Yes. In England and Wales you can ask for your own solicitor or a named firm instead of the duty solicitor. Give the name clearly to the custody officer. The police contact the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC), and the DSCC tries that firm first.
PoliceStationRepUK is a directory of accredited police station representatives. This is a directory, not the police, and we're not a law firm or part of the duty scheme.
Start here
You can ask for a named solicitor or firm at the police station. Custody contacts the DSCC, and the DSCC rings that firm's emergency number. If your firm can't attend, ask for the duty solicitor instead. Police station advice is free under legal aid. It isn't means-tested.
How to ask for a named firm
When custody reads you your rights, say you want legal advice and name the firm. Give a firm's name, not a freelance rep's. The DSCC passes the call to that firm's emergency line. Whether a solicitor or an accredited representative attends is up to the firm.
Do this before the interview starts. If you said no to legal advice at first, you can change your mind.
If your own firm isn't available
No answer, too far away, or can't come promptly? Tell custody you want the duty solicitor. Our duty solicitor at the police station guide explains how that works; this post is only about choosing a named firm.
Is it free if I use my own solicitor?
Yes. Police station advice is free under legal aid, whether you use the duty solicitor or name your own, and it isn't means-tested. You shouldn't be asked to pay at the station. Paying privately for work after you're released is a separate matter between you and the firm.
Firms needing overflow cover
Need accredited reps when your own team is stretched? Use the directory:
- Directory: https://policestationrepuk.org/directory
- Firm cover: https://policestationrepuk.org/PoliceStationCover
Source: PACE Code C, section 6 (right to legal advice) (gov.uk).
General information only. Not legal advice. If you need advice now, ask custody for a named solicitor or the duty solicitor. Applies to England and Wales.