*/
Barristers predict the amount of public access work they do will go up, according to a survey from the regulators.
Commissioned jointly by the Bar Standards Board and the Legal Services Board (LSB), the report, Research into the public access scheme, revealed that 5,695 – more than a third of the practising profession – are registered for public access work.
Half (54%) had dealt with one to five cases in the past 12 months, while only 2% have undertaken 50 or more cases.
On average, for around 60% of the 404 respondents, public access work accounted for one to 10% of their fee income.
The researchers acknowledged that the figures were small, but said they represent a significant increase over the past three years, and suggested the volumes will rise.
Respondents suggested that consumers lacked awareness of the scheme and, while some suggested it should be more widely publicised, there was a reluctance to do so overtly or without an assurance in any marketing that the scheme was not a threat to solicitors.
LSB head of research and development Steve Brooker, said: ‘While representing a relatively small proportion of a barristers’ caseload it is, nonetheless, growing.’
He said consumers are starting to see the benefits of ‘wider choice, improved timeliness of access to services and lower costs’.
Barristers predict the amount of public access work they do will go up, according to a survey from the regulators.
Commissioned jointly by the Bar Standards Board and the Legal Services Board (LSB), the report, Research into the public access scheme, revealed that 5,695 – more than a third of the practising profession – are registered for public access work.
Half (54%) had dealt with one to five cases in the past 12 months, while only 2% have undertaken 50 or more cases.
On average, for around 60% of the 404 respondents, public access work accounted for one to 10% of their fee income.
The researchers acknowledged that the figures were small, but said they represent a significant increase over the past three years, and suggested the volumes will rise.
Respondents suggested that consumers lacked awareness of the scheme and, while some suggested it should be more widely publicised, there was a reluctance to do so overtly or without an assurance in any marketing that the scheme was not a threat to solicitors.
LSB head of research and development Steve Brooker, said: ‘While representing a relatively small proportion of a barristers’ caseload it is, nonetheless, growing.’
He said consumers are starting to see the benefits of ‘wider choice, improved timeliness of access to services and lower costs’.
Efforts continue on gender equality, support for the Bar, meaningful reform for the sector and advocating for the rule of law
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Once you submit your silk application, what happens next? Sir Paul Morgan explains each stage of the process and reflects on his experience as a member of the KC Selection Panel
