How to Book a Barrister

In many cases, yes. Under the Direct Access scheme, barristers can accept instructions directly from members of the public, businesses, and organisations without a solicitor acting as an intermediary. Not all barristers are registered for Direct Access work. Contact our clerks and they will advise whether Direct Access is appropriate for your matter and identify a suitable barrister.

We can often confirm a barrister for straightforward matters within the same working day. Urgent instructions are handled as a priority by our clerking team. For anything time-critical, calling us directly on 01823 247 247 will get you the fastest response. Our clerks are used to managing late briefs and short-notice hearings.

No. At the initial stage, our clerks only need enough information to identify availability and match the right barrister to your case. Once the instruction is confirmed, you can upload your full brief and supporting papers through Chambers365 at a time that suits you. There is no requirement to have everything ready before making first contact.

Our clerks will provide a fee estimate before any instruction is confirmed. Fees depend on the complexity of the matter, the seniority of the barrister, the type of work involved, and the court or tribunal. All fees are agreed in writing before you commit to an instruction. There are no hidden costs or unexpected charges.

Our barristers cover family law (including private and public children law, and financial remedy), employment law, commercial and business disputes, property and planning, personal injury and complex injury, regulatory matters, and mediation and ADR. If you are unsure whether we have the right specialist for your case, speak to our clerks and they will advise you directly.

Our clerking team actively monitors barrister availability and will contact you immediately if a conflict or unavailability arises. We will work to find a replacement barrister with equivalent experience as quickly as possible. Where a return brief is necessary, our clerks will manage the handover and ensure the new barrister is properly briefed. Chambers-wide coverage across a large network of barristers means we can almost always find a suitable alternative.

Chambers365 is The Barrister Group's online portal for instructing solicitors and clients. It is free to use and allows you to submit instructions, upload papers, track matters, and manage billing without needing to contact chambers by phone or email for routine updates. You can access it at app.chambers365.com. Our clerks can assist you with setting up an account if you are using it for the first time.

Yes. All information shared with The Barrister Group and its barristers is treated as confidential. Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board and are bound by professional duties of confidentiality. Our systems, including Chambers365, are operated in accordance with UK data protection law. We will never share your information with third parties without your consent.

Yes. You can request a specific barrister by name, or you can ask our clerks to make a recommendation based on the requirements of your case. If you have worked with a particular barrister before and want to use them again, our clerks will check availability and do their best to accommodate the request. Barrister profiles are available on our website to help you make an informed choice.

Yes. Barristers provide a range of services beyond advocacy, including written legal opinions, advice on merits and prospects of litigation, drafting of pleadings and documents, and advisory conferences. If you need a specific type of work rather than representation at a hearing, our clerks can advise on the most appropriate barrister and format for the instruction.