Public Access

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Colleton Chambers is the oldest established set of chambers south of Bristol providing specialist legal advice, advocacy and preparation of legal documents direct to members of the public under the public access scheme.

What is public access?

Under the public (or direct) access scheme you can instruct a Barrister yourself, without the need for a Solicitor.

However not all of our Barristers are able to accept your instruction without a Solicitor as it is necessary to undertake additional training before taking work under the public access scheme.

For details of our specialist public access team please see below.

Is my case suitable for public access?

Much depends on the circumstances of your case and the availability one of our specialist team. In considering if your case is suitable we:

Consider the nature of the work we are being asked to undertake; and

Your ability to deal with the aspects of the case that a public access Barrister is unable to provide (for more information on excluded work please see below).

Each case is considered on an individual basis. We have a dedicated public access clerk, Joanna Creech, who will be happy to discuss the suitability of your case in confidence and help you decide whether direct access is right for you.

Some examples of cases where we have successfully assisted under public access are:

CRIME – Driving offences, appeals to the Crown Court and sentencing
FAMILY – applications in relation to child arrangements and financial remedies
CIVIL – providing advice to individuals and corporate entities.

How can we help?

• Provide cost effective specialist legal advice and support when you need it
• Draft legal documents,
• Represent you at court, tribunal, mediation or arbitration

What can’t we offer under the scheme?

Under the public access scheme it will be necessary for you to undertake the administration of your case yourself. Your public access Barrister would not be able to:

• Issue proceedings or applications
• Acknowledge service of proceedings
• Be on court record as acting for you

In some circumstances it may be necessary to involve a solicitor. In these cases we will be able to offer advice and refer you to the right firm for you.

Our fees:

The cost will always depend on the seniority of your chosen Barrister, the complexity of the case and the nature of the work we are asked to do. All fees are based on the instructed barrister’s hourly rate and are always agreed beforehand. No work is done without your prior agreement.

All fees are payable in advance of the work being done and in some cases we may need to ask you to provide proof of your identity in order to comply with money laundering regulations.

What next?

Contact Joanna Creech on 01392 274898 to discuss your case in confidence or use our contact form. Your details will be forwarded to one of our specialist team to consider how best to help.

Once your information is assessed we will be in touch to discuss the best way we can help you and work together to resolve your case.

The Bar Standards Board has produced guidance explaining the public access scheme and the role of a public access Barrister. Click here if you would like more detailed information on the direct access scheme.

Please click here for the Bar Standards Board’s register of Barristers that undertake public access instruction.

Public Access Barristers