A selection of Members of Chambers are qualified to undertake Direct Access work from Members of the Public ("Public Access") without the intervention of a Solicitor.
An explanation of the Public Access Scheme can be found together with a Directory of participating barristers on the Bar Standards Board website.
The way the scheme is operated at Rowchester Chambers is as follows:-
- Initial contact will be with a member of the Clerking Team who, although not qualified to give advice, will be able to take details of your enquiry, provide a quotation and refer it to the Barrister for consideration.
- If the Barrister thinks they can assist, then you will be asked to submit in writing details of the problem and the question you would like to have answered, together with copies of all necessary papers. (Note: the first question will be "do I have a case against x for y" or "what are my prospects of success" or "can you represent me at a hearing before a tribunal" etc).
- The barrister will consider the papers and if they are unable to help will say so and return the papers promptly without charge.
- If the barrister can assist they will write to you clearly setting out the terms in a letter of appointment and they will set out amongst other things:-
- What their professional rules permit them to do and what they cannot do on your behalf.
- The number of hours they think will be necessary to prepare your case.
- Their hourly rate of charge (to which will be added VAT at the current rate) - It is regrettable that Legal Aid is not available for this type of work.
- The timescale in which they will be able to complete your work, however if this changes due to other professional commitments the client will be updated.
- Chambers main Public Access enquires are in Immigration and Family but not limited to these two areas. If counsel in engaged by the client a full Client Care letter will be sent out setting out all the key stages and time scales.
This early involvement with the Barrister can bring significant benefits to you. In creating a strategy for any investigation or prosecution, as well as to any final result.
If you accept the terms for carrying out the work offered by the Barrister you will be asked to send a cheque in respect of their fees plus VAT and when cleared the work will be carried out. The above process will be repeated for any further items of work on the same case.
For further information about Public Access Instructions, please contact the Clerking team on 0121 233 2327 or email Chambers in the contact section of the website. The Clerking Team will be able to discuss your matter and discuss fees and terms.
