I would have no hesitation in contacting you or recommending you. Naveen secured the best possible outcome for me and for that I am extremely grateful. He stood out head and shoulders above the rest when I was searching online for a barrister with employment experience.
Mrs C. Clarke
Public Access
Having researched the current rules on Public Access and utilised the Public Access Directory on the Bar Council’s website, I found that Naveen Agnihotri specialised in Employment Tribunal matters in the Southampton area. I subsequently contacted the Senior Clerk at his chambers, 12 College Place, to discuss instructing Mr Agnihotri. I received an excellent introduction to the Public Access procedure by the Senior Clerk who confirmed that Mr Agnihotri could be instructed directly under the scheme.
From the outset Mr Agnihotri was professional and helpful. Although I did not meet Mr Agnihotri initially we communicated by e-mail and telephone and I could always be assured that he would respond promptly to all of my communications. To assist Mr Agnihotri understand the background of the case I collated a case file and delivered it to his chambers in person. He subsequently confirmed that he would act on my behalf and defined the scope of his role. I was asked to sign and return a Client Care letter confirming this. It was apparent that it would be necessary for me to carry out all initial written communications with the other party, ACAS and the Employment Tribunal, but with Mr Agnihotri’s expert guidance.
There is no question that any litigation is time consuming, emotionally demanding and all encompassing. Consequently, a huge amount of stamina, determination and paperwork is required. In my particular case, having served a full police career, mostly as a Detective, I had the necessary acumen and IT skills to do this. I was able to competently compile all appropriate witness statements and other documentation to further my case. In the absence of a Solicitor, others may be daunted by the level of work required as a lay person, particularly in answering correspondence from the other party’s Solicitor. Having said that, I could rely on the unerring guidance, advice and assistance of Mr Agnihotri throughout this process, culminating in him directly negotiating a settlement on my behalf.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Public Access procedure to others. What a refreshing and welcome change that a lay person can now communicate directly with a Barrister. In my view, it is a pleasing step forward to breaking down the antiquated barriers that prevent members of the public and even Police Officers from communicating directly with Members of the Bar.
I would like it to be known that Mr Agnihotri was approachable, friendly and professional and was an excellent ambassador for the Public Access scheme as well as his profession.
David Smith.
In November 2009 I found myself in need of some legal help for a court case. I contacted Glanvilles solicitors Isle of Wight.
I spoke to Ms Gemma Fox who because of the lateness couldn’t really help me, but told me to contact the Bar Council via the internet. I did this and via the Public Access made contact with Mr Naveen Agnihotri.
All this was very new to me. I found Mr Naveen Agnihotri, Public Access absolutely marvelous. The whole help / service was really good very worthwhile. Mr N. Agnihotri I found his services were brilliant. I was very satisfied and would recommend him / the scheme to any one who enquires about it. BRILLIANT.
John Kent
Thank you so much I am delighted with the outcome, at long last I can get on with my life. I appreciate every thing that you have done to bring this matter to a close.
Ms. D Hampden-Smith
Head of Chambers
12 College Place
Fauvelle Building
Southampton S01S 2FE
31st October 2010
Dear Sir,
I am writing this letter in order to convey my thanks to your chambers for all the help given in representing me in a recent employment tribunal case, I would like to thank in particular Naveen Agnihotri and Lucy Darby, who have given me help and advice, not just in conclusion of the case, but also in subsequent matters.
I have no hesitation in recommending 12CP should anyone I know find themselves in similar difficulties as I was.
There is however a matter that I would like to bring to your attention, there appears to be a situation that is clearly unsatisfactory, that is to the detriment of both Barristers and members of the public who have cause to need legal representation.
Public access, in my particular case it was only a chance conversation that I was made aware that I could engage Counsel without going through a solicitor, after some research I learnt that the rules which allowed this were changed quite some time ago, I have spoken to others who in some way have had resort to legal representation and none of them knew, they believed that they had to go through to Counsel via a solicitor, obviously solicitors are not going to mention it, in one case a work colleague, as a claimant did the case himself after being quoted an astronomical amount for solicitor and Counsel and I believe that he did not get justice due to his lack of legal knowledge and the fact that he could have gone direct.
To sum it up, the public are unaware of the direct access to barristers.
Yours faithfully,
Mr G Clayton-Blythe
Dear Naveen
Just to let you know that we have received the cheque and a copy of the
agreement from the other party. Many thanks for all your help in connection
with the above matter. Best wishes for the future
Linda Careford
We would like to say that we are delighted with the result, as is our client. Naveen was was excellent, both in court and in the way he explained matters to our witnesses out of the courtroom.
Whiteheads Solicitors
Please read Public Access to the Bar: 5 Years of Success a document prepared by the Bar Council with a selection of case studies from public access barristers.
