Until 2004 access to expert Barristers was only available with the help of  a Solicitor. This has now changed  and members of the public and corporate bodies may seek help and instruct directly. We would ask you to read this page in full and if you wish to instruct a barrister direct complete the form available through this link Public Access Form or contact David Barber on 01962 868161

At Pump Court we have a team of 6 barristers that undertake direct Public Access work. All of the members of the team have more than 5 years experience and have expertise in the areas in which they accept work.

They are:

Charles Parry

Alison Russell

Peter Asteris

Spencer Keen

Rachel Spearing

Heather Platt

The areas in which they are able to accept work are:

 Employment

Contract Disputes

Discrimination

Regulatory Work

Private Prosecutions

General Property Disputes

Personal Injury

We are unable to accept work in any Criminal, Immigration or Matrimonial matters.

Pricing/Costs

 All fess charged are based on an hourly rate and the rates vary between individuals within the team. The rates charged will normally be below the rates charged by Solicitors with similar experience.

All work will be indicated in a letter prior to its commencement and a fee agreed with you. Work will not begin until you have agreed to the cost.

 With you undertaking some of the work involved in the case, with guidance, we would expect you to save money over the course of an action when using public access barristers.

Help we can Provide

Legal Advice

Drafting Case Documents

• Advice on the steps that need to be taken before a Court or Tribunal
• Drafting formal documents for use in proceedings
• Advice on the content of letters to be sent
• Advice on the content of witness statements/questions to be asked
• Advice on Expert Witnesses, help in drafting letters of instruction for you to send
• Advocacy and negotiation at Court Hearings

Help we are Unable to Provide

Issuing Proceedings on your behalf

Sending Letters of Barristers headed paper on your behalf

• Investigate of collect evidence
• Handle your affairs, manage your case or handle your money

It is our hope that the Public Access case undertaken will give you the individual the opportunity to undertake some of the work your self thus avoiding the additional charges of Solicitors.

Help and guidance will be offered during the progression of your case which will be regularly reviewed by the barrister instructed to assess the issues. If at any time it is in your best interests to involve a solicitor then that advice will be given to you.

Further details about Public access work can be found on the Bar Council website at:

 www.barcouncil.org.uk/about/publicacces