Called in 1990, Ashley prosecuted and defended road traffic matters and general criminal law from chambers in Liverpool and Preston until taking up a position as in-house counsel with the long established Cheshire firm, Hemsley Solicitors. Here, he had sole conduct of cases ranging from minor traffic offences to the most serious of violent, sexual and drug offences.

Ashley now specialises in private client road traffic law, receiving instructions to conduct matters in Magistrates’ and Crown Courts nationwide. Chambers are based in St. Helens, but Ashley also has a base in Essex, allowing him to cover the country without charging travel fees.

Accepting instructions directly from the public allows Ashley to be involved with every aspect of the case. He will carry out the preliminary discussions, and personally deal with all preparations, keeping you abreast of every development in the case. At all times, you will be dealing with the same person, safe in the knowledge that that same person will be there in court with you and for you when the day finally arrives.

There are certain restrictions on the type of case a barrister may deal with when instructed directly by a member of the public. The full Bar Standards Board regulations are available here. The 2 main restrictions are that, no instructions may be taken if it is likely that you are eligible for public funding (even if you want to pay privately) and that 'litigation' may only be carried out by a solicitor.

Ashley will be able to advise you if your case is one that allows you to instruct a barrister direct, and will be able to recomend suitable solicitors if he feels that you require their services.

chambers address:
The Chambers of Ashley James Barnes
1, The Beeches
Sutton Leach
St. Helens
Merseyside
WA9 4Su