The licensed access scheme that allows certain groups to go direct to the bar can reduce the overall cost to clients by a half, delegates at the conference were told.

Stephen Twist, a tenant at York Chambers in York, argued that the scheme had a number of other significant advantages for barristers, such as the receipt of instructions more quickly. 'You get on board at a much earlier stage,' he said.


Access: no solicitor needed

Mr Twist added that barristers could also set timelines for different forms of resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, obtain 'better and more apposite' disclosure, and gain access to 'a lot of new forms of work' to which previously they would not have had access.

A new public access scheme launched in July this year, when the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, approved changes to the Bar Council's code of conduct. These mean that barristers can provide specialist advice, drafting and advocacy without a solicitor being instructed first (see [2004] Gazette, 8 July, 3).


The scheme does not apply to criminal, family or immigration work, while barristers are still banned from undertaking the solicitor's role in the conduct of litigation. Only barristers who have been in practice for three years and have undergone a training course can take advantage.


Bar chairman Stephen Irwin QC said he had been talking to the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress about growing the licensed access scheme.