Barrister vs Solicitor | Direct Access Barristers and the Role of a Barrister | BlackBeltBarrister

Solicitors and barristers have traditionally performed very different functions. Whilst the solicitor has been responsible for briefing the barrister, the preparation of the client's case, and in dealing with all of the administration. The barrister's involvement has been to advise throughout those preparations, as to how the case should be put together, and then to eventually represent the client in court.

Nowadays, however, solicitors and barristers can perform much the same role as each other. However, there still remains a big distinction between instructing a firm of solicitors and instructing a barrister directly. And you will find that there are many advantages in going to the barrister directly.

The first – and many find the single biggest advantage – is that you will deal directly, at all times, only with your barrister in relation to your case, and no one else. A Direct Access barrister therefore provides might be termed that 'perfect continuity' from the very beginning of the case. Many of my Direct Access clients have said to me after their cases have concluded that to have had direct telephone and indeed video contact with me throughout the preparation of the case, at any reasonable hour, was one of the most comforting aspects of instructing me directly. And that sentiment was repeated, particularly by those who had gone down the traditional route and had instructed barristers through solicitors in the past; and who then could only have had access to their barrister through their solicitor. In dealing with me, they appreciated not being pushed from pillar to post, from partner to assistant, or referred to a trainee, or to a secretary, and then having to repeat their story over and over again, in order to ensure that their lawyer knew what it was they wanted them to know.

And this very important difference was because, unlike solicitors, each barrister runs their individual practice. Unlike solicitors, barristers do not have partners or assistants to deal with their cases. Therefore, when you want to make contact with me, you will never be put on to another barrister in relation to anything to do with your case.

The second main advantage, and it's a very important one, is obviously the one of cost: you only pay one lawyer's fees.

And thirdly, by going to the barrister directly, you will get the advice and any representation that you need very much more quickly. Some cases will require considerable investigative and preparatory work. And I have many years worked alongside many highly experienced investigators from a variety of the backgrounds whom I hand-pick on a case-by-case basis to deal with client's case.

By being instructed at an early stage, I can direct operations, and thereby ensure that the preparations are properly focused, and that the conduct of the case is carried out in the most effective way.

If you have a problem, I will happily speak with you about it, without any obligation on your part; in order to establish what ways for might be, that might be available to you. This can be done by telephone or secure conference video link. Just get in touch, and we can arrange a mutually convenient time.

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[mikejames]

An infomercial, complete with background music conveying gravitas…

[e.colemantlpss]

The most criminal thing in our justice system is the cost of representation

[patrickrose]

The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread .

[ginger]

Great information, shame the mic picked up someone learning the piano nearby ;)

[EdMcF]

Barrister friend of mine (25 years ago) called solicitors 'glorified secretaries'.

[DavidGetling]

What a useful video. To be honest I wasn't aware that one could go directly to a barrister. Sounds much better to able to talk directly to the organ grinder rather than through the monkey: and to not have to pay for the monkey too.

[highlandmalt]

I've used direct access Barristers on 3 occasions. I really like the system, great for getting an opinion from someone who is a specialist in their field. As a law graduate myself, I can do the administrative stuff, that I would normally be paying a Solicitor for. I'm looking at the possibility of making a claim soon against a supplier, and I'll no doubt go direct access again to get an opinion on the prospects. But I will meticulously prepare all the documentation in an orderly way to assist.

[duplicitouskendoll]

Barristers are much, much more expensive than solicitors though. OK if you're wealthy, otherwise it's 'good luck mate'. Then again they are definitely worth the money - when my sister's drug-dealing ex beat her to a pulp at the hotel on my wedding night...then beat up my father-in-law who knocked on the door to see what was happening... then verbally abused and threatened hotel staff who asked him to leave... then drunkenly trashed a hotel room which was waitnessed by three people, he, with his drug dealing profits, paid for a barrister who went on to successfully argue that he'd done nothing wrong and it was all conjecture. He walked past me leaving court with a smirk on his face after his barrister spent the trial attacking my sister's character and saying there was no evidence of violence. Never mind that police took photos at the time of her beaten to a pulp, or the broken ribs on my father-in-law that I suppose all just 'magically appeared'! So barristers are definitely worth the money, I'd say.

[MustardMischief]

What can I do to get a solicitor disbarred for FALSIFYING my Mother's will back in July 2022... I have 100% proof that Mark Shannon from Bernard Campbell Solicitors, 17 High Street, CARRICKFERGUS, Northern Ireland. I am currently in receipt of benefits and did have a solicitor who led me down a false road, right up until 3wks before the 6mth cut off date for me to contest. She, Claire Homes Reid Black Solicitors Limited, 59 Main Street, Ballyclare said she had found a barrister to take on my case for a 'security payment'? of £1000. I borrowed £1000 and she IMMEDIATELY dropped my case.?

[thebeardednurse]

Great explanation of the role of barrister.

[trickyrat]

Never mentions the ACTUAL costs.

When I was involved with a barrister - via my insurance company - a few years ago, the costs were simply staggering. Way beyond what normal people can afford.

[andybakr]

Someone who speaks the truth and nothing but, great vid 👍

[Iveraghboy]

between £500- £900 per hour, good luck to you guys if your not loaded.

[gcwi_Radio_Adventures]

Interesting video. For balance it would be good to have the view of a solicitor about what their involvement might add to the process (apart from their fee of course).

[rachelglass-sluckin]

the emotive music stops me from focusing on the message.

[Mike-brzt]

You have put your case forcibly Mr. Black Belt Barrister. However, I find for the Solicitors, as they are a jolly decent lot.

[Chrisnylan]

Hmmm, why it’s better to use a direct access barrister than a solicitor by a barrister.

[chrishawes]

How to i find your details for a contact

[stemun]

i tried to sack my barrister because he wanted to lie, i was told i couldn't he stitched me up and i ended up doing 3 years for something that should had been 2 suspended.

[TheRealD]

3:36 ..."happily speak without any obligation on your part."

Apart the obligation to feed him obscene sums of money. How does he keep a straight face!!