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Your Registration Matters: Get in Touch Today for Specialist, Affordable Advice.

Has a complaint been raised about you to your regulator ?
(e.g. NMC, GMC, HCPC, GDC, GOC, GOsC, ICAEW, RICS and NHSE etc)

Are you a healthcare professional (or other regulated professional) looking for specialist advice / hearing representation that is affordable?

Get in touch TODAY to book your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION and obtain a no obligation FIXED FEE QUOTE.

Do you know that you are able to instruct some barristers directly without the need for a solicitor, thereby potentially saving you money?

This scheme is known as the Direct Access (and also the Public Access) Scheme.

When a complaint is raised about you to your regulator, it can be a particularly difficult time for both you and those close to you. Your reputation and your ability to work, develop your career and earn an income within the profession that you are committed to can be at risk.

That is why getting specialising advice without delay can be so important – whatever the stage of your case. Get in touch TODAY to book your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Get in touch with me today to book your free initial consultation

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01227 903908
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Why choose me?
  • FREE initial consultation
  • SPECIALIST barrister and FORMER NURSE
  • AFFORDABLE advice /representation
  • FIXED fees
  • VIRTUAL meetings available
  • RESPONSIVE and approachable
"...I instructed Chris...for a fitness to practise tribunal. I found him to be extremely thorough, going above and beyond to support me every day, prepare the case and provide expert advice throughout. I found him to be superb at constructing and presenting my case in a particularly stressful time and provided a faultless and supportive service throughout. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone going through similar circumstances as his knowledge and experience of process was invaluable".
WRegistered Paramedic
"In what was the most difficult and challenging time of my career, Chris was kind, empathetic and professional. He responds promptly to correspondence, offers up front fees and clearly sets out what he can do to help. His wealth of knowledge gave me great confidence and I found his advice invaluable. I would highly recommend Chris and thank him very much for his time, advice and guidance".
Ms MRegistered Healthcare Professional
“Id like to say thankyou, your support from a professional point of view was outstanding. I initially instructed you in 2022 whilst I was on an interim order and you were fabulous at putting together a submission to enable the restrictions to be lifted. You continued to work with me through what has been a long and difficult process, but you have guided me, helped build my case and represented me phenomenally! I cannot thank you enough, and I would certainly recommend your services… Not only are you great professionally, your personal support needs to be recognised, your communication with me went above and beyond, and I felt involved in the whole process, in every decision in every detail. Your advice is honest and balanced, and you gave no false promises, which is absolutely needed in these situations..."
Ms BRegistered Healthcare Professional
“…Chris assisted with every process, his knowledge and experience was what initiated my contact with him. However during the time he was instructed for I found Chris to be incredibly helpful, he has a huge wealth of knowledge and operates only in the best interest of his client. Chris is non-judgemental and makes you feel really comfortable to be able to speak openly and honestly. During my hearing I couldn’t have been more grateful to have him with him. He talked me through every process and he defended my position so incredibly well…I firmly believe that Chris saved my pin, because of him I’m still able to practice in a profession I’m passionate about. I would recommend Chris to anyone. I was incredibly anxious and completely clueless to the NMC hearing process but Chris made me feel confident that we’d be able to get through it together. Thank you Chris”.
KRegistered Nurse
"I would just like to say how thankful I am that I came across Chris Pataky. His knowledge, professionalism, experience and insight have been invaluable....The service I received from Chris and his team was extremely quick and efficient. My time frame was short and nothing was too much trouble. I would not hesitate to use Chris Pataky in the future."
SWDirect Access Client
"...I would highly recommend your help and support to anyone who finds themselves in my situation. I felt you were particularly intuitive with what support I needed and when and this helped me 'hold it together' and for that I am very grateful”
Ms. SHealthcare Practitioner
[Chris] immediately assimilated the facts of my somewhat unusual case and carefully considered how to address each element. Chris’s healthcare background meant that he immediately appreciated the organisational structure and context of my case...His focused approach meant that I was always clear on the next steps. He kept in touch throughout and was highly responsive, including out of working hours. Chris’s performance during my hearing was exemplary and his carefully considered, precise and detailed submission provided clarity to the Panel and to the proceedings overall. The successful outcome was in no small part, due to his excellent approach to my case...
DoctorDirect Access Client
"Chris is a world-class barrister. I had a complex...case where Chris represented me. I had a short period of time to explain my situation to him. Chris understood my case and put together a fantastic defense submission. I had the best possible outcome. Chris is extremely knowledgeable, professional and hard-working. I cannot thank him enough for his support. Without him, I would be in a very different position today. I would highly recommend Mr. Chris Pataky"
R, Direct Access ClientHealthcare Practitioner
“Chris has enabled me to gain clarity around my situation, his expert knowledge and attention to detail is perfect. Chris has provided me with the best guidance and support … I would not hesitate to instruct Chris to do further work for me. People may be put off thinking accessing a Barrister direct would be costly but I can honestly say I was surprised and I feel Chris's fees are affordable and it is so worth it to get an expert opinion”
Ms B. Direct Access ClientNurse
"Thank you so much for all the hard work and dedication you have put into my case I really appreciate everything. You couldn’t of been better in representing me and you really are brilliant at what you do. You... got us a really good result that I am really pleased with so thank you so much, without your help I would not be in the positive position I am now in".
Ms P, Direct Access clientHealthcare Practitioner
"...Chris is very professional, and he has a very kind manner which put me at ease. At each stage of the proceedings Chris set out his fees and I could afford these as a Direct Access client. Chris’s advice was invaluable and his skillful representations on my behalf were successful in avoiding a full NMC hearing. Thanks to Chris I can continue without restrictions in my nursing career".
Mrs GM, Direct Access Client NMC registrant
…You have been amazing and I couldn't have chosen a better barrister than you Chris …I will definitely be getting in touch with you Chris in the future for more assistance if needed as I am happy and confident you will provide the best service. Thank you so so much for your help, your time and how you've been there during this difficult process for me.
Ms H, Direct Access clientNMC registrant
I am approachable, pragmatic and able to assist with the following:
  • Responding to allegations at the investigatory stage
  • Advising on alternative disposal and voluntary removal
  • Interim order hearings and applications to extend interim orders in the High Court
  • All types of case including misconduct, health, convictions, unacceptable professional conduct, lack of competence, deficient professional performance
  • Appeals against committee decisions
  • Registration appeals
  • Restoration hearings

