Public Access training for Clerks
Supporting clerks in effectively managing their barrister's Public Access practice. Upon completion of the training, you can manage direct access instructions immediately.
Duration
1 Hour
Modules
1
CPD Hours
1
Certificate
Certificate & Badge
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Six practical outcomes from this training
Understand Public Access accreditation requirements and the scope of permitted work under the scheme
Identify client suitability, manage communication with intermediaries, and handle client verification requirements
Recognise enhanced verification obligations and conduct appropriate due diligence on clients and cases
Manage fee arrangements transparently and ensure clients understand costs before instruction
Implement systems to manage workload, resources, and client interests while maintaining compliance
Handle client expectations, manage complaints effectively, and respond appropriately to client concerns
About this training
Public Access has transformed how barristers engage with clients, but it introduces compliance obligations that affect every member of chambers. For clerks supporting a barrister's Public Access practice, understanding the regulatory requirements is essential. This BSB-accredited training is specifically designed for clerks who manage the day-to-day operation of Public Access work.
The Public Access scheme requires chambers to handle accreditation, client verification, fee transparency, and complaints management. Many of these responsibilities fall to the clerk. This training covers the practical requirements, the risks of non-compliance, and the systems that make a Public Access practice sustainable.
Built by experienced barristers who advise chambers daily on Public Access compliance, this training moves beyond theory. It addresses the real challenges clerks face: attracting and verifying clients, managing fees transparently, handling difficult situations, and building systems that protect your barrister's practice. The course includes guidance on vulnerable clients, intermediaries, workload management, and complaints handling.
Key topics
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1
Why Offer Public Access to Your Barristers
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2
Permitted Work within the Scheme
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3
Scoping of Work
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4
Payment and Fee Arrangements
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5
Effective Practice Management
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6
Managing Client Expectations
What learners say
“Excellent, practical training that addresses the real challenges clerks face in managing Public Access work. Clear guidance on compliance without unnecessary jargon, and the examples drawn from real chambers situations are invaluable.”
Frequently asked questions
Chambers that offer Public Access should ensure their staff understand the regulatory requirements and compliance procedures. While there is no formal BSB mandate for clerk training, the reality is that clerks manage the front-end of Public Access work: they screen enquiries, verify clients, discuss fees, and handle initial complaints. Without proper training, even competent clerks can inadvertently create compliance failures that expose the barrister and the set.
Common failures in Public Access management include: inadequate client verification due diligence, unclear or undocumented fee arrangements, failure to identify when a matter falls outside the scheme's scope, poor complaints handling, and failure to maintain compliance records. Clerks are often the first point of contact and must be able to recognise these risks and escalate appropriately. This training covers the warning signs and how to manage them.
Client verification is required by law under anti-money laundering rules (AML and sanctions). If your chambers accepts Public Access instructions without properly verifying clients, both the barrister and the chambers face regulatory risk. The BSB takes this seriously. This training covers what verification actually looks like in practice and what records chambers needs to maintain to demonstrate compliance.
The Public Access scheme applies to civil, commercial, and certain criminal matters. It does not apply to family law, immigration, or certain areas of criminal work. As a clerk, you will be the first to screen enquiries. This training covers the key categories of work, the boundaries of the scheme, and when you need to refer a matter back to the barrister or advise the client that Public Access is not available for their matter.
Complaints from Public Access clients must be taken seriously and handled fairly by your chambers. The BSB's new first-tier complaints requirements mean chambers must manage initial complaints internally before any referral to the BSB or Legal Ombudsman. As a clerk, you may be the first person to hear a complaint. This training covers how to acknowledge complaints, what information to gather, how to escalate, and how to respond appropriately.
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Related services
Briefed offers advisory, audit, and policy services alongside training. If your chambers needs support beyond eLearning, we can help.