The Debt Recovery Panel (DRP)
The DRP is not an exclusive list of those offering debt-recovery services for the Bar. However, each member of the DRP has been vetted by the Bar Council following recommendations from the Bar.
This independent panel of solicitors’ firms has been able to effectively demonstrate an understanding of the demands of the profession, and the delicacy required, when seeking to recover fees from private clients.
Debt recovery panel members
HCR are able to support the Bar Council’s members, including all Barristers and Chambers in England and Wales, offering a cost-effective debt recovery service to help members recover unpaid fee notes, from either solicitors or direct access clients. We specialise in volume debt recovery which is a key benefit of working with HCR, as our debt recovery teams are located in Birmingham, Cheltenham and London - all offering full service, and having access to additional resource across our further offices.
We work on a no win / no fee basis / fixed fee and blended hourly rates for all debt recovery matters.
Given Dee Kundi’s experience of working with the Bar Council since 2015, we are well placed to advise on all contentious matters and can follow the following:
- International debts collected on a no collection, no fee basis via our agents;
- Free initial consultation which includes discussion with the barrister and/or clerk, strategy advice and preliminary advice at no charge;
- Debt recovery partner led team with a proven track record on recovering Barristers' fees including an emergency response service;
- Tailored debt recovery approach to maintain the relationship with the barrister and solicitor;
- Carefully drafted letters to maintain reputation of the barrister, chamber and the Bar Council;
- Cost effective approach with a contingency pricing model;
- The recovery of cash;
- Bespoke debt recovery case management systems with automated diary workflows and
- Simplified on boarding process with letters of authority and no identification needs if barristers are on the roll.
For further information, please contact:
Stuart Taylor
Partner
M: 07469 582 596
T: 0121 312 4786
E: [email protected]
Stephen Thorn
Debt Recovery Manager
M: 07552 550 532
T: 0121 450 7956
E: [email protected]
Lovetts Solicitors have been specialists in debt recovery for over 25 years, offering:
- Letters Before Action (LBA) by email from £1.50 + VAT
- Fast & cost-effective sending of Pre Action Protocol (PAP) correspondence to individuals on a 10% no collection, no fee basis
- Research shows that on average a Lovetts Solicitors letter is effective in 86% of cases, with no further action being required
- Free-to-use online case management software, allowing you to track your cases directly 24/7
- International debts collected on a no collection, no fee basis
- Advice and Dispute Resolution
- Legal Proceedings, Insolvency & Enforcement
"Lovetts are fantastic to work with. They are leaders in the debt recovery market, and I have always found them to be professional and efficient - would highly recommend them!”
Graeme Kirk, Barrister, Lamb Chambers
Sign up with Lovetts or contact:
Michael Higgins
Managing Director/Solicitor
Tel: +44 (0)1483 457 500
Email: [email protected]
Based in Swindon but with offices across the South West and London, Thrings specialise in the recovery of unpaid fees for professionals. Their experience in the sector means they achieve outstanding results through a sympathetic, subtle and quality driven process. They understand the complexities of barrister's business environments and the need for a consistently professional approach. The team is supported by a full service top 100 law firm, and provides:
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A senior management led team with a proven track record on recovering barristers' fees
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Bespoke recovery software programmes and processes
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Correspondence and processes tailored to client needs, dovetailing with the clerks or credit control team, following consultation with the Barrister (at no charge to you)
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Individual reporting processes allowing the client to retain control of the recoveries procedure, with up-to- date case information
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Highly competitive fixed fee charges for undisputed/undefended cases
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A discounted hourly rate and fee transparency for any defended/disputed cases
Do you pay the Bar Representation Fee (BRF)?
In addition to non-disputed debt recovery on the basis of their standard fee structure, Thrings LLP are offering the following additional services to those who pay the BRF:
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Free initial consultation: discussion with the barrister or clerk over the case in question, strategy discussion, invoice and contractual position
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Discounted letters before action: where the letter before action results in full payment our charge will be the £40 as standard, however this will be reduced to £25 if payment is not made and we are instructed to issue proceedings to take the recovery further.
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Fixed fee letters before action at £75 and discounted fixed fee structures where it becomes necessary to issue proceedings
For further information, please contact:
Ramona Derbyshire, Partner/Head of Recoveries
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01793 412581
Sarah Jennings, Recoveries Executive
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01793 412512
VWV is a full service commercial and private client firm with a national reputation in key sectors. At the core of its practice, however, is a focus on the client as an individual. It operates from offices in London, Watford, Bristol and Birmingham. It is nationally recognised for its strong litigation practice and debt recovery and provides their clients with a partner led team available to guide its clients in a cost effective and expert manner. Its key assets for its services are:
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Experience working closely and flexibly with in house teams and can support clients in a way which works best for them
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VWV invest heavily in ensuring that they understand the legal and regulatory environment; the changes on the horizon as well as those coming in to effect now
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State of the art reporting designed to assist your finance and accounting teams
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Provides 24/7 support for all clients' needs and have an emergency response service, and
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In support of a focussed commercial approach they can assist the client with managing fees by providing a transparent proposal which includes competitive hourly rates, attractive blended rates and to complement those with a beneficial suite of no cost value added service.
VWV work on a 'no-collection/no-fee' basis for a number of their services.
For further information
Please contact:
Nick Roberts
Senior Associate
T: 0117 314 5282
E: [email protected]
The Bar Council’s role is limited to the promotion of available panel members.
Whilst every care is taken when selecting DRP members, the Bar Council cannot accept any legal liability in respect of the partner organisation, their products and/or services. To that end, it is strongly recommended that any member of the Bar, or chambers professional, wishing to utilise the services offered by DRP members exercises proper due diligence before doing so.
Alternative fees collection options
The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (SBC) helps small businesses, including self-employed barristers, to ensure fair payment practices.
If the payment you are owed has been billed to a UK-based private business, with over 50 employees and within the last 12 months, the SBC may be able to provide you with an additional avenue through which to pursue the debt.
The Bar Council’s Legal Practice and Remuneration Team may be able to provide barristers and chambers professionals with advice relating to the chasing of Legal Aid Agency payments, and any issues arising during the billing process. The team can be contacted at [email protected].
Contact us
We carefully monitor the feedback that receive from the Bar about our debt recovery assistance. If you have any concerns relating to the DAP or alternative options, or you would like to find out more:
- email the Bar Council Services team on [email protected]
- call +44 (0)207 611 1321