DIRECT ACCESS

Public Access Scheme

If you are a member of the public, read the Bar Standards Board’s Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients. This will help you to understand how the Public Access scheme works, and explains how you can use it to instruct barristers directly.

Under the Direct Access Scheme, you may be able to consult us direct without having to pay a solicitor or other intermediary first
The relevant Public Access services are:

  • Employment Tribunal cases (advice and representation for employers and employees);
  • Financial disputes arising out of divorce;
  • Immigration appeals (First-tier Tribunal);
  • Inheritance Act advices;
  • Licensing applications in relation to business premises;
  • Personal injury claims;
  • Summary only motoring offences (advice and representation for defendants); and
  • Winding-up petitions.e.
  • Advice on a legal dispute or on how to plan and manage your legal affairs;
  • Representation in Court, Tribunals and other proceedings;
  • Drafting legal letters and official documentation for the Court.

Public Access Rules

Most of the barristers at Bow Law Chambers have completed public access training. We can accept instructions in relation to advisory work, drafting and advocacy through  PUBLIC ACCESS as long as your case is suitable.

We suggest that you read all of the information on this page about Public Access before contacting us by phone, email or by using our online form to discuss your case.

We also recommend that you read the following:

 

Direct Access & Public Access at Bow Law Chambers

Effortless Access to Specialist Advocacy

Have a Query?

Our clerks are here to help. For guidance or to discuss whether your matter is suitable for Direct or Public Access, please contact Bow Law Chambers.

Get in Touch
📞 Phone: [Insert Bow Law Chambers number]
📧 Email: Inf0@Bowlawchambers.com

Direct Access & Public Access Scheme

The Direct Access and Public Access schemes enable clients to instruct a barrister at Bow Law Chambers without first engaging a solicitor, where appropriate. This offers swift, cost‑effective access to specialist legal advice and representation.

Licensed (Direct) Access

Under the Licensed Access scheme, recognised professionals, companies, organisations and regulated bodies may instruct our barristers directly, provided they hold the appropriate licence issued by the Bar Standards Board.

This includes, for example:

  • Planning professionals
  • Engineers
  • Surveyors
  • Accountants
  • Specialist consultancies
  • Regulated industry professionals

Public Access

Members of the public, businesses, charities and other organisations may instruct our barristers directly on most civil matters.
Guidance for lay clients is available on our Public Access page, and our clerks can advise you on suitability and next steps.

What Our Barristers Can Do for You

Under the Direct and Public Access schemes, our barristers are qualified to:

  • Provide expert legal advice on the merits and likely outcomes of your case
  • Draft correspondence
  • Assist with drafting statements from litigants and witnesses
  • Prepare formal court documents
  • Advise on the selection of suitable expert witnesses
  • Draft instructions for experts
  • Outline the procedural steps required in your matter
  • Support you in attempts to resolve your dispute
  • Represent you in court or before a tribunal

Our role remains that of specialist legal adviser and advocate. As such, certain tasks must remain with you or, in some cases, with a solicitor.

What We Cannot Do Under These Schemes

Barristers at Bow Law Chambers cannot:

  • Issue proceedings
  • Serve documents on other parties
  • File correspondence or documents with the court
  • Contact witnesses or investigate evidence
  • Instruct expert witnesses on your behalf
  • Correspond directly with the other side or the court on your behalf

If at any stage we believe that instructing a solicitor is necessary for your best interests, we will recommend suitable options.

Fees & Payment

We accept Direct and Public Access instructions on a privately funded basis only, with payment required in advance of work being undertaken.

Our fees vary depending on:

  • The complexity of your case
  • The urgency and volume of work
  • The seniority of counsel
  • Whether the work is advisory or involves representation

We provide fees on either:

  • An hourly rate, or
  • A fixed fee (brief fee/refresher), plus VAT where applicable

You will receive:

  • A clear, written quote before instructing us
  • A transparent breakdown of anticipated key stages and timescales
  • No charges for any work not expressly agreed in advance

If, after receiving our pricing and terms, you decide not to proceed, we will return your documents at no cost.

Matters We Do Not Accept Under Public Access

Bow Law Chambers does not accept Public Access instructions for:

  • Employment Tribunal matters (advice or representation)
  • Financial disputes arising from divorce
  • Immigration appeals (First‑tier Tribunal)
  • Inheritance Act matters
  • Licensing applications for business premises
  • Personal injury claims
  • Summary‑only motoring offences
  • Winding‑up petitions

Where a matter falls outside the Public Access framework, our clerks will guide you towards appropriate alternatives.

Accessibility

If you require any of this information in an alternative format, please contact our clerking team, who will be pleased to assist.

Contact Bow Law Chambers

To discuss instructing a barrister under the Direct or Public Access schemes, please contact:

📞 Telephone: [Insert number]
📧 Email: [Insert email]
🌐 Website: [Insert website]

Our clerks will provide discreet, informed guidance and ensure your enquiry is handled promptly and professionally.

 You can learn more about the Direct Access Scheme on the Bar Council website here
You can read the Bar Council’s Guidance for Lay Clients here
You can read the rules relating to the Direct Access Scheme here