Direct Access
Direct Access Barristers London
INSTRUCT A BARRISTER
Direct Access Barristers
Our members at Mercantile Barristers are Direct Access Trained and are happy to be consulted by and we accept instructions directly from professionals and discerning private clients at any time. To book an appointment with our direct access barrister London team please call us and speak to our clerks who will find a best barrister for you.
Instruct A Barrister
Individuals, Businesses and Barristers pre-2004
Historically, barristers in England & Wales could only accept instructions from solicitors and could not be consulted directly by members of the public, or “lay clients”. Barristers were considered to be too expert and too specialist to deal directly with lay clients.
It was left to a solicitor to first determine whether the legal problem that had arisen required the involvement of the expert barrister. If so, it was only the solicitor that could instruct the barrister on behalf of the lay client. Using a medical analogy, it is akin to having to see your GP before being referred to the specialist Consultant.
Instruct A Barrister
Individuals, Businesses and Barristers post-2004
Now, the Direct Access (also known as “Public Access”) scheme, allows members of the public such as individuals and businesses, to instruct a barrister directly and without the need to go through a solicitor. The services our direct access barristers can provide include:
• Advice on the merits of your claim or defence
• Advice on Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Advocacy and Representation in Court Proceedings
• Drafting correspondence on your behalf
• Drafting Court Documents and Forms, such as Witness Statements and Application Notices
• Pre-Action Advice
Most barristers who offer Direct Access do not offer to conduct your litigation. This means that if you are litigating your legal dispute in a Court or Tribunal in England & Wales, the responsibility for the day-to-day management of your case (e.g. formal service on your opponent and filing documents at court) will remain with you.
However, many of our barristers are also authorised to conduct litigation and with our support team consisting of solicitors and paralegals, our team is available to provide full circle legal assistance to you and your business.
How We Work
Instructing Our Barristers
Bring Your Legal Issue
We Recommend Counsel
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Legal Advice & Next Steps
testimonials
Client Success Stories
“I just wanted to say thank you to Dirk for everything over the last couple of years. It has certainly been a slog at times, but your professionalism throughout has been outstanding. The speed at which you dealt with matters, particularly your email responses, genuinely made a huge difference and helped keep the whole process moving. Clearly, I would never wish to go through something like this again, but I am very pleased with the outcome in the end.”
Colin
“They drew up my business contract. Dealt with it perfectly. Really appreciated their diligence throughout.”
Chrissy T
“We used Samuel Okoronkwo Jnr for the drafting of some tenancy documents. I was very happy with the service and it was very helpful to be able to discuss them with him after they were drafted.”
Tim Frame
“I was nervous about contacting a Barrister this way but I have to say, the experience with Mercantile was quick, efficient and outstanding. I would definitely recommend them and they gave me the confidence to pursue my case. Many thanks to all.”
Rebecca Rye
“Professional, flexible and great service, very satisfied. Highly recommend.”
Anastasia B
“Have found Mercantile to be honest, diligent and willing to go the extra mile with their advice.”
Linda S
“A big thank you Dirk from Viola , Marina and myself . It was a real pleasure to see a master of his trade apply his magic. From the moment you arrived you put us all at rest and confident we had made not only the right choice but you would represent Viola in the manner she deserved . Viola has been carrying this weight around for many years and you have started her on the right path to being happy again . We are so grateful for what you have achieved for Viola that gives some security to her and her daughter . Eternally grateful Dirk”
Jose Huarcaya Huamani
“Great team, I feel comfortable with the Legal Advice and support in terms of Property Law.”
Jose Huarcaya Huamani
Have a Question?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Direct Access?
In 2004, changes in the law meant that members of the public, including private individuals; businesses and charities were permitted to instruct a barrister directly without having to go through a solicitor or intermediary. This is known as “public access”, or more commonly as “direct access”.
What is the difference between a Barrister and Solicitor?
A barrister is a legal professional who is authorised by the Bar Standards Board to offer reserved legal activities, such as legal advice and court and tribunal advocacy services. Usually, barristers specialise in one area of expertise, however some may have a more general practice covering a number of expertise.
A solicitor is a legal professional who is authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to provide legal advice on contentious and non-contentious issues (including assisting in the completion of legal transactions).
The difference between barristers and solicitors arises where barristers usually provide written legal opinions and advocacy services in court, whereas solicitors operate mainly in their offices and assist with more transactional legal work (such as conveyancing; drafting wills).
However, there are examples of professions fusing such that barristers are now able to take Direct Access instructions from members of the public, and solicitors, in some circumstances can obtain Higher Rights of Audience to represent clients in court.
How Does Direct Access Work?
- Contact Us. When you first contact us, tell us what your legal issue is concerning and what you would like to achieve. It would be helpful to give us copies of any documents for the barrister to consider, to understand your case better.
- We will Quote you for our services. After we receive a copy of your documents and an explanation of what you would like the barrister to achieve, we will give you a quote for the barrister to advise you in a one-hour consultation.
- Agree our Terms. Once the quote has been agreed, we will ask you to provide payment to secure your appointment; and anti-money laundering documents, such as your proofs of identity and address; to verify your identity.
- Attend the Consultation. We will arrange a mutually convenient time for you to meet the barrister in consultation to provide you the advice. We offer consultations over cloud video platforms (such as Zoom, or Microsoft Teams); or in person at our chambers. The barrister will then give you advice on your legal position and the next steps.
- Further Instructions. You may then wish to instruct the barrister to assist you with the next steps of your legal issue. Our clerks will give you a quote for each piece of work for your agreement before the barrister proceeds.
Why choose Direct Access?
Our London Direct Access Barristers are able to conduct your litigation so you don’t have to go from one solicitor’s office on the High Street to barristers’ chambers at the Inns of Court.
A barrister usually has lower overheads, so this will usually be more economical than retaining the solicitor alone and will cost less than instructing both a barrister and solicitor.
You get the earliest possible direct access to the specialist – not just when a problem gets to Court. This could save you the headache, heartache and expense of avoidable litigation.
You will normally know in advance the basis upon which the work will be charged, as well as your advisors view on likely prospects of success.
What are Mercantile’s Direct Access Expertise?
Mercantile Barristers Chambers is a new brand of modern barristers’ chambers, based in Gray’s Inn Square, London and established in 2016. The barristers in our Chambers specialise in providing legal advice and representation in variety of expertise including:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Company & Commercial Law
- Construction Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Insolvency & Recovery
- Private Client
- Property Law
- Planning Law
- Sports Law
What are Mercantile’s Direct Access Fees?
The cost of instructing a direct access barrister at Mercantile Barristers will depend on many factors, including the complexity of your case and the seniority of the barrister who is available to advise you. Your fee will be agreed in advance by our clerks and usually start at £325+VAT for a consultation.
• We do not accept legal aid work
• We do not offer free consultations
• We do not work on a no win, no fee basis
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Contact Our Barristers Today
We are here to help! Please contact us today to speak to one of our barristers.
