Members of Atkin Chambers can be instructed in a number of ways. For the domestic work there are three routes: professional client access (usually a referral through a solicitor), licensed access and public access. International clients are also able to access the bar directly. Each of these routes is covered below in turn.

Professional Client Access: The majority of instructions received is by way of professional client access, whether by a solicitor in private practice or by a solicitor in an in-house legal department. Through this avenue we are also able to accept instructions from other authorised litigators, employed barristers and European lawyers registered with the Law Society or the Bar Council.

Licensed Access: Instructions are also received by the members of Atkin Chambers through Licensed Access (formerly known as Direct Professional Access) This enables professionals (such as accountants, architects, engineers, or surveyors belonging to professional bodies who are licensed by the Bar Standards Board) as well other organisations and individuals who are licensed by the Bar Standards Board to instruct barristers directly.
For further details on this access and how to become licensed click here: Licensed Access.

Public Access: Some members of Atkin Chambers are able, in appropriate cases, to receive instructions under the public access rules which enable clients to instruct a barrister directly.
For further details click here: Public Access.

International Work: A large proportion of the work carried out by members of chambers relates to international projects. In these cases members receive instructions from overseas lawyers on behalf of clients as well as receiving instructions directly from the clients. The international practice rules allow foreign lawyers and client to instruct barristers directly either (a) where the work relates to matters or proceedings essentially arising or taking place or contemplated outside of England and Wales and is to be substantially performed outside England and Wales or (b) where the lay client carries on business or usually resides outside England and Wales provided that (i) the instructions emanate from outside England and Wales and (ii) the work does not involve providing advocacy services in England and Wales.
For further details click here: International Access.

For further information in relation to any of the above please contact one of the senior clerks Simon Slattery sslattery@atkinchambers.com or Justin Wilson jwilson@atkinchambers.com.