Terms of Business & Basis of Fees

Terms of Business

  • All time spent is recorded on the computer 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.

  • A fee note will be rendered after completion of each piece of paperwork or court appearance.

  • 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 one month of your 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 whose 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 Hearing

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

 

Equality statement

We are fully committed to ensuring that all users of our complaints proceedure are treated fairly, with respect, and without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief.

Quotes

St Ives Chambers are very popular, busy and efficient.

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