As you may be aware the Bar Council has implemented some changes in connection with barristers’ fees. Whilst we don’t anticipate that the changes will have any impact on our working relationship with your firm the changes have required us to make changes in the terms upon which we accept instructions.
9 St John Street Chambers barristers have historically provided their services to solicitors under the “Terms of Work on which Barristers Offer their Services to Solicitors and the Withdrawal of Credit Scheme 1988”. With effect from 31 January 2013 the Bar Council has withdrawn these Terms and has abolished the Withdrawal of Credit Scheme by which the payment of barristers’ fees was enforced. The Bar’s Code of Conduct is being amended to reflect these changes.
From 31 January 2013, we have offered barristers’ services on the Bar Council approved Standard Contractual Terms for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers. A copy of these terms can be viewed by clicking on the link below www.barstandardsboard.org.uk
In our view these strike a fair balance between the needs of the client, solicitors and counsel. If you have any concerns or queries about the new arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact Tony Morrissey in Chambers.