Direct Access and our Barristers
All information is available in alternative format upon request
Depending on the facts of the case, it is now possible to instruct a barrister directly, without going via a solicitor.
Please note this scheme is not available for legal aid cases
This scheme is not available in legal aid cases. If your enquiry is about a criminal or family law matter, you should first check if you qualify for Legal Aid and consider whether that is a more suitable avenue for your needs. You may wish to seek advice from a solicitors firm first. For further information, click here.
The clear advantage to our clients of “Direct Access” or “Public Access” is an enormous saving in cost. By instructing a barrister direct, clients have access to the expertise they need to conduct the case, without having to pay the additional costs of a solicitor.
This scheme is not available in legal aid cases.
The following general terms of service apply:
- Barristers will charge either a fixed fee for a piece of work or an hourly rate depending on the nature of the work.
- Upon acceptance of the work the barrister and the client will enter into a contract, setting out precisely what work will be done, the fees for the work, the time it will take and any notable deadlines.
- Barristers fees will be charged according to their level of experience, the complexity of the case and the length of time involved in dealing with it. The time at which fees become payable will be agreed on a case by case basis and is agreed between barrister and client.
- Where the fee relates to a hearing, the barrister is normally entitled to the fee, whether or not the hearing goes ahead, although you may be able to agree in advance a different basis for payment of the fee in such a case.
- Fees for paperwork and conferences will be fixed in advance of the work. Where that is not possible, an estimate will be given. We may also be able to agree that there should be a “cap” on the fee charged for a particular piece of work.
- Where fees are agreed in advance of the work being done, the barrister will require the fee to be paid before carrying out the work.
- Where a fee is not fixed in advance and the work involves the production of paperwork (for example the drafting of a contract), the barrister will require you to pay for the work before it is released. If, when finding out more about the case, the barrister considers the work that is proposed will take longer than the time agreed, the barrister will contact you to arrange and amend the contract.
- Timescales for work will vary depending on the type of work. See specific areas of work.
- Members of Farringdon Chambers will most often charge hourly rates, please see below table of estimate of fees. The estimates exclude VAT, but please note that VAT will be charged. The fees may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the barristers experience/seniority. Please note that these are estimates only and the fees may be higher than below.
- For payments under the direct access scheme, Farringdon Chambers uses a third party company, Transpact. The details of the scheme can be explained in detail upon enquiry.
As a general guide these are as follows.
| Stage of case | Ranges of hourly rates (estimates) |
| Written advice on your claim | £100 - £1500 P/H (approx. 1 – 10 hours) |
| Preparation of case, including meetings/conferences with you and assistance with drafting of any tribunal documents | £100 - £1500 P/H (approx. 1 – 10 hours) |
| Preliminary hearings, mentions, standard appearance fees | £100 - £1500 P/H (approx. 1 – 10 hours) |
| First Appearance/First day’s tribunal appearance | £100 - £1500 P/H (1 – 10 hours) |
| Tribunal appearances per day, refreshers, after the first day | £100 – £1500 P/H (1 – 10 hours) |
| Remedy hearing (to decide compensation) | £100 - £1500 P/H (1 – 10 hours) |
| First day of Trial | £100 - £1500 P/H (1 – 10 hours) |
Individual barristers within our Direct Access team provide services in the following areas:
- Criminal cases (Magistrates’, Crown Court, Court of Appeal)
- Motoring offences (summary only)
- Employment Law
- Landlord & Tenant/Housing;
- Civil disputes (including contract/construction)
- Personal Injury claims
Please click here for our guide to prices and key stages in these specific areas:
There may be additional costs incurred to cover items such as photocopying, court bundles, courier fees and you will be advised if you need to instruct third parties services. Please click here for our guide to prices and key stages in these specific areas:
We have detailed guidance notes about Direct Access and it's use. Simply click here to download a copy or alternatively please see the guidance published by the Bar Standards Board by clicking here. If you need information regarding Legal insurance this can be supplied upon request.
For further information about direct instructions please contact the clerk Robert Archer or by phone on 020 7089 5700 or 07506116194. He will be able to discuss the facts of your case with you and explain what fees may be charged and when.
