Direct Access

When Direct Access is suitable

Direct Access is appropriate where a single piece of work — advice, drafting, advocacy at a hearing — can be carried out by counsel without ongoing case management by a solicitor. Whether it is suitable for your case is assessed during the first call.

When a solicitor is needed

Cases requiring case management — such as collecting evidence, taking witness statements, or managing correspondence over a long period — are normally handled through a solicitor. Astons Law Chambers works with established criminal defence solicitor firms and will refer where this is the right approach.

Where the case suits a single counsel, Astons Law Chambers can carry the case end-to-end — the practice is authorised to conduct litigation. For cases that qualify for public funding instead, see how legal aid works at Astons Law Chambers.

Instructing directly, or through a solicitor

Some cases suit direct instruction. Others need a solicitor. The first call settles which.

The work involved

Instruct directly: a single defined task, such as advice, drafting, or a hearing.

Through a solicitor: a long case that needs managing between hearings.

Running the case

Instruct directly: one barrister runs the whole case without a separate solicitor, because Astons Law Chambers is authorised to conduct litigation.

Through a solicitor: the solicitor manages the case and instructs a barrister for the advocacy.

Gathering evidence

Instruct directly: best when the papers are already in hand.

Through a solicitor: needed when statements must be taken or evidence collected over time.

Fees

Instruct directly: one fee, set out in writing before any work begins.

Through a solicitor: separate solicitor and barrister fees.

Legal aid

Instruct directly: Astons Law Chambers is not a legal aid contract holder.

Through a solicitor: a firm with a legal aid contract can act for eligible cases.

What happens on instruction

1. An initial conversation to outline the matter. No fee for the first call.
2. A client-care letter setting out the scope of work, the fee, and VAT.
3. Payment of the agreed fee before work begins.
4. Conduct of the work — advice, drafting, or representation — through to conclusion.

How long cases take

Criminal proceedings move on the court's timeline, not the parties'. Typical durations for each stage — Magistrates', Crown Court, and appeals — are set out on the timescales page.

Public Access Guidance

The Bar Standards Board publishes guidance for members of the public considering Direct Access. It is available on the BSB website.