What we do at Direct Access Barristers
First Class Service
If we do not act as the clerk for the barrister, Direct Access Barrister will find an appropriate barrister for your case. We will then offer the work to suitable barristers and invite them to take it on for the proposed fee. We will make every effort to find a barrister who will work for the agreed fees.
Whether it's direct access instructions or instructions from a solicitor to a barrister, and we are not serving as their clerk, Direct Access Barrister charges an administration fee, which is included in the quote you receive. This fee allows us to assist you in finding the right barrister, ensuring the best value, and guiding you through the instruction process. Payment of all fixed fees is required upfront.
- Where I am not acting as the barrister’s clerk, a separate administrative, marketing, and portal charge will apply. This charge forms part of the overall fixed fee arrangement.
- All fees will be agreed with you in advance, confirmed in writing, and will be fixed. The total fixed fee will include both professional fees and the administrative, marketing, and portal charge. The client care letter and invoice will set out clearly what is included.
Our barristers receive 100% of their fees.
All quotes provided include our administration fees, the barrister’s fees, and VAT. It’s a fully inclusive price with no hidden costs.
“Direct Access Barristers (the Company) acts as the barrister’s agent to collect fees. Payments received are for the barrister and are passed on. All fees belong to the barrister.”
COMPLIANCE MEMORANDUM Direct Access Barrister Clerking and Payment Handling Model
1. Purpose of this Memorandum This memorandum sets out the operational structure of the Direct Access clerking and payment handling arrangement operated by the Company, for the purposes of regulatory clarity and review by auditors or relevant professional bodies. The document explains the division of responsibilities between: The instructed barrister(s) The Company acting in an administrative and clerking capacity
The client
2. Summary of Structure The model is a direct access barrister-led service supported by an independent clerking and administrative function provided by the Company. Key characteristics: Legal services are provided exclusively by self-employed barristers. The Company does not provide legal services or legal advice. The Company acts as an administrative and payment collection agent. Clients contract directly with the instructed barrister for legal services.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
3.1 Barrister The barrister(s): Provide all legal advice, representation, drafting, and advocacy services. Enter into a direct professional engagement with the client. Issue invoices for legal services to the client. Retain full professional and legal responsibility for the services provided. • • • • • • • • • • • 1 3.2 Company The Company: Provides clerking, administrative, and logistical support services to barristers. Assists clients in identifying and contacting suitable barristers upon request. Acts solely as the barrister’s agent for the purpose of receiving and processing payments. Does not provide legal advice or legal services. Does not enter into a contract for legal services with clients.
3.3 Client The client: Instructs the barrister directly for legal services. Retains full autonomy in selecting the barrister. Receives legal services exclusively from the barrister.
4. Fee and Payment Structure
4.1 Legal Fees Legal fees are charged by the barrister directly to the client. All legal fees are the property of the barrister. The Company collects payments strictly as the barrister’s authorised agent. All funds received in respect of legal fees are held on behalf of the barrister and transferred accordingly.
4.2 Administrative / Clerking Fees The Company provides administrative and clerking services to barristers. Any remuneration for such services arises from separate arrangements with barristers. Such remuneration is not derived from client legal fees.
5. Client Money Handling: The Company acts as a payment collection agent only. Safeguarding principles: Client payments for legal services are treated as funds belonging to the barrister. Such funds are segregated from the Company’s operational funds. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2 Client funds are not treated as Company revenue.
Funds are transferred promptly to the relevant barrister.
6. Contractual Relationships
The contract for legal services exists solely between the client and the barrister. The Company is not a party to the legal services contract. The Company’s role is limited to administration and agency functions as described herein.
7. Transparency and Client Communication All client-facing materials explicitly state that: Legal services are provided directly by the instructed barrister. The Company provides administrative and clerking support only. The client retains full choice of barrister. Payment handling by the Company is undertaken solely as agent for the barrister.
8. Compliance Position Statement Based on the structure described: Legal service provision is correctly attributed to authorised barristers. The Company operates in a non-lawyer administrative capacity. Client money is handled on an agency basis and not as Company income. The arrangement is consistent with a direct access barrister model supported by independent clerking services.
9. Operational Consistency Requirement Compliance is dependent on full alignment between: Written terms and client documentation Invoicing practices Actual financial flows Internal accounting treatment of funds Any deviation between documentation and operational practice may affect the regulatory assessment of the structure. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
