Public Access
The Public Access scheme allows members of the Public, and commercial and non-commercial organisations to instruct barristers directly on most civil matters.
St John’s Chambers have a team of specialised barristers who will accept instructions in relation to advisory work, drafting and advocacy under this scheme.
For more details about Public Access, please click here or view the frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Public Access?
Since 2004, members of the public and corporate clients have been able to directly go to barristers for legal advice and representation without having to go through a solicitor or another intermediary professional first. This is called Public Access.
The Public Access scheme has been introduced by the Bar Council to open up the legal system to the public as well as making it easier and cheaper for the general public to access legal advice.
What does Public Access mean for you?
Rather than having to engage a solicitor to instruct a barrister for you, the Public Access scheme enables members of the public or businesses to liaise directly with a barrister. Our barristers will accept your instructions to provide legal advice or representation in court. As our client you will then be advised and guided through the whole legal procedure by one of our barristers. A solicitor will only be required in certain circumstances.
What are the benefits of Public Access?
- direct access to a specialist of your choice
- clear, concise and faster communications with your chosen barrister
- only having to pay for one legal adviser rather than two
- significant costs savings
What services do our barristers offer you?
The public perception of a barrister is, as an advocate, conducting cases in courts and tribunals. However our barristers provide a wide range of services including:
- providing you with expert legal advice and representation
- drafting documents e.g. contracts, standard terms of business, etc
- drafting correspondence
- drafting statements from litigants and witnesses
- advice on suitable experts
- draft instructions to expert witnesses
- offering advice on the next steps to be taken in proceedings
- drafting formal court documents
What are our barristers not allowed to do under the Public Access scheme?
There are still things that our barristers are not permitted to undertake directly on your behalf. Examples of work barristers are not allowed to do include:
- issuing court documents on your behalf
- contacting witnesses or collect and investigate evidence
- instructing an expert witness on your behalf
- handling your money
- corresponding with the other side on your behalf
Whilst a barrister cannot carry out the above items, we can assist and advise our clients on what to do. In this respect, we can provide information on where to find a suitable solicitor.
What can St John’s Chambers offer you?
St John’s Chambers operates as a group of independent individual barristers, each with their own specialist areas of practice. To access the range of services that St John’s Chambers provides, please visit areas of law. You will be able to view each of our barrister’s specialisms, personal qualifications and experience.
What will it cost?
The cost will depend on a number of factors
- the seniority and experience of the barrister consulted
- the difficulty and importance of the case
- the amount of work involved
We can undertake work at an hourly rate or we can quote you a flat fee for particular pieces of work.
Year of Call 3 – 5 years |
Hourly rate £100 – £120 |
The fee range above provides an indication of our charges. We will be pleased to advise on suitable counsel and provide a more accurate assessment of fees for your case.
The agreed fee is required to be paid in advance of the work being done.
How do I instruct a barrister at St John’s Chambers?
If you are interested in instructing one of our Public Access Barristers in relation to your civil dispute, please contact us or complete our online Public Access Application Form.
Members
Christopher Sharp QC
Robin Tolson QC
Christopher Wilson-Smith QC *
Susan Jacklin QC
David Fletcher
Tim Higginson *
James Vine *
John Blackmore
Richard Stead
Charles Auld
Peter Wadsley
Susan Hunter
William Godwin
Martha Maher
Louise O'Neill
Guy Adams
Andrew Marsden
Kamala Das
Tom Leeper
John Sharples
Dianne Martin
Prof. Roy Light
Andrew McLaughlin
Adrian Maxwell
Jacqueline Humphreys
David Regan
John Dickinson
Judi Evans
Matthew White
Kambiz Moradifar
Emma Zeb
Alex Troup
Carol Mashembo
Rachel Russell
Anna Symington
Lucy Reed
Julia Belyavin
Zoe Saunders
Philip Jenkins
Rebecca Taylor
Darren Lewis
Andrew Commins
George Rowell
Jody Atkinson
Associate Members *
