Direct Access

Direct Access Assistance

Direct Access instructions have become more fashionable in recent years and is now a primary focus for MWT Legal Ltd.

Background

Direct Access is a way of obtaining 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 Counsel for England and Wales introduced the Direct Access Scheme or Public Access Scheme to allow greater choice to lay clients and to open up the Bar to allow it to become more accessible and approachable to the general public and to all those who require expert advice and affordable representation.

Scales of Justice in the Courtroom

Why Choose Direct Access?

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. Direct Access avoids this complication and provides more choice of appropriate representation.

Businessman signing important contract after receiving advice from financial advisor, with tablet and paperwork on wooden desk

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 bespoke 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. In some circumstances staged payments plans can be agreed.

Martin Tracy has over 40 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.

Where MWT Legal Ltd Can Help?

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 a real alternative to securing highly professional 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 Lansbury Worthington Solicitors and Reeds Solicitors and can be contacted through those two firms.

A direct access barrister is a barrister who can be instructed by a member of the public without the intervention of a solicitor.
Martin Tracy is based in Frinton on Sea.
Direct barristers can conduct a number of legal processes including providing legal advice, drafting documents, represent clients in tribunals, negotiate out of court settlements and assist with legal disputes.
A solicitor will manage your case on your behalf, whereas a direct barrister is instructed by you directly.
You cannot direct a barrister under legal aid. If you are seeking representation through legal aid, you will need to contact a solicitor who will confer with a barrister on your behalf.

Contact Us

Martin Tracy has assisted people for over 40 years in criminal trials and police stations. If you are in need of legal assistance, please fill in the form below: