This half-day course is designed for clerks, who are looking to learn about the key aspects of Public Access, with which they need to be familiar to support barristers when accepting Public Access instructions.

Find out what work can and cannot be undertaken, how to deal with clients, and more.

This event is now fully booked.

 

Woman writing on paper on a desk.
When
7 February 2024, 13:00 - 17:00
Event Type
Training course
Where
Online
Topics
Public access, Public access for clerks

See alternative dates and locations for this course

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 PA barrister and the PA 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 PA  barrister in the provision of PA work.

What areas does the course cover?

  • What is PA 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 PA barristers and their PA clients
  • Understanding the risks inherent within a PA matter/case and how to manage and mitigate those risks
  • Developing an empathetic relationship with the PA 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 PA practice
  • When the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 apply to PA work

CPD

  • 4 hours

Price

  • Standard ticket: £200 (plus VAT)

Book

This event is now fully booked.

Before you book

Read our terms and conditions and privacy statement before booking.

All Bar Council online training is held on the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Please ensure you read our Zoom statement before booking.

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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.

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