County Court Claims
Many small and medium sized businesses are faced with a dilemma when they get involved in county court litigation, either as claimant or defendant. They can run the case themselves, thus keeping costs to a minimum but running the risk that a lack or legal knowledge or expertise may handicap their chances. Or they can instruct a solicitor, thereby incurring a potentially large liability for fees that they are not necessarily guaranteed to recover from the other side. The public access scheme provides an important alternative. A barrister can be instructed directly and in relation to a distinct step in the action. It may be an early advice as to the merits of the claim. It may be to draft a particular document, such as Particulars of Claim or Defence. Or it may be representation at an interlocutory hearing or the final trial.