Instructing A Barrister

Routes of Access to a Barrister

Barristers practise as self-employed, referral professionals. Until recently, it was not normally possible for members of the public to go to a barrister direct. They needed to use a solicitor or some other recognised professional or Licensed Access client. However, the Bar Council has relaxed its rules relating to direct access.

There are now, therefore, three main routes of access to a barrister.

i) Professional Client Access

The following people may instruct barristers either on behalf of clients or on their own account:

In any matter for all types of work:

Solicitors
Other authorised litigators
Parliamentary agents, patent agents, trademark agents and Notaries
European lawyers registered with the Law Society
Employed barristers and/or European lawyers registered with the Bar Council
Legal Advice Centres designated by the Bar Council
For details about how to become a designated see the Legal Advice Centres page

In limited areas of work:

Licensed conveyancers in matters in which they are providing conveyancing services
Foreign lawyers for advice only

ii) Public Access

Members of the Public, and commercial and non-commercial organisations are now able to instruct barristers directly on most civil matters. The Public Access page provides information on instructing members of the Bar directly.

You can search the Public Access Directory to find a barrister to instruct directly.

iii) Licensed Access

This page provides more information on Licensed Access (formerly known as Bardirect and Direct Professional Access).

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Many barristers act as mediators or arbitrators.

The Bar Council publishes a list of Barrister Mediators who have undertaken relevant training in this area.

This list is also available in hard copy. Please contact Natasha Foy for a copy.

More information about the list of Barrister Mediators can be found on the Find a Barrister page.

Also Covered In This Section

Barrister's Fees

This page provides information about Barrister's Fees.

International Clients

This page provides information about International Clients.

Shopping for Legal Services

This page provides information about Shopping for Legal Services.