TRANSPARENCY
We specialise in many different areas of work at Access Barristers which are detailed in their individual profiles on our website: www.accessbarristers.co.uk
All services provided by Access Barristers and the individual Barristers is regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
The main departments within Access Barristers is:
- Family
Our services include advocacy, drafting and providing advice in writing or in conference.
We receive instructions from solicitors, licensed professionals and members of the public.
Please contact our admin team to instruct counsel by telephoning: 0330 165556 or by email: info@accessbarristers.co.uk
Upon request the booking team can provide fee estimates and discuss the services we provide.
FEES
Our fees are based upon the following methods:
- fixed agreed fees;
- prescribed by legislation such as legal aid rates.
Counsel are not prepared to consider accepting cases on a conditional fee basis.
Expenses for travel or accommodation and administration may also be charged. These will be discussed in advanced by the booking team.
- FIXED FEES
Fixed fees are fees agreed in advance and are calculated by reference to the likely time counsel will be engaged. Where it is envisaged that the work required would exceed the fee quoted in advance, the clerks will inform the person quoted as soon as practicable.
- PRESCRIBED FEES
The fees for these types of matters are based upon fees fixed by legislation. The types of cases this applies to includes, but is not limited to:
Criminal Graduated Fee
Civil Legal Aid
Family Legal Aid
VAT
We are registered for VAT and therefore VAT must be added to all fees and expenses.
PUBLIC FUNDING
In certain types of cases, a public access client may be eligible for Legal Aid.
Barristers cannot accept instructions on the Public Access scheme if an application for Legal Aid is likely to be required.
Details about eligibility for Legal Aid can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid
TIMESCALES FOR THE COMPLETION OF WORK
Timescales for a case can be discussed with the booking team. If there is likely to be a delay for returning work the clerks will notify you as soon as practicable.
PUBLIC ACCESS
Details about the Bar Standards Board Public Access Rules can be found here:
https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/for-the-public.html
When instructing a barrister at Access Barristers under the BSB Public Access Scheme the booking team can discuss fee estimates in advance. Our fees will be provided as a fixed fee which will be discussed in advance.
If you chose to instruct one of our barristers you will be sent a contract to consider in advance which will explain the work a barrister can and cannot do and detail the agreed charges.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Access Barristers offer barristers’ services on the Bar Council approved Standard Contractual Terms for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers.
A copy of these terms is available below and can also be viewed on the bar standards board website at www.barstandardsboard.org.uk.
The following may be downloaded here:-
- The Standard Contractual Terms for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers to Authorised Persons;
- Terms and Conditions for Direct Access will be emailed to you upon agreeing to accept instructions
REGULATORY AND COMPLAINTS INFORMATION
Barristers at Access Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
Information regarding our complaints procedure and your right to complain to the Legal Ombudsman can be found here:
www.accessbarristers.co.uk/complaints
Decision Data following complaints to the Legal Ombudsman can be found at:
www.legalombudsman.org.uk/information-centre/data-centre/ombudsman-decision-data