What Barristers Do

Barristers are specialist legal advisers and court room advocates. They are independent and objective and trained to advise clients on the strengths as well as the weaknesses of their case. They have specialist knowledge and experience in and out of court which can make a substantial difference to the outcome of a case.

In several cases early advice could save you the cost and worry of an unnecessary trial. A high proportion of civil cases are settled out of court and instructing a barrister greatly strengthens the client's hand at negotiation. Even at a trial whether in a civil or criminal court, a well argued case will impress a judge. Good cross - examination will impress the jury. A barrister's training in advocacy could make a big difference to the outcome of a case.

What is a QC?

A limited number of senior barristers are made Queen's Counsel as a mark of outstanding ability. They are normally instructed in very serious or complex cases. Most senior judges once practised as QCs.

How much will a barrister cost?

Legal aid may cover the services of a barrister and sometimes a QC, but if you are not eligible for legal aid, your solicitor will help you to negotiate a fee you can afford. In some types of case you may only have to pay the barrister's fee if you win. Because most barristers operate with low overheads, their rates are competitive. Whether you are legally aided or paying privately, the quality of service is assured.

A number of barristers will do work for no fee in cases which are especially deserving or of great public importance and legal aid is not available. The Bar Pro Bono Unit exists to co-ordinate their services.

How do I get in touch with a barrister?

The usual route to a barrister is through a solicitor and you should discuss with your solicitor whether it is important to have a barrister's advice. Solicitors have good working relationships with barristers and are likely to know or be able to find out the most suitable barrister to deal with your case. Assuming that that barrister is available and that there are no conflicts of interest, he or she is under a duty to take your case.

In addition, The Bar Council operates a scheme allowing licensed access to barristers. Licensed access incorporates the two schemes formerly known as Direct Professional Access and BarDirect. This scheme is particularly suitable for organisations with knowledge and expertise in a particular area of law. For further details of licensed access including Rules, Regulations, Guidance and Terms of Work and an application form and list of licensees see (Licensed Access) or click here.

Public Access

As from 6 July 2004, the rules governing access to the Bar were relaxed to allow a greater degree of public access to barristers. For further details about Public Access to barristers click here.

Meeting your barrister

In many cases, barristers are able to give advice on a case simply by looking at the papers. In more complex matters, however, and certainly in ones which will be going to court, it will usually be necessary to have a conference or consultation with the barrister. This can take place either in the barrister's chambers or in a solicitor's office.

Where do barristers practise?

Barristers are individual practitioners who work in groups of offices known as chambers which are situated in cities and towns throughout England and Wales. You can see the list of barristers at present in practice on the Bar Directory.

Being a barrister - what is it all about?

Becoming a barrister requires a lengthy period of training to acquire the academic qualifications and vocational skills needed to do the job. Once qualified, being a barrister is a demanding but also rewarding occupation. Included here are a series of profiles of barristers from the more junior levels in the profession which illustrate the motivation of individuals entering the profession, their experience of life at the bar, the range of voluntary and socially valuable work that they undertake and their proposals for change in the law. Click on the links below or the drop-down menu above to see the profiles.

Michelle Heeley
Tim Kevan
Justin Kitson
Mark Watson-Gandy

Complaints

Barristers generally offer a very high standard of service but, occasionally, clients do feel that they have a complaint. Your solicitor may, in the first instance, be able to resolve any complaints or problems but, if that fails, the Bar Standards Board operates a complaints system.

You and Your Barrister

The Bar Council has produced a booklet entitled 'You and Your Barrister' which provides information for lay clients, particularly those who have never used a barrister before, about the services which barristers provide and to answer a number of common questions that arise. To view this booklet click here.

Pro Bono Work

For an illustration of Pro Bono work carried out by the Bar please click on the link below:

Bar Pro Bono Award Leaflet