Sure.. most, if not all barristers do legal aid work, but that isn't Borce's choice, nor Stary's. it goes before a panel , which checks into Borce's financial situation, ( that should take about 3 minutes ) then the risks are assessed by the panel.
The fact that Borce is facing jail time of an indeterminate nature, but most likely at least 20 years before the possibility of parole, or even the limit, life without parole ( I doubt Borce fits this criteria ) has a great bearing on whether one is even assessed. These days, it is only prison time in the offing that Legal Aid is appointed. But not always. And not necessarily Borce's choice of barrister.
And not even Stary can change that. The Legal Aid panel might not agree with the process Stary has in mind, and appoint another , more efficient silk. This is public money, State Taxes money, and all accountable for, and comes out of The Public Purse Fund, run by Bevan Warner, a Govt appointed Executive , assisted by a rotating panel.
Of course a barrister is briefed. The trial will take place in the Supreme court, due to the gravity of the charge, and that generally requires a barrister who is au fait with the intricacies of the Supreme court. It is rare that a solicitor represents anyone in the Supreme court. Magistrates court, County court, yes.. but not, usually the SC.