Terms of Business
- All time spent is recorded on the Meridian System to ensure that the fees charged can be substantiated by specific work activities by the barrister. If requested, the Clerks will be able to explain further how the eventual fee was arrived at.
- We will render a fee note for our work upon conclusion of the case or on request, should there be a pause in proceedings or at an appropriate stage in on-going litigation.
- On privately funded cases, we expect our fees to be settled within 28 days of receiving our fee note. You are asked to contact us should this not be acceptable to you.
- We adhere to the Bar Council's Code of Practice in respect of issue of payment reminders, progressing payment of our fees and credit control in general.
- Any solicitor who's name appears of the 'Withdrawal of Credit Scheme' List will be expected to pay any outstanding fees within 7 days. Further instructions will not be accepted unless the barrister concerned instructs otherwise.
Court Hearings
The basis for fees to be charged will be agreed in advance of the hearing. Fees for court work take into account the following factors :
- estimated time required for preparation
- estimated time to be spent in Court
- case complexity
- the amount / issues at stake
- seniority of the barrister
- whether an abnormal workload was placed on the barrister through late instruction / urgency of the work etc.
- the degree to which specialist knowledge is required
- travelling / expenses likely to be incurred
Paperwork
Normally fees for paperwork are not agreed in advance however if an estimate is required, the clerks (in liaison with the barrister concerned if necessary) will provide an approximate fee. The following factors are taking into account when providing such estimates and when the compiling the fee-note :
- total time taken to complete the work
- complexity of the matter
- the amount / issues at stake
- seniority of the barrister
- the urgency of the work and the need to reschedule other matters
- the degree to which specialist knowledge is required
- travelling / expenses likely to be incurred