Public access barristers: instructing a barrister directly

Under the public access scheme you can instruct a barrister directly, without going through a solicitor, if the barrister is registered to take public access work and agrees the case is suitable. The barrister will tell you what they will and will not do, and you may still need to handle some steps yourself.

Updated 24 October 2026. General information only, not advice on your situation.

How it works

Find a barrister who is registered for public access work
Send a short summary of the case and the key documents
The barrister decides whether the case is suitable for public access and whether they can take it
You receive a client care letter setting out the work, the fee and what you will need to do yourself

Getting your papers ready

Barristers charge for their time, so a clear chronology, an indexed bundle and a short note of the questions you need answered can make the work faster and the fee easier to agree. Papers prepared in this way also help the barrister judge quickly whether public access is right for your matter.

How Courtwise can help

Courtwise Legal Guidance is an independent paralegal practice working by secure video across England and Wales. A free 15-minute introductory call is available to first-time clients. Case papers for a public access barrister →

Questions

Do I need a solicitor to instruct a barrister?

Not if the barrister is registered for public access work and agrees your case is suitable. Some cases are better handled with a solicitor, and the barrister will tell you if so.

Official sources

Related guides

This guide is general information about the law and procedure in England and Wales. It is not legal advice and does not create a client relationship. Courtwise is not a firm of solicitors and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.