Instruct a barrister

How to instruct a direct access barrister

Instructing a barrister directly is easy using ShenSmith Barristers. Simple let us know what area of law you need advice with, and we will provide you with a choice of suitable experienced barristers who can competently deal with your requirements. We will arrange a short, no obligation consultation with one or more barristers so that you can quickly get an idea of the type of barrister you wish to work with.

Once you are happy with the choice of barrister, he or she will then need to see any documentation you may have in relation to your case in order to estimate the time required to provide you with the relevant advice and/or representation.

When the barrister is confident that you are suitable for direct access, and that he or she is able to assist you with the case, the barrister is usually able to estimate the time required to complete the work, and we will provide you with a fixed fee quote if possible. If the barrister does not yet know how long the work will take, it is usually possible to estimate the maximum time required in order to estimate the fee.

We will require minimal identification documents from you, and then we will provide you with a client care letter, setting out the terms of business between you and the barrister. When you are happy with the terms, you may sign the letter to engage the barrister to commence work after payment is made.