Through a solicitor
Ask your solicitor to identify counsel with relevant experience, check availability and conflicts with chambers, and discuss fees and the proposed scope of work.
Find a KC
Find the right King's Counsel for your matter.
A practical route to finding specialist advocates in England and Wales, checking their professional status and approaching them through the right channel.
Start here
Choose how you intend to instruct counsel.
Instructing directly
Use the Bar Council's Direct Access Portal to search barristers who accept direct instructions. Check a prospective KC's profile and confirm with chambers whether they can accept your matter.
The Direct Access Portal covers participating public access barristers, not every KC. A direct access qualification does not mean that counsel can conduct litigation for you.
Check the record
Verify before you enquire.
Search the practitioner's name and confirm that the record matches the person you intend to instruct. If you are unsure, ask their chambers or firm.
Barrister KC
The Bar Standards Board's register shows currently authorised practising barristers and their permitted activities. Check the record directly.
Solicitor KC
KCs may also be solicitor advocates. Use the Solicitors Regulation Authority's register to check an SRA-regulated individual or firm.
Make an effective enquiry
A clear brief helps chambers respond.
The matter. Set out the legal area, jurisdiction, key issues and stage of proceedings.
The work required. Say whether you need advice, drafting, a conference, advocacy or another defined task.
Timing and checks. Give any hearing dates and names needed for a conflict check. Ask about availability, fees and the terms of instruction.
About this guide
King's Counsel AI is an independent legal technology project. We do not appoint KCs, maintain a live practitioner directory or verify any individual's current status or availability. Use the official registers and confirm the details with the relevant chambers or firm before instructing anyone.
Official routes checked 27 September 2026. The linked services are run by their respective organisations.