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Instructing a barrister on a direct access basis means accessing expert legal advice and representation without having to instruct a solicitor.

In appropriate cases, it can be a cost-effective means of obtaining specialist advice, assistance and representation.

How can we help? > >

At 4pb we have specialist direct access barristers available at all levels of seniority and expertise: from bright and well-trained newly qualified barristers, right the way up to senior KCs, and all levels in-between.

 

We can:

  • Provide legal advice and opinions before and during proceedings. This can be done in a face-to-face or remote meeting (called a conference) or in writing.
  • Draft legal documents, although we cannot send correspondence on your behalf or lodge documents with the court.
  • Represent you at court, including at interim and final hearings
  • Represent you in forms of non-court dispute resolution, including arbitrations, FDRs, early neutral evaluations and (where appropriate) we can also assist you in mediation.

 

If we think you could benefit from more support, we can also advise you about instructing a solicitor.

 

We cannot collate documents, file forms or court applications, send letters or engage otherwise with “conducting litigation”. That means that direct access instructions only work if you feel confident to undertake much of that work yourself.

 

We also cannot accept instructions on a direct access basis if you are in receipt of legal aid.

Is Direct Access for you? > >

Direct access only works in appropriate cases and requires you to be confident about managing aspects of your case that might otherwise have been undertaken by a solicitor.

More information > >

Direct Access Barristers are regulated by the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board and have strict professional rules by which they abide, giving you the benefit of consumer protection and the backing of a professional conduct regime built up over centuries.

 

Only barristers who have achieved a specialist direct access qualification undertake this work. You can find a list of 4PB’s direct access qualified barristers below.

 

If you’d like more information about how a direct access barrister in family law could work with you directly, you can look at the public direct access page on the Bar Council’s website or the guidance notes prepared by the Bar Standards Board, by clicking the links.

Fees > >

Initial Conference and Preparation £2000 – £2500
Written advice on your financial dispute £2000 – £2500
Additional conferences if required £2000 – £2500
First appointment (first court hearing exchanging financial information) £2500-£3000 Brief Fee
Financial dispute resolution appointment (second court hearing to reach a financial settlement) £4000- £5000 Brief Fee
First day of final hearing (if settlement was not reached in the financial dispute resolution appointment) £6000 – £7000 Brief Fee

 

Our Practice Management team is renowned for its excellent standards of service, whilst remaining friendly and approachable. If you would like to speak to someone about our direct access barristers, please contact direct access practice managers, Denise Fallon and Glenn Bennett, on 020 7427 5200. They will be able to discuss whether your case is suitable for direct access instruction and will be able to provide you with information on what we need in order to prepare a meaningful estimate, after which a quote for the work will be provided within 14 days.

For more specific information about how we can help in your particular case, including in relation to fees, please contact the practice managers on 0207 427 5200.

Specialist Direct Access Barristers

What people say

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The clerking team is the best there is. Nothing is too much trouble and no problem is insurmountable. They just make life easier at every turn.
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Chambers and Partners, 2025
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4PB is a set with top-class counsel at all levels in matrimonial finance work.
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Legal 500, 2024
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An immensely respected set recognised for its immeasurable expertise in private and public children law, as well as its complementary skill in matrimonial finance work.
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Chambers and Partners, 2025
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4PB is ‘a brilliant set across the board – top choice for children law matters.'
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Legal 500, 2025