1 July 2014
The new BSB Handbook (which came into force in January 2014) changes the rules for barristers undertaking foreign work where instructions are received directly from a lay foreign client or a lay client in England and Wales in relation to a foreign matter.
The effect of the change is to apply the Public Access rules to these situations for the first time, which means barristers will need to have undertaken the Public Access training in order to accept these instructions in new cases.
In order to ensure that there was adequate time for barristers to undertake the new Public Access training, the BSB granted a 'period of grace' of six months for those affected by this change.
From today, all barristers must have undertaken the Public Access training prior to accepting instructions for this type of work.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Contact: the Bar Standards Board Press Office on 0207 6111 452.
