Hi
I would appreciate some advice on choosing between engaging a Barrister via Direct Access or through a Solicitor. The one I have in mind can be engaged via either route.
If would be really helpful if someone could highlight.
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what points I should be considering when choosing a particular route? (Obviously costs is one - any others?)
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the key pros and cons and any potential pitfalls in the two routes?
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Overall, is going via Direct Access usually the cheaper option?
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Is it reasonable to expect to be provided a fixed quote for costs at the start or are these likely to be variable depending on the hours spent?
Many thanks
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Key background facts:
*I have a SENDIST appeal hearing in a month or so. I am appealing against Parts 2, 3 & 4. Son, 8, has ASD with severe S&L impairment. No significant behaviour issues.
*The LA and existing (mainstream) school maintain that the current school can meet his needs. Independent SALT & EP experts & their reports are very clear that due to his severe language impairment he needs a specialist S&L school. He has a placement offer from a specialist S&L school.
*The stakes are high and a potential sticking point at the hearing is likely to be the significant transport costs (estimated at £25K-30K pa), so expect to need a barrister to successfully argue that he does need a specialist school.
*So far no solicitor has been engaged as I have been doing all the appeal paperwork with help from a SEN support group. I will plan to do the initial iterations of the working document, though expect to need Counsel's help to finalise any outstanding issues during the concluding stages of the hearing.