Before appearing on a direct brief, what must a barrister do regarding paperwork?

• A. File the document in the Registry and send a copy to Chief Executive of Bar Association before appearing
• B. File nothing until asked
• C. Contact the judge first
• D. Publish a notice

Answer: (A)

The key requirement here is that, before a barrister appears on a direct brief, the brief must be officially filed in the Registry and a copy must be sent to the Chief Executive of the Bar Association. This creates a formal record of the engagement and keeps the Bar Association informed, promoting transparency, oversight, and compliance with professional rules governing direct access. It also helps the court and the Bar to manage potential conflicts and ensure appropriate administration of direct briefs.

The other options don’t fit because they bypass this formal filing and notification step: waiting to file until asked, contacting the judge first, or publishing a notice aren’t how the direct brief process is structured.