Public Access

In 2004 the law restricting Counsel to acceptance of instructions from only a solicitor changed.

Counsel are now able to accept instructions from public and professional clients directly in some areas of the law, without the need to also instruct a solicitor.

3PB Chambers have a team of specialist Counsel and clerks who have undertaken the necessary training and are available to accept Public Access Work in most other areas of law.

Instructing Counsel

Should you be interested in instructing Counsel directly, we would ask that you first read this page in its entirety.

If you wish to proceed after doing so please then either e-mail a short outline of your case to david.phillips@3pb.co.uk, or one of his deputies (david.snook@3pb.co.uk / stephen.arnold@3pb.co.uk) stating the following:

1. The nature of your claim/dispute.
2. If you consider the matter to be Urgent and if so the reasons why.
3. Details of any court/tribunal hearing dates.
4. Whether you have previously been advised (either by solicitors or Counsel)
5. What action you are seeking from Counsel (i.e. advice or representation)

Alternatively you may call David on 0207 583 8055 and they will allocate 5 minutes to your matter in trying to assist you with the above.

Fees / Costs

• All fees are charged on an hourly rate and vary depending on the individual Counsel.
• The rates are very competitive and are comparable to and often lower than a solicitor may charge.
• Prior to the commencement of work by Counsel, an estimate will be given as to the likely fees.
• Subject to agreement, the fees will need to be paid in advance of the commencement of any work by Counsel.

How we can assist under Public Access

• Advising Individuals & Businesses (including re: merits of claims & defence, contracts)
• Advocacy, including negotiation at court hearings or at mediation.
• Interpreting and drafting case & legal documents.
• Advise on appropriate expert witnesses.
• Preparation of Claims & Defences.
• Further opinion where a solicitor has previously been instructed.
• Advice and representation before all Civil Courts and certain Tribunals.
• We are also able to advise on many others potentially contentious issues, prior to any action being taken.

We are unable to assist with the following:

• Investigate or collect evidence, including from witnesses, although we can advise the questions that need to be asked and the content of their statements.
• Issue proceedings
• Manage the case and hold client monies on account
• Draft letters on headed paper, although we can advise on the content of letters.

We at 3PB appreciate that relationships between parties can become strained and disputes can very easily become acrimonious. Our Direct Access team aim to provide a user-friendly cost efficient service, which should give the instructing client the most cost efficient and expeditious resolution to their disputes.

On acceptance of instructions, Counsel will whenever possible offer help and guidance for the duration of your claim/dispute. If at any time Counsel feels that the interests of the client would be best served by instructing a solicitor, they will of course advise them so.

Further details on Public Access work can be found on the Bar Council website.