Marc Beaumont writes:
In July 2004, the Bar of England and Wales took a brave step. It opened its doors to direct access clients. It had previously rejected Marc Beaumont's proposal for direct advisory access, but pressure from the OFT and Marc Beaumont's own persistence and determination as the primary advocate for direct access work, paid off. The scheme is known as the Bar Public Access scheme.
In the Spring of 2010, the newly created Legal Services Board will consider the Bar's intention to expand the Public Access scheme to criminal, family and immigration work. It seems likely that this proposed expansion will be accepted by the LSB.
The LSB will also consider Marc Beaumont's proposal, made several years ago now, to widen the work functions that PA Barristers may perform: the ability of a PA Barrister fully to conduct correspondence will become enshrined in the English Bar's rules for the first time.
