To understand the concept of a direct access barrister, it is important to understand the concept of barristers and solicitors in general. The profession of a lawyer is divided into two types – barrister and solicitor. A solicitor conducts court proceedings as well as litigation whereas a barrister specializes in courtroom advocacy, gives expert legal advice, drafts legal pleadings and so on.

Ever since early 2002, barristers have been legally permitted to offer their services to the public by gaining clients directly within police stations. For over 100 years the general public has been barred from ever having access to these advocates of the courts. The idea was to merge the position of a solicitor and a barrister together to cut down costs. Quickly, the public access barrister had replaced a solicitor altogether.