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.

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?

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:

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:

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

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
5 – 10 years
10 + years
QC’s

Hourly rate

£100 – £120
£120 – £180
£180 – £300
£300 – £500

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
Christopher Wilson-Smith QC *
Tim Higginson*
James Vine
John Blackmore
Richard Stead
Charles Auld
Peter Wadsley
Martha Maher
Guy Adams
Andrew Marsden
John Sharples
Dianne Martin
Andrew McLaughlin
Adrian Maxwell
Jacqueline Humphreys
David Regan
Matthew White
Alex Troup
Nigel Fryer
Rachel Russell
Lucy Reed
Zoe Saunders
Rebecca Taylor
Christopher Jones
Darren Lewis
Andrew Commins
George Rowell
Jody Atkinson

Associate Members *