After accepting a direct brief, what must a barrister do?

• A. Immediately file a claim with the court.
• B. Prepare a document disclosing required disclosures to the client, include the client's written acknowledgment of disclosure, and include a certification by the barrister, then file it in the Registry and send a copy to the Bar Association Chief Executive before appearing.
• C. Start proceedings without client instructions.
• D. Conduct the case as directed by the court.

Answer: (B)

When a barrister accepts a direct brief, the priority is to ensure the client is fully informed and the engagement is transparent before any appearance. This means producing a disclosure document that sets out the required information the client needs, obtaining the client’s written acknowledgment that those disclosures have been made, and including a certification by the barrister that the disclosures have been provided. After that, the document must be filed in the Registry and a copy sent to the Bar Association Chief Executive before the barrister appears. This sequence protects the client’s rights to understand the engagement, any potential implications or conflicts, and the terms of the arrangement, while also providing regulatory oversight before the matter proceeds. Options that involve filing a court claim immediately, starting proceedings without client instructions, or acting solely under court directions do not align with the pre-appearance disclosure and regulatory filing requirements.