Public access

A selection of Members of Chambers are qualified to undertake Direct Access work from Members of the Public ("Public Access") without the intervention of a Solicitor.

An explanation of the Public Access Scheme can be found together with a Directory of participating barristers on the Bar Standards Board website.

The way the scheme is operated at Rowchester Chambers is as follows:-

  • Initial contact will be with a member of the Clerking Team who, although not qualified to give advice, will be able to take details of your enquiry, provide a quotation and refer it to the Barrister for consideration.
  • If the Barrister thinks they can assist, then you will be asked to submit in writing details of the problem and the question you would like to have answered, together with copies of all necessary papers. (Note: the first question will be "do I have a case against x for y" or "what are my prospects of success" or "can you represent me at a hearing before a tribunal" etc).
  • The barrister will consider the papers and if they are unable to help will say so and return the papers promptly without charge.
  • If the barrister can assist they will write to you clearly setting out the terms in a letter of appointment and they will set out amongst other things:-
    1. What their professional rules permit them to do and what they cannot do on your behalf.
    2. The number of hours they think will be necessary to prepare your case.
    3. Their hourly rate of charge (to which will be added VAT at the current rate) - It is regrettable that Legal Aid is not available for this type of work.
    4. The timescale in which they will be able to complete your work, however if this changes due to other professional commitments the client will be updated.
    5. Chambers main Public Access enquires are in Immigration and Family but not limited to these two areas. If counsel in engaged by the client a full Client Care letter will be sent out setting out all the key stages and time scales.

This early involvement with the Barrister can bring significant benefits to you. In creating a strategy for any investigation or prosecution, as well as to any final result.

We aim to deal with Public Access enquiries promptly. The timescale will depend on the nature and complexity of your matter, the availability of an appropriate barrister, the volume of papers provided and any court or tribunal deadlines.

The following provides an indicative guide to typical timescales. These are not guaranteed and may vary depending on the circumstances of your case:

Stage Indicative timescale
Initial enquiry / assessment 1–5 working days
Conflict check and barrister suitability 2–5 working days
Initial conference Within 1–2 weeks of instruction
Initial legal advice 1–3 weeks
Drafting a letter/document 3–10 working days
Preparing for a hearing Dependent on the hearing date and complexity
Court/tribunal hearing Dependent on the court/tribunal listing
Judgment/decision Dependent on the court/tribunal
Appeal Usually a separate stage and not included unless expressly stated

These timescales are intended as a general guide only. The precise timescale for your matter will be discussed with you and, where appropriate, confirmed in the letter of appointment and Client Care Letter.

If you accept the terms for carrying out the work offered by the Barrister you will be asked to send a cheque in respect of their fees plus VAT and when cleared the work will be carried out. The above process will be repeated for any further items of work on the same case.

For further information about Public Access Instructions, please contact the Clerking team on 0121 233 2327 or email Chambers in the contact section of the website. The Clerking Team will be able to discuss your matter and discuss fees and terms. 

Indicative Fees

All fees quoted below are exclusive of VAT.

Immigration

Court hearings - £750–£2,000 (subject to location); Advice and conferences - £250–£300 per hour; Drafting applications, statements and paperwork - £200–£300 per hour

Family Hearings

First appointment hearings - £750–£2,500; Financial dispute resolution appointment - £1,250–£3,000; First day of final hearing - £1,750–£3,500; Court appearances per day after the first day - £1,250–£2,000; Drafting paperwork and conferences - £250–£300 per hour