Barristers

However the Family Law Barrister is far removed from the glamour of the image the television may portray.

For instance, Barristers very rarely wear wigs in Court for family cases as most proceedings are in chambers (in private) and only the parties, their legal advisors and witnesses may enter the courtroom.

Barristers are also known as Counsel (in America, Counselors).

Barristers are self employed but tend to work out of offices called Chambers where they share administration and other overheads. The chambers are run by specialist administrators called Barristers Clerks who book the cases and deal with all the administration.

What is the difference between a Barrister and a Solicitor

Barristers are self employed specialists trained to appear in all the courts in England & Wales as well as to provide legal advice. They tend to do most of the advocacy that is not everyday or procedural. They are specialised in chosen fields and can keep up to date with the law as it changes as they are constantly in court dealing with the law as it changes from day to day.

How do I get a Barrister?

For most people the only way to get a barrister is through your Solicitor as the law has kept the Bar (as the Barristers are collectively known) separate from the rest of the profession to keep it unique.

In most cases your Solicitor will recommend that a Barrister be instructed and will know Barristers that they have used in cases like yours. However you are the client and you are paying for the service and can ask your Solicitor for a specific Barrister that may have been recommended to you (if they are available).

Barristers also operate what is known as the Cab rank, which means they have to take a case if given to them by the Clerks.

The Bar Council of England & Wales is the governing body of Barristers.

Eighteen Carlton Crescent

Divorce-Online have a special relationship with the Chambers at 18 Carlton Crescent in Southampton who can offer Solicitors who instruct them negotiable fees, easy payment schemes and a friendly approachable quality service.  To find out how to instruct a Barrister at 18 Carlton Crescent go to our community section where you will find the Team in our "Ask the Experts Section". To contact the clerks direct click on the door logo above.

Please mention Divorce-Online.

Bar Direct

The Bar Council has approved a six-month pilot scheme to explore the extension of access to the Bar's services by means of an extension of the existing Rules. It is intended that Bar Direct work should cover not only advisory and other non-contentious work but also contentious matters. The scheme will operate through a licensing system. Queries regarding the scheme should be addressed to:

Ms Jan Bye
The General Council of the Bar
3 Bedford Row
London WC1R 4DB

Telephone: 0171 242 0082

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Information on this page is current and last updated: 4/2/2012