Public Access: Directly Instructing Barristers.pdf

- Public Access allows lay clients to instruct barristers directly, potentially saving money by avoiding solicitor fees.
- Advantages: Direct access to specialist legal advice, cost savings.
- Disadvantages: Clients may need to assist with administrative tasks, such as filing documents with the court, and could be required to handle complex processes.
- Suitability: Public Access is available for most types of work, except legal aid-funded cases. Clients should consider their ability to handle administrative tasks and seek initial views from barristers.
- Litigation: Barristers may not be authorized to conduct litigation; clients may need to act as 'litigant in person' if not.
- Public Funding: Barristers cannot do legal aid work without a solicitor's instruction. Clients should check eligibility and consider alternative funding options.
- Barrister's Obligations: They must not discriminate, must consider case suitability, and must provide a client care letter outlining terms, costs, and complaints procedures.
- Differences from Solicitors: Barristers specialize in court advocacy and complex legal issues, while solicitors handle case preparation, document drafting, and client communication.