I can be instructed for legal work directly by members of the public without using a solicitor under the public access scheme. This can save on your legal costs. It also gives you direct access to your barrister. The public access scheme is only suitable for some people, though: those who can take control of their own case but with the guidance of a barrister to help them.
Under the public access scheme your case is yours, under your full control. You can buy in as much or as little help as you choose.
As a barrister, I specialise in appeals and applications for judicial review. I do not generally assist members of the public with initial applications to the Home Office or an Entry Clearance Officer.
About public access
There are some restrictions on what I can and cannot do under the public access scheme. I would strongly recommend taking a look at the guide provided by the Bar Council if you are seriously contemplating engaging my services as a member of the public.
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✔ Meet with you to discuss your case
✔ Draft letters and legal documents for you
✔ Advise you on anything to do with your case
✔ Attend court for you
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✘ Conduct litigation
✘ Act as your address for receiving legal documents
✘ Serve or post documents for you
✘ Lodge your claim at court
Under the public access scheme, your case remains yours and you retain formal conduct of the case. You are named on court papers as your own representative with my name included as your barrister. Your address is used for correspondence.