Traditionally, an employer or employee who wanted legal representation or advice from a barrister had to instruct a solicitor first. A direct approach to a barriser was impossible, whether or not the case really merited two “layers” of lawyer. A 1987 green paper suggested change, and new rules allowing members of the public to instruct barristers directly for certain purposes finally came into effect in 2004. The public is making increasing use of this scheme, called “Public Access” and, in my experience, it works well.