Direct Access

Direct Access or Public Access

For almost 20 years now, any member of the public has been able to instruct a Barrister, including a KC, directly without having to deal with a Solicitor. This is known as Direct Access or Public Access.

Martin is now able to accept instructions directly from the public under this scheme in some cases.

As a result you can now contact Martin directly and ask him to assess and pursue your defence. Martin is happy to discuss matters in a free initial telephone discussion. This will allow a thorough assessment of your case and your options.

Advantages of choosing the Direct Access route

By instructing Martin directly you could cut your fees substantially, probably over 50%.
You will receive clear, one-to-one communication directly from Martin instead of through a third party Solicitor.
Martin will meet face to face or on a video call and will work closely with you throughout the case, examining the strategy and tactics most likely to achieve a positive result. This direct support is essential in maximising the chances of success.
When you need to make important decisions, Martin will deploy his longstanding Bar experience (30 years) to walk you through the implications. This personal support is invaluable in choosing the right path and understanding the potential consequences of your choices.

In some cases it may be necessary to instruct a Solicitor either because the case is not suitable for direct instruction or it simply becomes necessary to use a Solicitor to litigate the case. Martin can call on is vast experience to identify and assist you to instruct an appropriate expert firm.

What Martin’s Clients Say

"Martin is a superb barrister. He is a wise and considered practitioner who shows great judgement in which battles to pick. He has a delightful court manner which charms judges and juries alike as well as a steely resolve. Martin is a stellar performer who was made for silk robes."

Other Key Lawyer

"Martin is an able advocate who sports good points of law, argues the point well and is clearly an adroit trial tactician."

London Bar

"Martin is absolutely brilliant. He has a really down-to-earth and direct advocacy style that judges and juries really like and is very effective."

Financial Crime UK Bar

"Martin speaks brilliantly and is very well prepared. His cross-examination is excellent because he has such a good tone of voice and deals with witnesses very well."

Crime UK Bar

"Martin is very industrious, sharp and hard-working and he is an all-round first-class counsel."

Crime UK Bar

"Martin is an exceptional practitioner who is the rare combination of a brilliant brain and an excellent advocate. He reads the room and even in the most challenging of cases ensures that the jury and judge are on board with him."

Legal 500 2024 Edition

"Martin McCarthy has an established defence practice across both crime and financial crime. He has experience of serious matters including those relating to people trafficking and terrorism. His cases regularly have cross-border elements."

Chambers and Partners 2024 edition

"Assiduous and extremely organised, his preparation for a case is excellent. He has an unrivalled sense of which direction a case is going once it's underway. He has a very good forensic mind and the ability to dial it up or down in response to the mood of the courtroom"

Chambers and Partners 2024 edition

Direct Access or Public Access

Advantages of choosing the Direct Access route

What Martin’s Clients Say

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