top of page

Public Access & Fees

 

Traditionally, only a solicitor was permitted to instruct a barrister. However, many of the old regulatory barriers have now been removed and, in appropriate cases, businesses and individuals may now instruct a barrister directly, without the need for a solicitor to act as an intermediary. This is known as “public access” or sometimes “direct access” and is proving to be an increasingly popular and cost-effective method of obtaining expert legal services.

 

It enables clients to benefit from the expert skills and knowledge of a specialist licensing barrister from the very start of the case. Since a barrister’s overheads are significantly lower than for many other professionals, those costs savings can be passed on to the client. Unnecessary duplication of work can often be avoided by coming directly to the barrister who will be negotiating on your behalf and presenting your case at any eventual hearing. This makes case-management more effective and so the cost of instructing a public access barrister is usually considerably less than it would have been if other senior professionals were involved instead of, or in addition to, a barrister.

 

In certain instances it may still be necessary for other professionals such as solicitors, licensing consultants and experts to be brought into your case. If so, Gary will be able to advise you on what level of additional support is required and can recommend trusted professionals to join your legal team. However, at all times your case will remain "barrister-led".

 

If your case is suitable for a public access instruction, then Gary's experienced Clerks at FTB will be able to guide you through the simple paperwork required to formally instruct him. More information on public access is available from the Bar Council.

 

Fees are generally payable in advance of any work being conducted. This assists in keeping administration costs to a minimum and the savings can be passed on to the client.

 

Fees will be assessed by reference to the size and complexity of your case, the issues involved, the length and location of any hearing, and the amount of preparation required. Upon receipt of the papers, fees can then be agreed with Gary's Clerks on one of the following bases:

 

  • A fixed-fee for the whole case;
  • A fixed-fee for each stage of the case; or

  • An hourly rate.  

 

Further informtaion on fees  is here. Gary is regulated by the Bar Standards Board.

 

If you wish to discuss instructing Gary, please contact one of his Clerks, Harry Killick or Adam Collins.

 

bottom of page