By 1996, Wakefield’s visibility as a scientist investigating the measles/gut connection reaches  Solicitor Richard Barr of Dawbarns Law Firm, who consults with Wakefield to ask for his assistance in determining, medically and scientifically, whether MMR vaccine could cause autistic regression and inflammatory bowel disease in children who were allegedly injured by measles-containing vaccines. Barr is representing a group of parents who claim MMR vaccine caused their childrens’ disabilities, which includes autism. Initially, Wakefield hesitated, since at this time he knew very little about autism.

Barr asks Wakefield to provide his scientific and medical expertise on two questions: (1) whether measles could persist in the intestine following exposure to an MMR vaccine; and (2) whether measles virus could lead to complications such as Crohn’s disease or autism. Wakefield agrees.

In August 1996, research funding for a laboratory technician from the UK’s Legal Aid Board is confirmed. Wakefield informs his colleagues, line manager, and medical school authorities that if Barr’s MMR litigation progresses he intends to serve as an expert witness. This fact was then disclosed in the UK national press and to Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet medical journal, one year prior to The Lancet publishing Wakefield’s paper about the first twelve children with autism and bowel disease. Under oath, Horton later denies his advanced knowledge which is exposed during cross examination in a medical tribunal.