Since 2004, under the Public Access scheme, members of the public can instruct a barrister directly, without the involvement of a solicitor or other intermediary. Barristers providing services under the Public Access Scheme have to be regulated by the Bar Standards Board. If you have legal aid in place to fund your case, we will not be able to assist you under the Public Access Scheme. Instructing a barrister at Lotus Chambers under the Public Access scheme, is a cost-effective way of obtaining first hand legal advice /representation and allows you to have direct communication with a barrister. It means that a barrister can provide you with direct expert legal advice and opinion, assist you with drafting legal documents and correspondence and represent you in court or in a tribunal. Barristers at Lotus Chambers are not authorised to conduct litigation, this means that even after instructing a barrister you will have to be responsible for the day to day management of your case, such as filing documents with the court.

For more information about how Public Access works, please visit the Bar Standards Board and the Bar Council website

Not all cases are suitable for direct access, and it depends on the nature and complexity of the work involved and expertise of the barrister. It is difficult to provide an exact figure onthe cost without sight of all the papers, however an estimate can be provided. For further details or to discuss your requirements please contact the clerking team at clerks@lotuschambers.co.uk. We will ask for certain details and written instructions by email/letter and if necessary, arrange for a short initial consultation.

Work undertaken under Public Access is charged either on a fixed fee basis or an hourly rate. We will provide you with a letter of engagement containing details of the fees to be charged depending on the nature of the work involved and only when agreed, will our fees become payable. It is Chambers’ policy that fees are paid prior to the barrister carrying out any specified piece of work. All fees are exclusive of VAT and if eligible VAT will need to be added on top.