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
DWF—David Abbott & Claire Keat
Senior appointments in insurance services and commercial services announced
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Clyde & Co—Nick Roberts
Aviation disputes practice strengthened by London partner hire
Ellisons—Marion Knocker
Residential property lawyer promoted to partnership
NEWS
Prosecutors will speed up preparations for charging hate crimes, under Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance issued in response to the surge in antisemitic incidents
Improvements to courts, tribunals and the wider justice system in the north are being held back by a lack of national and local collaboration, according to thinktank JUSTICE North
A family judge has criticised the prison authorities for mistakenly freeing a father who abducted his own son
The Law Society has renewed its calls for compensation for legal aid firms affected by the cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency (LAA)
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has secured a £10m penalty plus £4.8m in costs from manufacturer Ultra Electronics Holdings, under the terms of a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) for failure to prevent bribery
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