The Bar Council has launched its Direct Access Portal, a free-to-use online directory allowing the public to find a barrister in their area and contact them directly without the need to go through a solicitor. Those using the portal don’t need to use the barrister for everything in the case. They can get advice on the chances of success, or ask for drafting work or representation from barristers trained as “direct access” barristers. Alistair MacDonald QC, Bar chairman, says direct access has “revolutionised” how the public use barristers. “There is no catch. It is a free online directory that allows the public to gain access to some of the top lawyers not only in the UK but the world.”
22 October 2015
Bar Council Direct Access Portal
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Carter-Ruck—Tomas Vail
Carter-Ruck strengthens International team with appointment of arbitration partner Tomas Vail
Slater Heelis—Nick Terry
Slater Heelis strengthens crime and regulatory team with appointment of Nick Terry as partner
Payne Hicks Beach—Thomas Moran & Sarah Gogan
Payne Hicks Beach strengthens private wealth offering with appointment of two new partners
NEWS
Expert witnesses face a multitude of risks and uncertainties when using artificial intelligence (AI) in their reports, IT specialists have warned
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has accepted Richard Lloyd’s recommendations for the Legal Services Board (LSB) and ordered a ‘comprehensive review of the regulatory framework’, likely to continue beyond 2029
More than one-third of expert witnesses now use artificial intelligence (AI) regularly or occasionally in their work, according to Bond Solon’s 2026 expert witness survey
General counsel have warned law firms not to keep artificial intelligence (AI) savings to themselves or risk losing work
Some 53 firms have been successfully assessed for legal aid contracts for inquest work and will now move to the verification stage, the Legal Aid Agency has confirmed
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
