Fees
There are no formal scales of fees for barristers’ work. Generally barristers charge according to their level of experience and the complexity and length of time involved in any particular matter. People instructing barristers should negotiate fees with clerks in advance. Lay clients should consult their solicitors about what is an appropriate fee for a particular piece of work.
Please note that it is usually the case that the person who instructs the barrister is ultimately liable for the fee.
Barristers are not required to accept work until an appropriate fee has been agreed and they are entitled to demand payment of their fees in advance.
The Standard Terms of Work (which do not create a contract enforceable through the courts) and the Contractual Terms of Work (which do create such a contract) are available from the BSB website.
Click here for the standard terms of work for licensed access clients.
Many barristers will undertake work on a Conditional Fee which is an agreement under which they will receive no fee if the case is lost, but can claim an increased fee if the outcome is successful. Lay clients should consult their solicitors about the most appropriate agreement for their case.
For the recommended agreement for conditional fees, click here.
Barristers may not accept work on a Contingency Fee basis. These are agreements whereby the lawyer receives no fee if the case is lost but may take a percentage of the damages if the outcome is successful. They are not legally enforceable in England and Wales and barristers are prohibited from entering into them.
If a dispute arises about fees and cannot be resolved between the barrister and the solicitor, the matter can be resolved by a Joint Tribunal of the Bar Council and the Law Society. This only applies to disputes between solicitors and barristers. Other disputes will need to be resolved by the Courts if no settlement can be reached.
For information about Joint Tribunals click here.
The Bar Council can require a barrister to reduce or waive his or her fees if the service provided has been inadequate. For further details, see the Complaints pages.
For further information about barristers’ fees, and related matters, contact Remuneration.
Fees Matters - Contractual Terms Update.
