FAQ 34

Q34. A friend has asked me for some legal advice. Am I able to help?

A34. You are allowed to give free legal advice to friends and relations without instructions from a solicitor even if you have not completed the public access training. You should bear in mind that this is limited to advice and does not cover representation. If you wish to go further you would need to be instructed by a solicitor or undertake the training of public access. In particular, you should not correspond with the other side on your friend’s behalf (though you could draft letters for him to sign).

Barristers should consider paragraph 603(d) of the Code and whether their connection with the client is so close that they might find it difficult to maintain their own professional independence or the administration of justice might be or appear to be prejudiced. Clearly, the more serious the matter, the more likely it is that the barrister will find it difficult to advise as independently as someone not connected with the client.