Instructing a Barrister without a Solicitor
How Direct Access works
Hiring a Barrister used to mean going through a Solicitor first. Direct Access lets you go straight to the specialist instead. Here is the whole process, from your first message to the end of your case, with the fee agreed before anything starts.
Every Barrister regulated by the Bar Standards Board
Step by step
The process in six steps
From initial enquiry to resolution, here is who does what at each stage.
You
Tell Us About Your Situation
Describe your legal matter in your own words, through our short form or by calling our team. You do not need legal knowledge or jargon. We organise your description into a clear, structured brief so the right specialist can understand your case quickly.
Us
We Check Suitability
Not every case is right for Direct Access. We assess yours honestly and tell you upfront. If a Solicitor would serve you better, we will say so. We would rather give you the right advice than the wrong service.
Us
Receive Your Fixed-Fee Quote
We match you to the specialist Barrister whose expertise fits your case and confirm a single fixed fee for the agreed work, in writing. There is no directory to browse and no profiles to compare. You know exactly what you will pay before you decide whether to proceed.
Your fixed fee arrives in writing. Nothing is owed until you say yes.
You
Instruct Your Barrister
If you decide to proceed, you instruct your matched Barrister through our platform and pay the agreed fixed fee. Your Barrister confirms the scope and timeline.
You and your Barrister
Work Together Directly
Work directly with your Barrister as your case progresses, with our team on hand from 8am to 8pm to help at every step. Upload documents, track deadlines, and see real time updates on your case progress, all from your dashboard.
Your Barrister
Case Resolution
Your Barrister handles the specialist legal work, whether that is drafting documents, providing written advice, negotiating a settlement, or representing you in court.
Why Direct Access?
The specialist, without the middle layer
The Barrister, the qualifications and the regulation are the same. You remove a layer you may not need.
No Solicitor markup
Pay one professional instead of two. Fixed fees agreed before work begins.
A team on your side
Our team works 8am to 8pm and is on hand to help at every step.
BSB regulated
Every Barrister we work with is regulated by the Bar Standards Board and qualified for Direct Access.
Fixed fees
Know exactly what you will pay before you commit. No hourly billing. No surprises.
An honest view
Is Direct Access right for you?
Direct Access works well for many legal matters, but not all. If it is not right for your case, we will tell you.
Likely suitable
- You have a specific legal question or dispute
- You need representation at a hearing or tribunal
- You want expert advice on your legal position
- You need documents drafted by a specialist
- You are comfortable managing your own paperwork with guidance
- Your case does not require ongoing day to day management by a lawyer
May not be suitable
- You need someone to manage every aspect of your case
- Your case involves complex multi party litigation requiring a Solicitor
- You are unable to manage correspondence and court deadlines
- You need legal aid funding
- Your matter requires a Solicitor by law (e.g. conveyancing)
Not sure? Our free, no-obligation quote takes two minutes and will tell you whether Direct Access is suitable for your situation. Learn more about what Direct Access is.
Scope of service
What a Barrister can and cannot do for you
Knowing where a Barrister's work starts and stops helps you make the right choice.
A Barrister can
Represent you
Speak for you at court or tribunal hearings.
Draft legal documents
Letters, witness statements, contracts and court documents.
Give specialist advice
An expert opinion on the strengths of your case.
Negotiate settlements
Attend mediations or negotiate directly with the other side.
Work with you directly
Advise and correspond with you throughout your case.
A Barrister cannot
Hold client money
They cannot act as a bank. We handle payments.
Run day-to-day case management
They generally do not file papers or manage daily correspondence.
Conduct litigation (usually)
Unless specially authorised, you remain responsible for filing documents.
Investigate facts
They rely on the facts and evidence you provide.
Take legal aid work
Most legal aid work requires instruction through a Solicitor.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Direct Access process.
How long does the process take from start to finish?
Most clients are matched with their Barrister within 24 hours of completing the form. The overall timeline depends on your case. A straightforward piece of written advice might be delivered within a week, while a court hearing depends on court scheduling. Your Barrister will give you a realistic timeline once your fixed fee is confirmed.
Do I need to prepare anything before I start?
No preparation is needed. Just describe your situation in your own words using our short form. If you have relevant documents such as letters, contracts, or court papers, you can upload them later, but they are not required to get started.
Can I change my Barrister if I am not satisfied?
Yes. If your case has not yet progressed to a hearing or substantial work has not been undertaken, you can request a different Barrister. We will help you find an alternative match. Any fees for completed work are non refundable, but unused fees can be discussed on a case by case basis.
What if I need help with the procedural steps?
Your Barrister will guide you on any procedural steps you need to handle yourself, such as filing documents at court. Many clients manage these steps with their Barrister's guidance. If your case requires a Solicitor for specific procedural elements, your Barrister will advise you and we can help you find one.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Your information is handled securely and your case details are shared only with the Barrister matched to your case. We comply with UK data protection law and the Bar Standards Board's confidentiality requirements.
What happens if my case is not suitable for Direct Access?
We will tell you honestly during the suitability check. If a Solicitor would serve you better, we will explain why and, where possible, point you in the right direction. There is no charge for the suitability check.
Ready when you are
Start with step one.
Describe your situation in your own words. Our free quote takes about two minutes and there is no obligation.