In many cases there may be a significant benefit to seeking early legal advice as decisions arising from this can help to shape or even determine the future direction of a case and the options available.

Please get in touch to discuss your particular requirements and to obtain a quotation:

GET IN TOUCH
01227 903908
Direct access by members of the public

Until relatively recently, barristers could only receive instructions from a professional client such as a solicitor. Changes to how legal services can be provided means that some barristers can now accept instructions from clients directly under the Direct Access (or Public Access) Scheme.

The main advantage of this scheme is that it could potentially save you money, since you would be paying for a barrister only instead of a barrister and a solicitor.

Under this scheme, I would be able to undertake the following:

  • Provide you with specialist advice (including advice on the merits and potential outcome of your case);
  • Represent you before a tribunal or court;
  • Provide assistance to you in the drafting of documents

Whilst under this scheme, I would be able to deal with many aspects of a case, you may have to assist in some areas, including gathering documents and evidence together and filing documents with the court.

In some cases, I may need to recommend that you instruct a solicitor because of the complexity of the case, or because you may need more assistance than a barrister alone would be able to provide. In such circumstances, and if you wanted me to, I would be able recommend a suitable solicitor for you to instruct.

A copy of the document ‘Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients’ which is published by the Bar Standards Board (the regulator of the barrister profession) can be found by clicking here.

Frequently asked questions

I can be instructed directly by members of the public under the Direct Access or Public Access scheme. I can also be instructed by a solicitor.

Until relatively recently, barristers could only receive instructions from a professional client such as a solicitor. Changes to how legal services can be provided means that some barristers can now accept instructions from clients directly under the Direct Access (or Public Access) Scheme.

The main advantage of this scheme is that it could potentially save you money, since you would be paying for a barrister only instead of a barrister and a solicitor.

