Articles & commentary
Practical guidance on instructing counsel — split by audience. Choose ‘For clients’ if you are dealing with a legal problem yourself, or ‘For professionals’ for analysis aimed at solicitors and in-house teams.
If you are facing a legal issue and want to instruct counsel direct.
How Much Does a Direct Access Barrister Cost?
A plain-English guide to direct access barrister costs. Understand fixed fees, hourly rates, and the factors that shape what you pay when instructing counsel under the Public Access scheme.
Do I Need a Barrister for a Final Hearing?
Final hearings in family court decide your case. Learn what happens, how to prepare, and why instructing a barrister through public access could improve your outcome.
How Much Does an FDR Hearing Barrister Cost?
Understanding legal costs for an FDR hearing in family law. We explain fixed fees, hourly rates, and what factors make a financial dispute resolution appointment more or less expensive.
What Is a Detailed Assessment Hearing?
A guide to detailed assessment hearings in the County Court and High Court, covering the notice of commencement, bill of costs, provisional assessment and the role of a costs judge.
What Is a Case Management Hearing?
If you are involved in court proceedings, you will probably come across a case management hearing. This article explains what it is, how to prepare, and why it matters.
What Is the Difference Between a Solicitor and a Barrister?
Understand the split between solicitors and barristers in England and Wales, and why a direct access barrister is often the cheaper option if you are facing court unrepresented.
How a Direct Access Employment Barrister Can Help You
When to instruct a direct access employment barrister for tribunal claims, settlement agreements, discrimination and unfair dismissal in the UK.
How a Direct Access Immigration Barrister Can Help You
When and how to instruct a direct access immigration barrister for appeals, judicial review and complex Home Office applications in the UK.
How a Direct Access Divorce Barrister Can Help You
A practical guide to instructing a direct access divorce barrister for financial remedy, child arrangements and contested divorce proceedings in England and Wales.
How a Direct Access Criminal Barrister Can Help You
A plain-English guide to instructing a direct access criminal barrister in England and Wales: what they do, what they cost, and when going direct saves you time and money.
How a Direct Access Probate Dispute Barrister Can Help You
A practical guide to instructing a direct access probate dispute barrister for will challenges, Inheritance Act 1975 claims and contested estates in England and Wales.