Public Access

Since 6th July 2004 members of the public, associations and other corporate bodies have been permitted in certain circumstances to instruct barristers directly without going through a solicitor first. This is known as Public Access (“PA”). To date there are only a small group of barristers who are able to offer this service.

What type of work can a barrister do under PA?

Generally speaking a barrister can be instructed via PA in any legal matter with the exception of criminal, family and immigration law. Only barristers with at least three years practice after pupillage in chambers are permitted to do PA work. Samuel Waritay has been in practice for almost thirteen years. Click here for the type of work Samuel undertakes.

What are the advantages of PA?

The advantages of PA are that the client is able to instruct me without the additional cost of a solicitor. There are situations where it may not be in the client’s best interest or in the interests of justice to undertake PA work. For example where a client has a clear entitlement to public funding (legal aid) a solicitor should be instructed first. Clients can of course then instruct me through the solicitor. There are other situations where it will be necessary to instruct a solicitor. This will depend on the nature and facts of each case. Further guidance can be obtained from the Bar Council website. Click here. Bar Council website.

How does it work?

Samuel Waritay can be contacted by telephone or email in the first instance. If Samuel is to be instructed by the client then he will send out a client care letter which will set out what is expected of both the client and Samuel. Usually Samuel will meet the client face to face. At that conference Samuel Waritay will be able to advise the client on the strength of the case and what action should be taken. Samuel is able to draft contracts, court documents, witness statements and letters for use by the client. Samuel can appear in court or in a mediation on behalf of a PA client or may be able to negotiate for the client.