- Chambers will at all times abide by the Bar Code of Conduct when dealing with clients, both lay and professional.
- All barristers and staff will adhere at all times to Chambers’ equality policy when dealing with clients, both lay and professional, colleagues, suppliers and others.
- All work carried out for clients will be on the basis of the written instructions received.
- Barristers are willing to consider a variety of contractual arrangements. The ‘Standard Conditions of Contract for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers to Authorised Persons 2020’ will apply to all instructions received, for new work and cases in which barristers have previously appeared, unless alternative terms of work are specifically agreed in writing (you can read more about these terms on the Bar Council’s website). We also accept work on the basis of the ComBar agreement and several other standard contractual terms that are common for barristers.
- Members of St John’s Buildings accept cases on the following payment terms:
- Hourly rates – rates vary depending on seniority of counsel and area of expertise. Please contact Chambers to discuss rates with a clerk.
- Fixed fee – fees can be fixed where counsel are being asked to carry out a specific instruction or job.
- CFA – we accept CFAs in all areas of privately funded work. The appropriateness of a CFA agreement will depend on the case and be agreed on a case by case basis. This will include variants on the standard CFA model (DBA, CFA light, mixed CFA etc)
- Legal Aid
- Block contract arrangement – we are accustomed to agreeing block contract terms with volume providers of work to Chambers.
- Public Access contractual agreement.
We are happy to provide a cost estimate for any case on request.
- Chambers expects all professional clients to advise them immediately of any change of circumstances or amendment to the instructions already given.
- The legal services we most commonly provide are listed in the “Expertise” section of our website. We provide advocacy and advisory specialist barristers in each of the areas listed. If you have any doubt as to whether we have the relevant expertise for your case please speak to one of our helpful clerks.
- In providing our expertise we aim to set and adhere to strict timelines so as to give clients certainty. Please be aware that issues such as changes to court listing timetables, changes to instructions and unexpected events may occasionally impact on delivery deadlines. The Code of Conduct guides barristers in relation to these matters and our barristers adhere to the Code of Conduct. In those circumstances our clerks will seek to immediately advise clients and agree alternative arrangements so as to ensure your case is not negatively impacted. Factors which determine how long it will take to deliver the services you require include:
- The availability of the barrister where a specific barrister is requested
- The availability of the client or relevant third parties;
- The complexity of the case;
- The amount of papers you need to review;
- The need for additional information or documents;
- The approach taken by the other side;
- Third parties intervening in the case; and
- Court waiting times.
- Where a named barrister is unable to carry out the work it will, with your agreement, be reallocated to another barrister within Chambers of equal or greater standing and experience.
- All barristers are authorised to practise by the Bar Standards Board and appear on the Barristers’ Register.
