CIVIL LITIGATION SPECIALISTS
Expert Civil Litigation Representation Without a Solicitor
Direct Access to specialist civil litigation Barristers for contract disputes, negligence claims, and court proceedings. No Solicitor required.
Takes about 2 minutes. No obligation.
All Barristers fully insured and regulated by the Bar Standards Board
What Direct Access Civil Litigation Barristers Actually Do
Civil litigation Barristers are court specialists who provide expert advocacy and strategic guidance. Direct communication with your Barrister means faster decisions and lower costs.
Court Advocacy
Your Barrister can:
- County court trials (small claims, fast track)
- High Court trials (multi-track)
- Case management conferences
- Interim applications
- Appeal hearings
- Costs hearings
Legal Strategy
Your Barrister advises on:
- Liability and causation analysis
- Quantum and damages calculations
- Litigation strategy development
- Settlement negotiation tactics
- Part 36 offer strategy
- Costs risk assessment
Document Drafting
Your Barrister can draft:
- Particulars of claim
- Defences and counterclaims
- Witness statements
- Legal submissions
- Skeleton arguments
- Part 36 offers
What You Handle
You are responsible for:
- Gathering evidence and documents
- Filing court documents
- Serving papers on defendants
- Pre-action protocol correspondence
- Following court directions
- Instructing expert witnesses if needed
Your Barrister drafts documents for you. You file them at court and serve them on the other party.
Your Barrister can draft documents for you. You are responsible for filing them at court and serving them on the other party.
Civil Litigation Services We Cover
Expert Barristers ready to help with all aspects of civil litigation.
Contract Disputes
Breach of contract claims and enforcement. Expert representation when contracts are broken, for damages recovery and specific performance.
Negligence Claims
General negligence and duty of care breaches. Expert representation for losses caused by another's negligence or carelessness.
Debt Recovery
Court-based debt recovery action. Expert advocacy for recovering unpaid debts through court proceedings and enforcement.
Professional Negligence
Claims against professionals. Expert representation when Solicitors, accountants, surveyors or other professionals breach duties causing financial loss.
Consumer Disputes
Consumer rights claims. Expert representation for faulty goods, poor services and unfair contract terms under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Breach of Statutory Duty
Statutory duty breaches. Expert representation when organisations breach legal duties imposed by statute causing loss or injury.
Important: When Direct Access Is Available
These hearings are available via Direct Access for privately funded cases only.
You CAN use Direct Access for:
- All privately funded civil litigation
- Contract, negligence and debt claims
- County court and High Court cases
- Consumer disputes and statutory duty claims
- Appeals and interim applications
You CANNOT use Direct Access for:
- Legal aid funded cases (you must use a Solicitor)
- Cases requiring extensive pre-action investigation
- Complex multi-party litigation needing coordination
- Situations where you need a Solicitor to manage all aspects
Not sure if your case is suitable?
Get a free, no-obligation quote. We'll honestly tell you if Direct Access is right for your civil dispute, or if you'd be better off with a Solicitor.
Check if your case qualifiesIs Direct Access Right for You?
Perfect for Direct Access
You're ideal if you:
- Clear liability disputes with good evidence
- Can gather documents and correspondence
- Comfortable completing court forms with guidance
- Want expert court advocacy and legal strategy
- Straightforward claims under £100,000
- Debt recovery with clear paper trail
Consider a Solicitor If
You need someone to:
- Complex multi-party litigation
- Cases needing extensive pre-action investigation
- Preference for full case management throughout
- Prefer not to handle any correspondence
- Very high value claims over £250,000
- International elements requiring foreign lawyers
The Direct Access Process
From first contact to court resolution
- 1Day 1
Submit Your Case
Provide details of your dispute, contracts, correspondence, and any evidence you have. Takes 5 to 10 minutes.
- 2Day 1 to 2
Barrister Matching
We connect you with civil litigation specialists experienced in your claim type. Review profiles and fees.
- 3Day 3 to 7
Strategic Advice
Barrister analyses your legal position, advises on prospects of success, explains costs risks, and provides court procedure guidance with a clear fee quote.
- 4Weeks 2 to 8
Pre-Action Protocol
Barrister drafts letter of claim and attempts settlement. You gather evidence and follow court directions.
- 5Months 3 to 18
Court Proceedings
Barrister drafts claim, represents you at hearings, provides trial advocacy, and protects your interests.