Whilst under this scheme, I would be able to deal with many aspects of a case, you may have to assist in some areas, including gathering documents and evidence together and filing documents with the court.

In some cases, I may need to recommend that you instruct a solicitor because of the complexity of the case, or because you may need more assistance than a barrister alone would be able to provide. In such circumstances, and if you wanted me to, I would be able recommend a suitable solicitor for you to instruct.

A copy of the document ‘Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients’ which is published by the Bar Standards Board (the regulator of the barrister profession) can be found here.

You will find my costs competitive, transparent and they will be set at the outset before any work is undertaken. The actual costs involved will depend on the nature of the work required, the complexity of the case and if relating to representation at a hearing, the length of that hearing. VAT will be added at the standard rate which is currently 20%.

The fees quoted will exclude costs such as court costs. The fees will include my travel costs.

If you are instructing me directly without a solicitor under the Direct Access (or Public Access) scheme, the work to be undertaken will be clearly stated in advance within a client care letter together with the cost of the work and the date that the work will be undertaken by. It will be made clear within that letter that the requested work will not be sent to you (or in the case of a hearing, I will not attend that hearing) unless the fee has first been paid.

As a barrister, I am regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and I must follow the Code of Conduct in the BSB Handbook. This is available on the BSB website: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/

The Barristers’ Register page provides details for all registered barristers including details of their current practising certificate as well as any disciplinary findings that have been made. This can be found at: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/for-the-public/search-a-barristers-record/the-barristers-register.html

If you are instructing me directly without a solicitor under the Direct Access (or Public Access) scheme, I will keep copies of any documents you give me for my own professional records for seven years in accordance with Rule C129 of the BSB Handbook. I will return all your original documents to you when I have carried out the work you have instructed me to do, in accordance with Rule C131 of the BSB Handbook.

I am confident that you will be happy with the professional services I provide. However, if you are not satisfied, you should first refer the matter either to me or to my chambers in line with my chambers’ complaints procedure. If you would like a copy of the complaints procedure, please ask me.

If you are not happy with my reply or my chambers’ reply then you can contact the Legal Ombudsman. The Legal Ombudsman is a free, impartial and independent service set up by the Government which deals with complaints about the service you have received. For further details about how to make a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman, please contact the Legal Ombudsman directly at:

Legal Ombudsman
PO Box 6806
Wolverhampton
WV1 9WJ

Email: enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk
Phone: 0300 555 0333
Website: www.legalombudsman.org.uk

You will also be entitled to contact the Legal Ombudsman if your complaint has not been dealt with within eight weeks.

Where a complaint is made to the Legal Ombudsman, this should be made within 6 months of receiving a final response to your complaint.

A complaint to the Legal Ombudsman must also not be made more than 6 years after the problem arising, and not more than 3 years after you become aware of the problem.

Decision data that displays providers of legal services that have received an ombudsman decision in the last 12 months is available on the Legal Ombudsman website at: https://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/raising-standards/data-and-decisions/#ombudsman-decision-data

Fees and timescales

Fees

You will find my costs competitive, transparent and they will be set at the outset before any work is undertaken. The work to be undertaken can usually be agreed either on a fixed fee basis or on an hourly rate.

The actual costs involved will depend on the nature of the work required, the complexity of the case and if relating to representation at a hearing, the length of that hearing. VAT will be added at the standard rate which is currently 20%.

The fees quoted will exclude costs such as court costs. The fees will include my travel costs.

Timescales

The time scale by which work will be undertaken by will be agreed with you in advance. Factors that can often impact upon this timeline include:

  • The type of work to be undertaken (e.g. discrete advice or advice and hearing representation);
  • The existence of any mandatory deadlines;
  • Your availability as well as my own current commitments;
  • The complexity of the case and the amount of papers that will need to be reviewed;
  • Whether further information or documentation is required;
  • The approach being taken by the other side and hearing listing date (if applicable)

Please get in touch to discuss your particular requirements and to obtain a quotation.

GET IN TOUCH
01227 903908
GET IN TOUCH