If you've got a question, our FAQs might help.
But if you still need assistance, we're happy to talk!
All information submitted to the Clerksroom Direct portal is confidential and highly secure. You will receive an automated email response to your enquiry asking you to verify your email address. Once confirmed, you will have a secure link to the portal and only you and your chosen barrister will have access to the information provided. Your details will never be disclosed to a third party without your prior agreement, nor will you receive unsolicited communications from Clerksroom Direct. Clerksroom Direct holds a valid secure site certificate.
Barristers can:
- provide expert legal opinion and advice
- draft legal documents
- attend court as your advocate
- represent you at a mediation or arbitration
Barristers are experts in the law and provide a high level of skill when advocacy is required to present your case to a court or tribunal.
Most barristers do not conduct litigation but, if required, we are able to provide some who are now approved to do so by the Bar Standards Board. We can advise who is best-placed to help you once we have reviewed your enquiry.
Cost
Barristers are remarkably cost effective due to their low overheads. Our barristers mainly work from home which helps to reduce costs further. Many people who have instructed barristers directly comment favourably regarding the cost of doing so. There is no duplication of work, therefore costs are not duplicated. Barristers' fees are often up to 30% cheaper than solicitors' fees.
Fixed fees
Most barristers will be happy to provide a fixed fee quote or work to a budget set by you. Please don’t be afraid to ask if a piece of work can be completed for a set price. We welcome the challenge.
Expertise
Barristers are legal experts who normally specialise in limited areas of law. Using an expert means you have the right answer quickly.
Communication
You deal directly with the barrister and you will be able to discuss the matter by phone, email, Skype or any other agreed method.
Speed
Dealing directly with a barrister tends to be much quicker than going through a solicitor as the only parties involved are you and your barrister. A normal turnaround time for legal advice is seven days but it can be far quicker if needed.
The rules governing the instruction of barristers changed in 2004 to allow members of the public to instruct directly. Most barristers do not want to deal with clients directly, preferring the traditional route of working with solicitors. This has meant that little advertising has been undertaken to market the service directly to private or business clients. This has resulted in limited media publicity. We continue to work with approximately 20,000 solicitors in England and Wales, but we also welcome the opportunities provided by the Public Access Rules.
Legal aid can help pay for legal advice, family mediation or representation in court or at a tribunal. You’ll be asked general questions about your legal problem and your financial situation.
We’re here to help!