Today sees the launch of myBARRISTER, a new online service that gives barristers direct access to people and businesses looking for legal advice and representation.
The site is based on a proprietary search engine that matches clients with the skills of nearby barristers.
How does it work?
- Barristers register on myBARRISTER
- They pay an annual subscription of £1,200.00+VAT
- Users create and publish an online profile
- Barristers respond to enquiries from potential clients
- Barrister and client agree terms and start work
Membership is initially invitation only, but there are plans to expand once demands exceed supply of barristers.
The site, which is responsive and adapts to smartphones and tablets, kicks off with a test market in Bristol and the South West before moving to other areas of the country.
Any barrister with a current practicing certificate and who is qualified for direct access can join.
Historically barristers relied heavily on referrals from solicitors, but myBARRISTER is one of a number of sites hoping to capitalize on moves to encourage more direct access to the bar.
Funding cuts, increased competition from solicitors, and the launch of BARCO, which allows barristers to handle client money, have accelerated the push towards direct access.
The team behind myBARRISTER comprises barristers, clerks and communications specialists – including Ronald DeKoven QC, a former partner at Shearman & Sterling and head of DeKoven Chambers.
For more details about myBARRISTER, contact director Jonathan Maskew, a bar expert and one of the movers behind the site.
Jonathan told me yesterday:
“We have 100 barristers registered and continue to add more each day.”
You can also email contact@thisismybarrister.com and follow the site’s progress on Twitter.
[…] A number of services have emerged in response, such as my BARRISTER, an online service that came on to the market in 2013. […]