Public Access training for barristers

Public Access page

Very clear presentation - engaged participants interest throughout

Introduction

When the Bar Council launched its Public Access Course in November 2010 the primary objective was to deliver cost-effective, high quality training directly to the Bar. By January 2012, Member Services had trained over 1,000 barristers, clerks and chambers employees in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, London and Manchester.

Consumers of legal services are already benefiting from the approachable and high quality service provided by Public Access barristers through:

Easy and speedy access to straight to the point, specialist advice
Reduced legal costs
Greater control over the success of their case
Lower financial risk, and
Real value for money.

Many Public Access barristers are seeing repeat instructions from organisations, businesses and the general public who are seeking the right results for the right price.

Public Access review

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has announced that the Public access barrister training is to be revised.

The proposed changes will enhance course content and introduce an element of formal assessment to make sure that barristers have the knowledge and skills required to undertake public access work. Those who have already taken the training will either have to do a top up course or apply for a waiver within 24 months of the new training being made available.

The training is being reviewed in the light of the change to widen the public access scheme to include clients who might be entitled to legal aid and to allow barristers of less than three year's standing to do public access work. Since Monday 1 April 2013, barristers can now accept instructions where the client is eligible for legal aid. The relaxation of the three year's standing will take place from Autumn 2013.

Please note that the training review does now prevent anyone from undertaking the Public Access training or from accepting instructions once the training has been completed. Anyone who has completed the existing training before the new course comes into effect during Autumn 2013 will be able to complete a top up course within 24 months.

Please click here to view the BSB press release.

Course objectives

The Public Access course is accredited with 6.5 CPD hours and will build delegates' understanding of the applicable rules and help to identify when they should accept instructions. The course will develop delegates' client care and communication skills and cover:

An introduction to Public Access
Conducting correspondence and litigation
Change in practice
Fees
Handling complaints
Client care correspondence
Withdrawing from a case
Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002.

The course will explain which work can and cannot be undertaken and provide guidance on communicating how Public Access works for potential clients.

In particular it will help delegates understand:

A barristers' function does not change by undertaking Public Access work, i.e. they do not adopt the function of a solicitor
When instructions may be accepted from lay clients or their intermediary
When it is appropriate to refuse to accept instructions from lay clients or their intermediary
What to do if the client is likely to be eligible for public funding
How fees can be calculated
The administrative undertaking and model client care letters, and
How the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 and Money Laundering Regulations 2007 affect a Public Access practice.

Trainers

Our team of trainers are up to date with the latest policy developments to ensure the Bar Council are delivering accurate and value for money courses.

Our Public Access trainers are:

Ross Burrows, Burrows Law

Andrew Dines, Mills Rendall Associates

Elspeth Mills Rendall, Mills Rendall Associates

Course calendar and bookings

This is a full-day training course running from 09:30 - 17:00.

2013 Course Dates

If you are interested in attending a course and a convenient location is not listed below, please email Jade Aldis to register your interest in the course and the location preferred.

Day	Date	Location
Thursday	16 May 2013	London
Saturday	18 May 2013	London
Wednesday	29 May 2013	London
Saturday	08 June 2013	London
Thursday	13 June 2013	London
Tuesday	25 June 2013	London
Thursday	4 July 2013	London
Saturday	13 July 2013	London
Wednesday	17 July 2013	London
Saturday	27 July 2013	London
Tuesday	06 August 2013	London
Saturday	17 August 2013	London
Thursday	22 August 2013	London
Saturday	31 August 2013	London
Tuesday	10 September 2013	London
Saturday	14 September 2013	London
Monday	23 September 2013	London
Saturday	05 October 2013	London
Friday	11 October 2013	London
Saturday	19 October 2013	London
Wednesday	23 October 2013	London
Thursday	07 November 2013	London
Friday	15 November 2013	London
Saturday	23 November 2013	London
Tuesday	26 November 2013	London
Saturday	23 November 2013	London
Tuesday	26 November 2013	London
Saturday	07 December 2013	London
Tuesday	17 December 2013	London

How to book

There are two ways to book your place

Click here to book and pay online using the online booking portal. You will select the course you wish to attend on the booking site.

Click here to download a booking form which can be emailed to Jade Aldis Please note that you will only be able to pay by cheque of BACS if using this method.

Prices

£255 (plus VAT) For those who have paid their Members' Services Fee*
£285 (plus VAT) For those who have not paid their Members' Services Fee*

*To find out whether you have paid the MSF, please contact Jade Aldis

How to book in-chambers courses

One style doesn't fit all, one location doesn't suit all.

If your chambers has a number of delegates wishing to be trained in Public Access, we can arrange the trainer to come to you.

This can be arranged at any chambers around England and Wales, on any day of the week.

The class can be between 10 - 20 people at a reduced rate of £238.50 (plus VAT) per delegate

Contact JAldis@BarCouncil.org.uk for more information or to book an in-chambers course.

Training terms & conditions

Please ensure you have read and accept the training Terms and Conditions before booking a course.