Barristers Direct has been established by Peter Shanley SC following the commencement last September of section 101 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 allowing barristers to accept legal instructions directly from clients in non-contentious matters.

The Dublin-based barrister, who has over two decades of experience in commercial and civil litigation, says that the new model could reduce costs in cases where formal legal proceedings do not need to be issued.

It remains necessary to engage a solicitor to issue legal proceedings, and Barristers Direct says barristers contacted through the service will be able to function as a “triage service” by referring clients to solicitors.

However, the new business says that many disputes can be resolved without resorting to litigation and instructing one legal professional in such cases, instead of two, will save time and money.

Speaking on the launch of the business, which is a first in Ireland, Mr Shanley 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.”

Clients are charged a flat fee for a consultation with a barrister in the Barristers Direct network with expertise in the relevant area of law.

Barristers Direct is actively expanding its nationwide network and has invited experienced barristers to register via its website.