If you are member of the public and you wish to obtain advice or representation from me directly, then my Public Access service may be suitable for you.

Some cases lend themselves better to public access and some cases require a solicitor’s intervention. There are other cases where Public Access may be entirely appropriate.

You may qualify for legal aid in areas of work where legal aid is available (e.g. Asylum). You can check your financial eligibility on the Ministry of Justice’s website. You may, where the merits test is also satisfied, be able to obtain legal services for free, or by making contributions. This will also offer you costs protection. You should therefore think carefully before instructing a barrister on a public access basis. A solicitor can tell you if you are eligible for legal aid or you can use this legal aid calculator. If you do qualify for legal aid you can search for a solicitor in your locality who specialises in the required area of law.

Fees for every item of work are paid in advance.

Once fees have been agreed you will receive two copies of the contract signed by me which will be in the form of a letter. You will be required to sign both keeping one for yourself. It is important that you read this contract carefully.

In order to satisfy the Proceeds of Crime Act and money laundering regulations I must take a copy of your passport or driving licence plus a copy of a utilities bill less that 3 months old.

You will carry out certain tasks which a solicitor would otherwise do. This would include preparing the papers which I will need. You will also have to prepare instructions, which are a synopsis of your case, a chronology or timeline of events and exactly what you are asking me to do.

My contract sets out the steps that can be taken if you are not happy with any aspect of the service that has been provided. I also have a written complaints procedure through my place of work at Garden Court Chambers.

Please make your enquiry using the contact form. Briefly describe the issue on which advice is sought  and mention any deadlines. I will contact you with a decsion as to whether to take your case, subject to conditions.

Please note that all enquiries must be submitted via the contact form and I am unable to handle enquiries by telephone in the first instance.