Public Access Barrister London | Instruct a Family Barrister Directly
Seema Kansal is a Public Access (Direct Access) accredited Family Law Barrister at FOURTEEN Chambers, London. You can instruct her directly for specialist advice and court representation in divorce, financial remedies, children matters, domestic abuse and international family law — without first going through a solicitor.
What is Public Access (Direct Access)?
Public Access (also called Direct Access) is a regulated scheme that allows members of the public to instruct a barrister directly, without first instructing a solicitor.
Traditionally, clients had to go through a solicitor who would then instruct a barrister for advocacy or specialist advice. Public Access removes that requirement for many types of family law work. You can speak and work directly with the barrister who will advise you and, if needed, represent you in court.
Seema Kansal is authorised by the Bar Standards Board to accept Public Access instructions. She advises and represents clients across London, England and Wales in divorce and financial remedy proceedings, private and public children law, domestic abuse injunctions, international family disputes and Court of Protection matters.
After an initial enquiry, Seema (or her clerks) assesses whether the matter is suitable for Public Access. Not every case is appropriate — some require the extensive evidence-gathering or ongoing case management that a solicitor provides. Where Public Access is suitable, you receive a clear fee quotation and a letter of engagement setting out the scope of work.
You then work directly with Seema: conferences (in person, by video or telephone), written advice, drafting of documents, negotiation support, and full court advocacy where required. Public Access does not mean you can never instruct a solicitor. If the case develops in a way that requires extensive correspondence or complex evidence collection, a solicitor can still be brought in alongside the barrister.
What You Can Instruct Seema For
Through Public Access, Seema Kansal can provide a wide range of specialist family law services directly to members of the public.
Legal Advice
Clear, realistic advice on your legal position in divorce, financial remedies, children arrangements, domestic abuse or international family law. Advice is given in plain English and tailored to your circumstances.
Case Review
A detailed review of the papers, evidence and procedural history of your case. Seema assesses strengths, risks and realistic options so that you can make informed decisions.
Written Opinions
Formal written advice on discrete legal issues, the merits of a proposed application or defence, or the likely outcome of contested proceedings.
Document Drafting
Drafting of key documents including statements, position statements, applications, consent orders and skeleton arguments.
Court Representation
Full advocacy before the Family Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. Seema appears at interim hearings, FDR appointments, contested final hearings and urgent applications.
Financial Remedy
Advice and representation in financial remedy proceedings following divorce, including complex cases involving business assets, pensions and disputed disclosure.
Children Law
Representation in private children disputes (child arrangements, specific issue and prohibited steps orders) and, where appropriate, public law proceedings.
International Family Law
Advice and advocacy in cross-border cases, including jurisdiction disputes, Hague Convention applications and relocation of children abroad.
Emergency Applications
Urgent advice and representation in emergency situations, including without-notice applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders.
Negotiation & Settlement
Strategic support during negotiations and mediation, including advice on offers and the terms of any proposed settlement or consent order.
Direct Access to Specialist Family Law Expertise
Instructing a barrister directly is a significant step. Clients who choose Public Access want specialist expertise, clear communication and confidence that their case is being handled by someone who will also stand up in court on their behalf.
Seema Kansal is a Public Access accredited Family Law Barrister with over 17 years of experience at the family Bar. She practises from FOURTEEN Chambers at 14 Gray’s Inn Square, London, and appears regularly in the Family Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. Her practice covers the full range of family law work: divorce and financial remedies, private and public children law, domestic abuse injunctions, international family disputes and Court of Protection matters.
Public Access accreditation means Seema is authorised by the Bar Standards Board to accept instructions directly from members of the public. She understands the particular responsibilities that come with Direct Access work: explaining the process clearly, assessing suitability at the outset, providing transparent fee information, and maintaining direct communication throughout.
One of the most valued aspects of Public Access is the ability to speak directly with the barrister who will advise on strategy and conduct the advocacy. There is no intermediary. Clients receive advice and updates from the person who will ultimately present their case in court.
Strategic advice is central to Seema’s approach. Whether the matter is a high-value financial remedy case, a contested child arrangements dispute, or an urgent protective application, the focus is on realistic options, careful preparation and a clear plan. Legal jargon is avoided; advice is given in plain English.
Fees are discussed openly at the beginning. Public Access work is usually charged on a fixed-fee or brief-fee basis for defined pieces of work, giving clients greater cost certainty. Attention to detail and professional care run through every stage — from the initial assessment of suitability through to the final hearing or settlement.