1 Inner Template Lane, Barristers Chambers// Home / Public Access
Public Access
The public access scheme was established in 2004 and since then has been amended to cover most areas of law, including crime. The scheme was introduced to allow barristers to be instructed directly by a lay client without the need for a solicitor for the first time.
What these changes mean for the lay client are immense. Clients now have direct access to barrister and their expert advocacy and advice should it be required. Previously a barristers services could only be engaged by also instructing a solicitor. With this element stripped away lay clients can gain access to justice in a new and far more cost effective way.
Chambers' Senior Clerk Simon Duggan is the first contact for Public Access work, from advising to the most appropriate barrister to fees for any work required but all members of the clerks room are able to assist where possible.
We aim to offer fee details and costs in advance with Public Access work and where practical we can offer fixed fees for each piece of work required. This offers the lay client great flexibility and affordability.
With the government cuts have have even greater effect on the legal system and the ability to gain access to justice, 1Inner Temple Lane see public access possibly as the future of law in this country.
Public access has transformed the way in which a barrister can be instructed. Previously, in order to engage the services of a barrister, it was necessary for a solicitor to instruct counsel. Under the direct access scheme, a member of the public is able to instruct a barrister directly, without incurring the additional expense of a solicitor.
The advent of direct access contains huge benefits for the lay client and is a great step forward for the Bar. We acknowledge the significant savings that lay clients can make by use of this scheme and we, at 1 Inner Temple Lane, have our own dedicated direct access team to provide this service.
Under public access we can provide you with representation and comprehensive advice. In many cases that is likely to be all that is required. We cannot, however, undertake the overall conduct of our client's cases and in this regard we will refer you to a solicitor if you need their assistance.
We are a specialist criminal set who also deal with all associated quasi-criminal matters. Our barristers within Chambers have experience at all levels and some members are qualified mediators.
We currently accept public access instructions in cases involving:
• applications for variation or removal of disqualification orders
• all forms of road traffic
• professional regulatory hearings
• sports disciplinary matters
• health and safety prosecutions
• trading standards prosecutions
• environmental health prosecutions
• applications for ASBOs
• applications for SOPOs
• all forms of civil and criminal matters arising from the dangerous dogs provisions.
WHAT ARE WE ABLE TO DO UNDER PUBLIC ACCESS?
A barrister can advise a lay client and provide them with representation. They can also negotiate on their behalf and there will be many instances where this negotiation alone would be sufficient to meet the needs of the lay client.
WHAT ARE WE UNABLE TO DO?
A barrister cannot undertake overall conduct of a lay client’s case, although counsel can provide advice throughout the progress of the case.
