Direct Access Criminal Defence Barrister in London

I am a criminal defence barrister practising in London, specialising in serious and complex criminal cases. I accept Direct Access instructions from privately paying clients and act for legally aided clients where appropriate.

What Is Direct Access?

Direct Access (also known as Public Access) is a scheme regulated by the Bar Council which allows members of the public to instruct a barrister directly for legal advice and advocacy.

Where suitable, Direct Access enables you to:

  • obtain specialist advice at an early stage

  • deal directly with counsel responsible for your case

  • avoid unnecessary duplication of work

  • have clarity about the scope of advice and fees

All professional duties and regulatory safeguards apply in exactly the same way as in solicitor-led instructions.

Can I Instruct a Criminal Barrister Directly?

You may be able to instruct me directly if you:

  • are under criminal investigation

  • have been charged with a criminal offence

  • require advice before or after interview

  • need representation at a hearing or trial

  • seek advice on plea, sentence, or appeal

  • wish to explore private representation

  • have been convicted and/or sentenced and want an experienced barrister to review your case

When Is Direct Access Not Suitable?

Direct Access is not appropriate in every case.

A solicitor may be required where:

  • extensive evidence gathering or disclosure management is needed

  • significant administrative or litigation support is required

  • third-party correspondence or witness handling is necessary.

If Direct Access is not suitable for your case, I will say so at an early stage and advise on the appropriate next steps. I can assist in identifying a suitable solicitor if required.

What Can I Do as a Direct Access Barrister?

When instructed directly, I may:

  • provide written or oral legal advice

  • advise on the strength of the prosecution case

  • advise on plea and sentence

  • prepare for hearings or trial

  • represent you in court

  • advise on appeal or post-conviction matters.

I will explain clearly what work I can undertake and what may require a solicitor, so that expectations are clear from the outset.

What Happens After You Make Contact?

The usual process is as follows:

  1. Initial enquiry – you make contact with brief details of your case

  2. Assessment – I consider whether Direct Access is suitable

  3. Scope and fees – the work and fees are agreed in advance

  4. Formal instruction – instructions are confirmed

  5. Advice or representation – I act as agreed.

Making an enquiry does not create any obligation. I am happy to discuss your case by email or telephone.

Fees

Fees under Direct Access are agreed in advance and depend on:

  • the nature and seriousness of the case

  • the stage of proceedings

  • the work required.

I aim to be transparent and proportionate in relation to fees and will never charge for work that has not been agreed in advance. Where legal aid may be available, I will advise you accordingly.

Making a Confidential Enquiry

If you wish to discuss whether Direct Access is suitable for your case, you may contact me directly for an initial confidential discussion. You may also speak to my clerks on 020 7440 8888.

All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Direct Access – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really instruct a barrister without a solicitor?
Yes. Under the Direct Access scheme, you may instruct a barrister directly in suitable cases. This is a regulated and well-established scheme.

Is Direct Access cheaper than using a solicitor?
It can be, but cost should not be the sole consideration. Direct Access may reduce duplication of work, but some cases still require a solicitor. Fees are always agreed in advance.

Can you represent me in court under Direct Access?
Yes. I can represent clients directly at hearings and trials where Direct Access is appropriate.

Can you deal with my case from start to finish?
In many cases, yes. In some cases, a solicitor may be required for specific aspects of the case. This will be explained clearly at the outset.

Do you accept legal aid cases?
Legal aid is not available by way of Direct Access. I do, however, act for legally aided clients when instructed by a solicitor. You are welcome to contact me to discuss representation in a legally aided case, or to ask your solicitor to contact or instruct me about

Is my enquiry confidential?
Yes. All enquiries are treated confidentially and without obligation.

How quickly can I get advice?
This depends on availability and urgency. Where a matter is urgent, this should be made clear when you make contact. I will always be clear about my availability to undertake work.

More advice

Experience

I am a criminal defence barrister practising in London, specialising in serious and complex criminal cases, including trials and appeals. I accept Direct Access instructions from privately paying clients and act for legally aided clients where appropriate.

I regularly act for:

  • privately paying clients

  • legally aided clients

  • professionals seeking specialist criminal advice

I appear in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal, and also represent clients at professional regulatory and disciplinary hearings.

London