About Direct Public Access
This allows private individuals, other professionals, companies, etc. to consult a barrister directly without first having to go to a solicitor. This is done on an agreed, written basis for specific items, such as providing advice, drafting a document or attending a court hearing. The aim is to provide an economical, focused service providing specific products to clients otherwise conducting their own legal affairs.
A barrister providing this service cannot conduct litigation (including issuing or lodging documents at court), instruct expert witnesses or handle money on the client's behalf. All such matters have to be handled by the client or a solicitor.
If on first looking at the case, the barrister considers that it is not in the client's interests or the interests of justice for the client to be represented on this basis, he may decline to take the case and suggest that the client consult a solicitor. He may also do so if that situation arises at any time during his dealing with the case.
Fees are on as fixed and definite basis as possible. For individual 'one-off' pieces of work, then a fixed fee will be charged. Where the amount of work involved is uncertain, an hourly rate will be charged, with an estimate of the likely time involved and an upper limit on the fee. If it becomes apparent that more work is required than at first thought, the barrister will not continue without further written agreement. Fixed fees are normally payable in advance. Otherwise, the fee is payable on completion of the work. As with a solicitor, the barrister is entitled to retain the piece of work (exercise a lien) until the fee is paid. Public funding is not available for Direct Public Access work.