How Direct Access Works
Hiring a Barrister used to mean going through a Solicitor first. Direct Access changes that. Here is how the process works, from your first enquiry to case resolution.
Why Direct Access?
Direct Access gives you the specialist without the middleman.
No Solicitor markup
Pay one professional instead of two. No Solicitor markup. Fixed fees agreed before work begins.
Reactive Support
Our team works 8am to 8pm and is on hand to help at every step.
BSB Regulated
Every Barrister on our platform is regulated by the Bar Standards Board and qualified for Direct Access.
Fixed Fees
Know exactly what you will pay before you commit. No hourly billing. No surprises.
The Process in Six Steps
From initial enquiry to resolution, here is how the process works with transparency at every stage.
Tell Us About Your Situation
Describe your legal matter in your own words, through our short form or by calling our team. You do not need legal knowledge or jargon. We organise your description into a clear, structured brief so the right specialist can understand your case quickly.
We Check Suitability
Not every case is right for Direct Access. We assess yours honestly and tell you upfront. If a Solicitor would serve you better, we will say so. We would rather give you the right advice than the wrong service.
Receive Your Fixed-Fee Quote
We match you to the specialist Barrister whose expertise fits your case and confirm a single fixed fee for the agreed work, in writing. There is no directory to browse and no profiles to compare. You know exactly what you will pay before you decide whether to proceed.
Instruct Your Barrister
If you decide to proceed, you instruct your matched Barrister through our platform. Payment is processed securely and held until work is completed. Your Barrister confirms the scope and timeline.
Work Together Directly
Work directly with your Barrister as your case progresses, with our team on hand from 8am to 8pm to help at every step. Upload documents, track deadlines, and see real time updates on your case progress, all from your dashboard.
Case Resolution
Your Barrister handles the specialist legal work, whether that is drafting documents, providing written advice, negotiating a settlement, or representing you in court.
Is Direct Access Right for You?
Direct Access works well for many legal matters, but not all. Here is an honest view.
Likely Suitable
You have a specific legal question or dispute
You need representation at a hearing or tribunal
You want expert advice on your legal position
You need documents drafted by a specialist
You are comfortable managing your own paperwork with guidance
Your case does not require ongoing day to day management by a lawyer
May Not Be Suitable
You need someone to manage every aspect of your case
Your case involves complex multi party litigation requiring a Solicitor
You are unable to manage correspondence and court deadlines
You need legal aid funding
Your matter requires a Solicitor by law (e.g. conveyancing)
Not sure? Our free, no-obligation quote takes two minutes and will tell you whether Direct Access is suitable for your situation. Learn more about what Direct Access is.
Scope of Service
Understanding what Barristers can and cannot do helps you make the right choice.
Barristers CAN
Expert Advocacy
Represent you in court or tribunal hearings.
Draft Legal Documents
Contracts, letters, witness statements, and court pleadings.
Specialist Advice
Give expert opinion on the strengths of your case.
Negotiate Settlements
Attend mediations or negotiate directly with the other side.
Work With You Directly
Advise and correspond with you directly throughout your case.
Barristers CANNOT
Hold Client Money
They cannot act as a bank. Our platform handles payments securely.
General Case Management
They generally do not file papers or manage daily correspondence.
Conduct Litigation (Usually)
Unless specially authorised, you remain responsible for filing documents.
Investigate Facts
They rely on the facts and evidence you provide.
Process Legal Aid
Most legal aid work requires instruction through a Solicitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Direct Access process.
How long does the process take from start to finish?
Do I need to prepare anything before I start?
Can I change my Barrister if I am not satisfied?
What if I need help with the procedural steps?
Is my information kept confidential?
What happens if my case is not suitable for Direct Access?
Ready to Get Started?
Describe your situation in your own words. Our free, no-obligation quote takes about two minutes and there is no obligation.