Simplifying life for you and your client
We know that Direct Access work can add pressure and be more time consuming. Amico Direct Access is here to help bridge the gap between counsel and clients, providing the day to day practical and emotional support that a solicitor would normally deliver.
How we help
- We can connect you with clients who are well matched to your expertise and experience.
- We can advise clients on the process of initially instructing you.
- We can compile a detailed and well constructed brief appraising you of the background, main issues and areas upon which advice is sought.
- We can assist with, or compile on their behalf, comprehensive and organised papers.
- We can assist with the initial drafting of applications, statements and other documents for your input.
- We can accompany the client to conferences and consultations to assist them with executing the strategy which you have advised and any further work required to advance their case.
- We can manage the client’s expectations in terms of your availability and accessibility.
- We can accompany the client to court to support them, to assist you with navigating the papers and to take a note.
- We can be the first port of call for the client’s day to day contact, reducing the need for them to communicate directly with you.
- We can help the client manage their case, including communications from then other party or their solicitor between hearings ensuring that responses are consistent with the strategy that you have proposed.
- We can help the client prepare for meetings with experts such as CAFCASS, ISWs and psychologists.
- We can help clients prepare for giving evidence.
- We have undertaken specialist training in trauma and are aware of the impact of this on clients during the court process and will work with them to mitigate and alleviate this.
- We can provide emotional support to the client enabling you to focus on the legal issues.
“Laura and Hannah’s input has been invaluable in assisting clients who have instructed me using the Public Access scheme. They have prepared the papers so that they were in good order and, most importantly, have been responsible for caring for the client’s day to day needs – speaking to them on the phone when they were wobbling and helping to manage their anxieties, as well as making sure court deadline were complied with. Hannah and Laura have also helped my clients draft their statements so that they are in a good state when they come to me. They make Direct Access cases so much more manageable and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”
Edward Lamb KC, Deka Chambers
“Previously I have limited the amount of direct access work I undertake on account of the demands of a court-based practice and a sense that I cannot provide the level of day-to-day support that many clients need. Hannah and Laura are perfectly placed to provide this support and ‘hold the hand’ of a direct access client. They ensure that the papers are in order, assist with correspondence, draft court documents and offer the guidance and responsiveness that makes all the difference to clients navigating the family courts.
When working alongside Hannah and Laura I am confident that my clients are thoroughly supported at every stage. I would not hesitate recommending them to any client instructing a barrister by direct access and to fellow members of the bar.”
Camini Kumar, 7 Bedford Row