Indicative Fees for Civil Litigation
Fees vary by case complexity and Barrister experience. These figures give you a realistic starting point for civil litigation matters.
| Service | Junior Counsel | Senior Counsel |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Advice / Case Review | From £750 | From £2,000 |
| Small Claims Hearing (half day) | From £500 | From £1,500 |
| Fast Track Trial (1 day) | From £1,500 | From £4,000 |
| Multi-Track Trial (per day) | From £2,500 | From £6,000 |
| Interim Application | From £750 | From £2,000 |
| Document Drafting (claim/defence) | From £500 | From £1,500 |
| Part 36 Offer / Settlement Advice | From £500 | From £1,500 |
| Appeal Hearing | From £2,000 | From £5,000 |
Initial Advice / Case Review
Junior Counsel
From £750
Senior Counsel
From £2,000
Small Claims Hearing (half day)
Junior Counsel
From £500
Senior Counsel
From £1,500
Fast Track Trial (1 day)
Junior Counsel
From £1,500
Senior Counsel
From £4,000
Multi-Track Trial (per day)
Junior Counsel
From £2,500
Senior Counsel
From £6,000
Interim Application
Junior Counsel
From £750
Senior Counsel
From £2,000
Document Drafting (claim/defence)
Junior Counsel
From £500
Senior Counsel
From £1,500
Part 36 Offer / Settlement Advice
Junior Counsel
From £500
Senior Counsel
From £1,500
Appeal Hearing
Junior Counsel
From £2,000
Senior Counsel
From £5,000
Fees depend on case complexity, hearing length, claim value, and Barrister experience. Senior counsel and King's Counsel (KC) command higher fees for their expertise. Your Barrister will provide an exact fixed quote before any work begins. All fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable. Court fees are separate and paid directly to the court. Expert witness fees, if required, are additional.
All fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable. Court fees are separate and paid directly to the court.
Want an exact quote for your case?
Check if your case qualifies
Spread the cost with Klarna Pay in 3
We are the only Direct Access Barrister platform in the UK to offer Klarna Pay in 3. Split your fixed-fee quote into three interest-free monthly instalments and pay the same total, so you can instruct the right specialist when you need them. As an illustration, a £1,500 fixed fee becomes three payments of £500.
Pay the first third when you instruct your Barrister. Your case begins immediately.
Second instalment is collected automatically. No action needed from you.
Final instalment completes the payment. Fully paid, zero interest.
Pay in 3 is provided by Klarna, subject to status and Klarna's approval, and may not be available to everyone. 18+, UK residents only. Missed payments may affect your ability to obtain credit. Where Klarna is not available, you can pay by card or in full. T&Cs apply.
Does your case qualify for Direct Access?
Tell us about your matter and we'll confirm whether you can instruct a Barrister directly, then match you with the right specialist.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 302 9921. Lines open 8am to 8pm, same-day callback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about working with civil litigation Barristers
What is civil litigation?
Civil litigation is the process of resolving non-criminal disputes through the courts. It covers a wide range of issues including contract breaches, negligence claims, debt recovery, professional negligence, and consumer disputes. If someone owes you money, has broken a contract, or caused you loss through their carelessness, civil litigation is typically the legal route to seek compensation or enforce your rights.
How much does civil litigation cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on the type and complexity of your claim. A small claims hearing might cost from £500 in Barrister fees, while a multi-day High Court trial could be significantly more. Your Barrister will provide a clear fixed quote before you commit, so you'll know exactly what you're paying upfront. Court fees are separate and depend on the claim value.
What is the time limit for claims?
Most civil claims must be brought within 6 years of the event (the limitation period under the Limitation Act 1980). However, personal injury claims have a 3-year limit, and some claims have shorter or longer periods. It's important to get legal advice early, if you miss the limitation deadline, you may lose your right to claim entirely.
Should I try to settle before court?
Yes, in most cases. The courts expect parties to follow pre-action protocols, which include attempting to resolve the dispute before issuing proceedings. Your Barrister can help draft a letter of claim and advise on settlement strategy. Settling early can save significant time and costs. The court may penalise parties who unreasonably refuse to negotiate.
Can I recover my legal costs if I win?
In most civil cases, the losing party pays a contribution towards the winner's costs. However, this is not guaranteed, the court has discretion over costs orders. In small claims (under £10,000), costs recovery is very limited regardless of outcome. Your Barrister can advise on the likely costs position for your specific case and help you manage cost risks.
What are small claims, fast track and multi-track?
These are the three tracks the court allocates cases to based on value and complexity. Small claims (up to £10,000) have simplified procedures and limited costs recovery. Fast track (£10,000 to £25,000) typically involves a one-day trial. Multi-track (over £25,000 or complex cases) involves more detailed case management. Your Barrister will advise which track your case is likely to be allocated to.
What is a Part 36 offer?
A Part 36 offer is a formal settlement offer made under the Civil Procedure Rules. It carries significant costs consequences, if the other side rejects your offer and you achieve a better result at trial, they may face enhanced costs penalties including indemnity costs and additional interest. Part 36 offers are a powerful tactical tool, and your Barrister can advise on the right timing and amount.
Do I need expert evidence?
It depends on your case. Professional negligence claims often require expert evidence to establish the standard of care. Personal injury claims need medical evidence. Some contract disputes may need forensic accountancy evidence. Your Barrister will advise whether expert evidence is needed and, if so, what type. You would be responsible for instructing and paying the expert directly.
Ready to Find Your Civil Litigation Expert?
Browse specialist civil litigation Barristers available for direct instruction today.
Or call us: 0800 302 9921. Lines open 8am to 8pm, same-day callback.
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