PUBLIC ACCESS BARRISTERS

Instruct a barrister directly

HOW IT WORKS

Public access is a process that allows a client to instruct a barrister directly, without firstly having to instruct a solicitor.

If, after initial consultation your instructed barrister feels that your case requires a solicitor, they can assist you in finding the appropriate solicitor at no extra cost to you.

We request that you complete our “Public Access Enquiry Form”, to allow our barristers to consider your initial enquiry. Once we have received your completed form a member of the clerking team will contact you.

Alternatively, if you would like to discuss this process, please telephone our clerking team and ask to speak to someone about public access.

Your enquiry will then be forwarded to the appropriate Barrister to assess whether they can assist you.

We will then contact you within 24 hours (Mon – Fri) to let you know if we can help.

A helpful guide to The Public Access Scheme and how it works can be found using the link here

Oriel Chambers presently has 9 Barristers qualified for Public Access cases:

DETAILS

The rules governing Public Access to Barristers have changed. Members of the public may now go directly to a Barrister.

The existing Licensed Public Access Scheme gives direct access to Barristers to professional clients such as chartered accountants and surveyors. Oriel Chambers presently has 10 Barristers qualified for Public Access cases (as set out below).

If you are interested in engaging one of our Barristers who is qualified to provide services via the Public Access Scheme please complete the  Public Access Barrister request form. Once the online form is completed, we will receive this by email. It will then be forwarded to the appropriate Barristers to assess whether they can assist on your particular matter. If you have specifically asked for a particular Public Access Barrister to look at your matter then the form will be forwarded to that Barrister. We will then aim to contact you within a few days to let you know if we can help.

If you do decide to instruct one of our Barristers under the Public Access Scheme they will require copies of two forms of official identification, for example a driving licence and a recent utility bill or formal identification document identifying residence at an address in the UK. If you are acting on behalf of a company, you will be required to produce a certified copy of Certificate of Incorporation, the latest accounts filed at Companies House and evidence that you are authorised to act on behalf of the company.

What areas of law can my Public Access barrister advise upon?
What is the cost of Public Access advice and assistance?

Frequently Asked Questions

John Gray ‘ has a persuasive, charismatic style in the courtroom. Judges respect him.’

John Gray - Legal 500

John Gray ‘ has a persuasive, charismatic style in the courtroom. Judges respect him.’

John Gray - Legal 500

Paul Brant is “Extremely adaptable and client-friendly". "He has particular expertise in financial litigation matters" and "experienced across a breadth of commercial matters. ”

Paul Brant - Legal 500

Peter Cowan is an extremely established disease practitioner. He is a sensible negotiator who is well prepared in court and in demand in the market.” “Very thorough and experienced.”

Peter Cowan - Chambers UK Bar Guide 2020

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