Any barrister acting under the Public Access regulations will first assess whether your case is suitable for direct access. If it is, here is what that means for you.
One disadvantage is that you will not be able to telephone your barrister at any time you fancy — I do not maintain expensive support staff, and tend to be in court or carrying out intensive preparation for hearings. However, I will let you know from the outset how quickly I will be able to respond to emails.
Barristers are not just experts in court work — they specialise in particular areas of law. Solicitors have always gone to counsel for advice on matters out of the routine.
Nigel Shepherd has been advising solicitors on the meaning of wills, and the chances of success under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act, since 1985.
It is estimated[1] that in cases where solicitors instruct counsel, around 80% of the fees go to the solicitors, who carry the overhead costs of running an office with staff.
Nigel Shepherd's hourly rate is the same as, or lower than, out-of-London senior partner solicitors[2] in the same field.
Instructing directly means you will not have to pay for people to carry out duplicated work.