Is a barrister obliged to accept a direct brief?

• A. Yes, always
• B. No, not obliged
• C. Only if paid extra
• D. Only if court orders

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that barristers have professional independence and can choose which briefs to accept. A direct brief—where a client runs directly to a barrister without a solicitor—is permissible, but there is no obligation on the barrister to accept it. Whether a barrister takes a direct brief depends on factors such as capacity, area of expertise, potential conflicts of interest, and whether the brief can be properly advised from the outset. They may also decide to involve a solicitor if that would help the matter, or to decline if they cannot provide the required service. This reflects the independence of the profession and the right of a barrister to assess the suitability of a brief.

The other options imply universal acceptance or an obligation tied to payment or court orders, which do not align with that independence and discretion.