Transforming Access to Legal Services

A major milestone in Irish legal services has been reached with the official launch of Barristers Direct, a pioneering legal service founded by Senior Counsel Peter Shanley. Following the recent commencement of a key provision of the Legal Services Regulation Act, direct access to barristers is now permitted, marking a dramatic step forward for the Irish legal system.  

For the first time, members of the public and businesses can directly engage an experienced barrister for legal advice – a significant shift from the traditional model, which required a solicitor to be retained before a barrister could be instructed. In many cases, where formal legal proceedings do not need to be issued, engaging one legal professional instead of two is sufficient and costs less. 

Recognising the potential of this legislative change, Peter Shanley SC, a highly respected barrister with over two decades of experience in commercial and civil litigation, established Barristers Direct to bridge the gap between clients and barristers.

Headquartered in Dublin, the service, now live at www.barristersdirect.ie, is the first in Ireland to offer direct access to a nationwide network of barristers. The service allows users to access specialist legal expertise in areas such as employment law, commercial disputes, family law, debt recovery, personal injury law, and more.

At the launch, Peter Shanley SC, Founder of Barristers Direct, said, “This service brings legal services into the 21st Century. Our network of barristers offers clients a smarter, faster, and more transparent way to get expert legal advice – by going straight to a specialist barrister. It saves time, reduces cost, and offers clarity from the very beginning of a dispute.”

The Barristers Direct model is built on simplicity and clarity. When a client makes contact and pays a flat fee, a consultation is arranged with a barrister with expertise in the relevant area of law. This early access to specialist barristers ensures informed, practical advice is provided to the client at the outset. 

Where a case requires legal proceedings to be issued, it remains necessary to engage a solicitor, and clients will be so advised and can be referred if required. However, in many instances, disputes can be resolved prior to legal proceedings being issued, ensuring faster outcomes and significant savings.

For solicitors, this model provides significant efficiency benefits. Barristers provide a “triage service” for cases referred to solicitors to issue proceedings, meaning solicitors can focus more of their time on progressing active cases and delivering results for their clients. 

Barristers Direct not only seeks to assist solicitors and empower clients, but it also presents a valuable new avenue for barristers seeking to broaden their practice and engage more directly with clients. There has been an “overwhelmingly positive reaction from barristers,” said Shanley, who noted that members of the Bar are enthusiastic about embracing new sources of work and expanding their professional network of solicitors and clients. The service is actively expanding its nationwide network and invites experienced barristers to register and be part of this forward-thinking legal community.

“We’re building a trusted national brand,” Shanley added. “Our ambition is to become the go-to service for direct access to legal expertise in Ireland. If you’re in need of legal advice, our network of barristers is here for you.”

Clients are encouraged to contact Barristers Direct as early as possible in relation to a dispute, before legal proceedings are issued. Early legal advice can prevent escalation, avoid litigation, and even enable early settlement where appropriate. Having a barrister’s insight at the start ensures a clear view of the legal position, the potential risks, and the most strategic path forward.

Barristers Direct represents a significant evolution in how legal services are delivered in Ireland.

To explore services, refer a client, or join the growing network of barristers, visit www.barristersdirect.ie