Speak to a barrister directly, without the solicitor’s mark-up
Traditionally, you would instruct a solicitor, who would in turn instruct a barrister on your behalf. Direct access, also known as public access, lets you come straight to a barrister instead. At JSC Chambers, all of our services can be provided on a public access basis, and our fixed-fee structure applies to that work.
We provide accessible legal expertise and document drafting from our North West base, accepting instructions from individuals and professional clients across England and Wales. Our approach is flexible and client-centred: specialist advice, advocacy and drafting, on a fixed fee for most cases.
Why instruct a direct access barrister
Lower fees, a fixed fee for most cases
A firm of solicitors employing a barrister of comparable experience would charge upwards of £250–£350 per hour. As direct access barristers our fees are far lower, and in many cases we offer a fixed fee for legal advice, so you know exactly what you will pay from the outset.
Unbundling: pay only for what you need
Authorised to conduct litigation, we can also let you handle the administrative tasks yourself where it saves cost. This is known as “unbundling”, and it represents a considerable saving in your legal costs. We discuss it with you in detail so you can make an informed choice.
Senior expertise, kept accessible
We keep our overheads low compared with conventional chambers and solicitors’ firms, and pass the saving on, committed to ensuring that justice is not limited by financial constraints.
Instructing us is straightforward
Get in touch
Call us or send a short enquiry describing your matter. There is no need for a solicitor to make the introduction.
We confirm your fee, free of charge
We review your paperwork and, in the vast majority of cases, agree a fixed fee with you in advance. We do not charge for this process.
Your work is carried out
The standard turnaround for drafting a document or an advice is 7–10 working days, depending on the documents to review, the complexity and our commitments at the time.
Many matters are covered by a published indicative fixed fee, from possession hearings to trials, applications and financial remedy work.
See indicative fixed feesPublic access, properly regulated
Joseph Chiffers and the company are regulated by the Bar Standards Board. The Bar Standards Board publishes guidance for lay clients on how public access works.
Ready to instruct a barrister directly?
Call 01928 263056or send a short enquiry, and a Direct Access Barrister will be in touch as soon as possible. We’ll confirm your fee before any work begins.