Public access for clerks

If you can't find any upcoming courses, let us know you're interested and we'll let you know when we have more planned.

About the course

Continued growth in public access work and its adoption by many chambers has inevitable consequences for the way the clerks’ room functions. For the first time, clerks are required to deal directly with lay clients, take payments from lay clients, apply anti-money laundering regulations appropriately and liaise with intermediaries. These are all areas of significant BSB regulatory risk.

Public access for clerks training will give you an appreciation of the respective roles of the public access barrister and the public access clerk, an understanding of the BSB regulatory requirements, and insights into how to manage the expectations of the lay client.

The workshop examines the processes and procedures needed to safeguard and effectively manage the many risk areas arising in public access work. The BSB regulatory framework is explored, and there is sharp focus on the skills required to ensure excellence in client care, case management and the support of the public access barrister in the provision of public access work.

What areas does the course cover?

What is public access and where does it fit into the current regulatory and commercial environment?
Reviewing the application of the BSB Handbook rules and how they should be applied risk sensitively
Understanding what additional resources, systems and processes will be needed to effectively support your public access barristers and their public access clients
Understanding the risks inherent within a public access matter/case and how to manage and mitigate those risks
Developing an empathetic relationship with the public access client to deliver their objectives and manage their expectations
When it is appropriate to refuse to accept instructions from lay clients or their intermediary
The rules governing barristers' actions if the client is likely to be eligible for public funding
How fees can be calculated and the rule against 'fees on account'
The administrative undertaking and model client care letters
The relevant insurance implications (indemnity and after-the-event)
How the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 affect a public access practice
When the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 apply to public access work

CPD

4 hours

Price

As of October 2024:

Standard ticket: £200 (plus VAT)

The Annual Chambers Management package

This training session is available as part of the Bar Council's Annual Chambers Membership package. Chambers membership gives you access to a range of training and support throughout the year, chosen to suit your needs. Find out more about the package.

In-chambers training

We can offer this training in-chambers, including at chambers on the circuits. Contact our Training and Events team for information on dates and pricing.

Paperless training packs

To minimise environmental impact and the amount of paper you have to carry with you, Bar Council training packs are paperless. As a delegate you will receive the materials you need for the training by email in advance, which you can access on your laptop or tablet or print in advace if required.
Throughout the training, there will be references to various Bar Council guidance or external documents which are included as a hyperlink within the attendee workbook.