll confirm quickly.
How do I get started?
Getting support is simple:
Step 1: Submit your case
Tell us about your situation using our short online form or by phone.
Step 2: Receive a fixed-fee quote
We match you with a suitable barrister and provide a clear price with no hidden fees.
Step 3: Connect with your barrister
Once you’re happy to go ahead, we put you in direct contact with your barrister so work can begin.
Our expert team are here to find the right barrister for you
