Direct Access

Direct Access Assistance

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Background

Direct Access is a way of getting the expertise and experience of a barrister of your choice, without having to pay for the services of a solicitor. Over the last ten years or so, The Bar Council has developed the Direct Access system to change the way that the public can access top-quality representation. 

Traditionally, if a person was arrested and charged with a criminal offence, they would instruct a solicitor. That solicitor would then instruct a barrister of relevant expertise and experience to represent their client in the Crown Court.

The costs of this were prohibitive to many because solicitors would charge both their fees for the preparation of the case and then a barrister’s fees for the conduct of the case in court. 

Legal Aid

Legal Aid, however, does not provide a cost-free alternative for most. Applications for Legal Aid are means-tested and even if legal aid is granted, there could be extensive Defence Contribution Orders imposed by the Legal Aid Authority, requiring defendants to pay massive contributions towards their legal costs, running to many thousands of pounds.

In many cases, the money defendants use to pay such contributions can actually pay for private representation through the Direct Access Scheme.

Since 2011,
MWT Legal Ltd has been at the forefront of the Direct Access Scheme. We have assisted high-profile clients under this scheme, and this has not only proved extremely cost effective for clients, but has allowed for a personal and tailor-made service for the person to build a close working relationship with their barrister and litigation assistant, namely Martin Tracy.

These arrangements are strict but fair. Barristers’ fees are paid in full and up front. No work can be undertaken by a Direct Access barrister, unless a contract has been signed by the person and agreed fees paid in full. The client has a duty to prepare his own case and is normally advised by the instructed barrister to seek assistance in the preparation of the case by a person or organisation that has experience in this area of work.

Where MWT Legal Ltd Can Help

Martin Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in preparing criminal cases before the Crown Court and has built a reputation for being attentive and understanding, with a keen eye for detail in the preparation of criminal cases.

Should a person require legal assistance, having either contacted MWT Legal Ltd directly or through a barrister’s chambers, the financial arrangements are entirely separate from those of the barrister and fees are about half of those of a firm of solicitors.

Equally, fees are paid in advance of any work undertaken and are agreed by written contract. Direct Access is now becoming a real alternative to securing highly professional and bespoke legal representation with a barrister of choice. It is cheaper for those facing criminal charges and is exceptional value for money.

However, legal aid is still available to all persons before the Crown Court. Most firms of solicitors who have Criminal Defence Contracts with the Legal Aid Authority work tirelessly for relatively little reward. Martin Tracy is a consultant with Brooklyn Solicitors and Lansbury Worthington Solicitors and can be contacted through those two firms.

You can see more details of these solicitors on our suppliers’ page.
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