FAQ 8

Q8. We are reviewing our chambers website. Are there any principles that we should consider when advertising chambers’ services?

A8. Paragraph 710.2 of the Code of Conduct provides the rules on advertising. Barristers are permitted to advertise in any way that is consistent with the British Code of Advertising Standards i.e. legal, decent, honest and truthful, and which does not bring the Bar or administration of justice into disrepute.

Chambers should ensure that advertising does not make comparisons with or criticise other barristers, chambers or members of other professions. For example, the Conduct Committee considers that statements such as "the leading set" involve comparisons and would therefore breach the Code of Conduct. Advertising should also not include statements about success rate, quality of a barrister’s work or be so frequent or obtrusive as to cause annoyance to those to whom it is directed. Chambers can direct advertising towards both lay and professional clients; however, it should be made clear in advertising to lay clients that barristers are only able to offer their services to lay clients following instructions from a professional client, unless the barrister is available for Public Access work.

It is also open to Chambers to advertise on the Internet. When doing so, it should be made clear that barristers are not able to advise lay clients directly via the Internet and must be instructed by a professional client, unless the barrister is available for Public Access work.