7br direct: Public Access

Until recently anyone who needed the services of a barrister had to go through a solicitor or another recognised professional such as an accountant. Since July 2004, it has been possible for companies, businesses and members of the public to consult a barrister directly. In the right circumstances this gives a client the benefit of going straight to a specialist for legal advice and advocacy with an obvious saving in costs.

Why 7 Bedford Row?

As one of the country's leading common law sets we advise, and are instructed, in a wide range of work. Described by Chambers & Partners as producing "...barristers who are generally more at home in a courtroom than most" we appear in all tribunals up to and including the House of Lords and European Court of Justice. Members also act in mediations and arbitrations. We have international experience, advising government agencies as well as corporate and individual clients in a number of overseas jurisdictions. Often instructed in matters where proceedings are pending or have yet to be initiated, we are praised for the "rigorous and hardworking" approach we bring to our cases. We have barristers qualified to undertake Public Access work at all levels of seniority. Clients can benefit from our expertise in a number of areas, notably:

• Asset recovery and restraint
• Corporate and financial regulation
• Directors' obligations
• Disciplinary and regulatory proceedings
• Employment and discrimination law
• General commercial litigation
• Insurance policy disputes
• Health and safety regulation

Whom can we help?

Public Access is not for everyone. Given the work we do, we believe that we can best help:
• Companies and businesses
• Other professionals
• Public bodies and local authorities

We do accept instructions from individual members of the public, but for many people it is more sensible to instruct a solicitor first.

If you would like to know more about the Public Access scheme, select the FAQs link. Alternatively you can visit the Bar Council's website. If you want to find out more about consulting a barrister at 7 Bedford Row directly, choose the How do I instruct a member of 7 Bedford Row? link.