How much does a direct access barrister cost?

One of the first questions that our clients ask is: "How much will it cost to instruct a direct access barrister?" As with most things, there is not a straightforward one-size-fits-all answer, but we're happy to shed some light on what is not the most transparent of subjects.

Fixed Fees

Let's start with the question of fixed fees. We are pleased to say that all of our barristers offer fixed fees under the Direct Access Scheme. This gives you certainty as to your legal costs, avoids nasty surprises, and allows you to budget in advance of significant milestones in a claim (such as the trial or drafting of documents).

How are fixed fees set?

Hourly

Most barristers operate on a basis of charging a fixed price based upon what they estimate will be the number of hours required to complete the work. Hourly rates range from £150 to £600 plus VAT.

So if a barrister's hourly rate is £250+VAT and he is instructed for a 3-hour hearing and he thinks he will need three hours to complete the preparatory work, then he is likely to charge 6 hours at his hourly rate. 6 × £250+VAT = £1,500+VAT.

In addition, if the hearing is taking place away from the barrister's usual region of work (e.g., a London barrister travelling to Manchester), then the barrister may include travel costs in the fee.

Value-Based

Some barristers quote based upon the perceived value of the piece of work. For example, there is greater value in assisting with a £100,000 claim than there is in bringing a £10,000 claim. There is also a greater ability to recover a higher level of costs for a £100,000 claim than there is for a £10,000 claim. These are all factors that are weighed together by a barrister quoting on a value basis.

Broadly, you can expect all barristers to involve these factors in their quotation:

• The urgency of the work. The quicker you need it, the greater the need to clear the desk of all other opportunities, and so the higher the price.

• The amount of time a piece of work will take.

• The skill and expertise required.

• The experience level of the particular barrister. Junior barristers are generally less expensive than senior barristers.

• Travel costs.

Will it be cheaper than instructing a solicitor?

One of the biggest benefits of direct access is that you get all the expertise of a barrister without needing the middleman of a solicitor to instruct them.

What usually happens when you go to a solicitor and it requires some sort of specialist work or attendance at a court hearing is that the solicitor will take details from you, prepare a brief to Counsel, and then instruct a barrister on your behalf. The instructions will go from you to the solicitor to the barrister, and the information will then be passed back the other way.

With the Direct Access Scheme, the solicitor is not involved and you are able to liaise directly with the barrister. That means that you pay only one fixed cost instead of the fee for two lawyers, and the saving is often in the region of 30–50% compared with usual legal fees when you instruct a solicitor.

Do I have to pay VAT?

Most barristers are obliged to add VAT to their invoice sums. This is a legal obligation and not something that barristers can waive if they are VAT registered. This is the same for firms of solicitors as well.

Ready to begin?

If you're ready to get help with your legal issues at a fixed price and with all the expertise you would expect from specialist direct access barristers, click this link to complete our form or call us on 0121 816 1099.