Public Access

It is now possible to instruct Brighton barristers directly without employing the services of a solicitor. This allows a wide range of clients to benefit from the cost savings and efficiency that can come from going direct to our experts rather than through an intermediary. There are limits on what services our barristers can provide and how we can provide them.

We will help those who are considering using a Brighton barrister directly to decide if this is the best route for them and understand how this way of accessing legal services works. We are committed to providing clients with a service that is swift, efficient and user- friendly.

What is Public Access?

Public Access is the name given by the Bar Council to the scheme where members of the public can instruct barristers directly. Now anyone - individuals, companies, firms etc – can instruct a barrister directly. Click here for further information from the Bar Council.

What services do our Brighton barristers offer?

We continue to provide the specialist legal services the Bar has always offered - this includes drafting documents, giving written and oral advice as well as providing advocacy services for clients in courts, tribunals, arbitrations, mediations and any other situation where you are permitted to have someone speak on your behalf.

However, there are some things a Brighton barrister cannot do for you such as corresponding with the other side on your behalf or handling money for you.   The work that barristers are not permitted to do will need to be carried out by you. If you do not feel you are able, for whatever reason, to do that work then you will need to instruct a solicitor to do that work on your behalf.

How can I instruct a Brighton barrister?

Your first point of contact for an enquiry about instructing a Brighton barrister is his or her clerk. In a barristers' chambers, the clerks help our clients to find the right barrister for them. While they are not legally qualified, they have an extensive knowledge of the legal system and the skills and experience of all our barristers. To speak to one of our friendly team, please call 01273 625625 and ask to speak to a clerk.

It will help speed up the processing of your case if you would kindly complete the enquiry form on this website where you will be asked to set out a summary of your case and the nature of the assistance you wish to have from our barrister.

Based on the information you provide, our clerks will identify the most appropriate  Brighton barrister who will then assess your case. The clerks will also be able to give you an initial rough estimate of the costs that are likely to be incurred. You can find more information on each of our barristers on this site. For your convenience, those Brighton barristers who are able to accept public access work are listed below.

Once a Brighton barrister has agreed to take on your case or matter, you will be sent a "client care letter". This letter will set out in detail the way that a barrister can work with you to achieve your goals. It will explain what he/she can do and, importantly, what he/she is not authorised to do as a barrister rather than as a solicitor. This letter will be your contract with the Brighton barrister for the work to be done. At your first meeting with the barrister, you may be asked to provide proof of your identity.

Your agreement will be with a particular individual Brighton barrister and not with Crown Office Row. Nobody else will carry out any work for you unless there is a separate agreement with that further barrister. Until a barrister has agreed to take your case, neither the barrister nor Crown Office Row can accept any responsibility for advising you on any other aspect of your case or matter.

Please also note that Brighton barristers only provide Pro Bono (free services) via the Bar Pro Bono Unit which you should contact directly.  You should also be aware that we cannot obtain legal aid/public funding for you.  In most cases, you are likely to be asked to pay in advance for any work you would like a barrister to undertake for you. 

The following Brighton barristers accept work under the Public Access Scheme –