Direct Access Barristers Explained: Do You Need A Solicitor?
Direct Access allows the public to instruct a barrister without going through a solicitor first. Here's what that means in practice and when it makes sense.
Traditionally, members of the public could only instruct a barrister through a solicitor. The Direct Access scheme changed that, allowing suitably qualified barristers to be instructed directly by clients.
What Direct Access Means For You
Instructing a barrister directly can reduce cost and remove a layer of communication between you and the person actually representing you in court.
When You Might Still Want A Solicitor
Some cases involve significant preparatory work — such as extensive evidence-gathering — that a solicitor's firm is well placed to handle. Barristers authorised to conduct litigation, like Astons Law Chambers, can often manage this work directly, but it's worth discussing your specific case to decide the best approach.
Authorised Litigator Status
Not every barrister can conduct litigation. Where a barrister holds this authorisation, cases can be run entirely without a separate solicitor, from correspondence with the Crown Prosecution Service through to trial.