White Collar Legal
Direct Access Barristers
If you use Clerksroom Direct, you can compare quotes from over 1,000 Barristers in England and Wales.
ABOUT CLERKSROOM DIRECT
Clerksroom Direct is the only place where members of the public can search and instruct a Barrister online, supported by our “Ask Sam” helpline. Our unique website offers over 1,000 Barristers from more than 175 Barristers Chambers that are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). Clerksroom Direct provides information about Barristers in an easy-to-use portal. Barristers do not pay any fees to promote themselves through the Clerksroom Direct portal. Our we aim is to bring you as much information as we can to enable you to make an informed choice. Obtaining a fee quote from a Barrister is completely free as you only pay for the service if you proceed to instruct the Barrister directly. We help you get the best value. You decide! You are in control every step of the way and you don’t pay anything until you wish to proceed.
IS YOUR SERVICE CONFIDENTIAL?
All information submitted to Clerksroom Direct Portal is confidential and highly secure. You will receive an automated email response to your enquiry asking you to verify your email address. Once confirmed, you will have a secure link to the portal and only you and your chosen barrister will have access to the information provided. Your details will never be disclosed to a 3rd party without your prior agreement nor will you receive unsolicited communications from Clerksroom Direct. Clerksroom Direct holds a valid secure site certificate.
WHAT CAN A BARRISTER DO FOR ME?
Barristers can:
- provide expert legal opinion and advise
- draft legal documents
- attend Court as your advocate
- represent you at a mediation or arbitration
Barristers are experts in the law and provide a high level of skill when advocacy is required to present your case in a Court or Tribunal. Most barristers do not conduct litigation but, if required, we are able to provide some who are now approved to do so by the Bar Standards Board. We can advise who is best placed to help you once we have reviewed your enquiry.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF GOING DIRECT TO A BARRISTER RATHER THAN A SOLICITOR?
COST
Barristers are remarkably cost effective mainly due to their low overheads. Our barristers mainly work from home which helps to reduce costs further. Many people who have instructed barristers directly have commented favourably regarding the cost of doing so. There is no duplication of work, therefore costs are not duplicated. Barristers fees are often 30% cheaper than solicitors fees. See Barristers fees tab.
FIXED FEES
Most barristers will be happy to provide a fixed fee quote or work to a budget as set by you. Please don’t be afraid to ask if a piece of work can be completed for a set price. We welcome the challenge.
EXPERTISE
Barristers are legal experts who normally specialise in a limited range of areas of law. Using an expert means you have the right answer quickly.
COMMUNICATION
You deal directly with the barrister and you will be able to discuss the matter by phone, email, Skype or any other agreed method.
SPEED
Dealing directly with a barrister tends to be much quicker as the only parties involved are you and your barrister. A normal turnaround time for advice is 7 days but it can be much quicker if needed.
WHY WAS I NOT AWARE I COULD GO DIRECTLY TO A BARRISTER UNTIL NOW?
The rules changed in 2004 to allow members of the public to instruct directly. Most barristers do not want to deal with clients directly, preferring the traditional route of working with solicitors. This has meant that little advertising has been undertaken to market the service directly to private or business clients which has resulted in limited media publicity. We continue to work with approximately 20,000 solicitors in England & Wales but we also welcome the opportunities provided by the Public Access rules.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I QUALIFY FOR LEGAL AID?
Legal aid can help pay for legal advice, family mediation or representation in court or at a tribunal. You’ll be asked general questions about your legal problem and your financial situation. Click here to check.
CAN I GET CREDIT OR A PAYMENT PLAN TO COVER THE COSTS OF MY CASE?
Yes. There are now companies that provide finance for Barristers fees. One example is “Legal Cost Finance” – Click here to visit their website and make an enquiry.
WHERE DO I START?
Contact us by phone, email or click here to create an enquiry. We will help you to find the right Barrister.
Let's get started