Terms of Business

Legal advice

Except as mentioned below members of East Anglian Chambers, as individual lawyers, may only give advice to a particular person on a specific matter or cause if instructed to do so by one of the following:

  • A solicitor or other “authorised person” (within the meaning of section 18(1)(a) of the Legal Services Act 2007)
  • A qualified, foreign lawyer
  • A person or organisation with licensed access.

Licensed access is a licensing system whereby organisations or individuals who are suitable to instruct barristers because they have expertise in particular areas of the law can apply to the Bar Council to be licensed to instruct barristers directly in those areas. The licence can cover advice or representation, or both, and permit licensees to instruct barristers either on their own affairs or on behalf of their clients.

Additionally, most members of East Anglian Chambers are qualified and willing to accept instructions in appropriate circumstances directly from the lay client, whether a business or individual, under the Bar’s Public Access scheme. This does not apply if the client can and wishes to obtain publicly funded representation (legal aid) or if the barrister considers that the client’s best interests are served by instructing a solicitor to undertake essential preparatory work, for example managing complex disclosure of documents or the taking of detailed witness statements from others.

East Anglian Chambers terms of service

Solicitors or other authorised persons

All briefs, instructions and requests for work to be done received from solicitors and other authorised persons (within the meaning of s.18(1)(a) of the Legal Services Act 2007) are accepted only upon the Bar’s Standard Contractual Terms for the Supply of Legal Services (as referred to in Rule rC30.9c of the BSB Handbook) unless other terms – such as the COMBAR/City of London Law Society Terms – have been expressly agreed with the barrister concerned and recorded in writing. The Bar’s Standard Contractual Terms (revised May 2018) are here.

The “cab rank” rule applies only to work offered on the Standard Contractual Terms.

Licensed and public access, and conditional fee agreements (CFAs)

Briefs, instructions and requests for work to be done which are received on a Licensed Access or Public Access basis or under a Conditional Fee Agreement are subject to their own distinct contractual terms and the Standard Contractual Terms do not apply per se, although barristers are free to incorporate elements of those terms into such arrangements by express reference.

We have considerable experience of Licensed Access work and are pleased to accept instructions coming from approved bodies. Our clerking team will be happy to advise Licensed Access clients as to what is required in Licensed Access work.

A quick enquiry form for use by Public Access clients can be found on the How to instruct us page on this site.

We are happy to accept instructions delivered by electronic means and we can, if clients wish, deliver paperwork by e-mail in a range of commonly used electronic formats.

Confidentiality

All instructions received will be handled by both staff and members with due regard to the confidentiality of their contents and relevant data protection legislation. This is especially so where two or more members of chambers are acting for different parties in the same or related cases.

In addition we normally have pupils in chambers, and from time to time also students who come here for a few days to gain experience of life at the Bar. We require all who come here for training or experience to sign a confidentiality agreement. By instructing us you give your consent to them reading the papers you send us unless you ask us to ensure that this does not happen.

Timescales

Timescales for written work such as an advice or drafting are influenced by a number of factors but, generally, our barristers will aim to turn paperwork around within three to four weeks.  Shorter deadlines can be agreed on a case-by-case basis, as required.  Our clerks are happy to provide timescale information alongside fee estimates.  We aim to arrange conferences as soon as practicable having regard to the availability of all those attending.  These can be arranged remotely where necessary.  The factors which might affect the timescale for written work or conferences include: the documents required; the volume of material to review; the complexity of the matter; the availability of our barristers, the client (whether a lay client or solicitor) and any relevant third parties.  Timescales for hearings will depend on the waiting times at the applicable court or tribunal.

Fees

Fees for advisory work are usually charged at an hourly rate based on complexity, value, volume of paperwork, urgency and the seniority of the counsel instructed. However, it is generally possible for our clerks to give a fixed quotation for a piece of work in advance. Brief fees depend upon similar factors and the length of trial.  Unless stated otherwise (for example work undertaken by 2nd or 3rd six pupils) all fees are liable to payment of VAT, and public access clients will be quoted the total, VAT-inclusive amount payable.

Members take publicly as well as privately funded work and will consider conditional fee arrangements in appropriate cases. Our clerking team is delighted to discuss these matters with solicitors and to arrange for the preparation of the necessary documentation, such as CFAs.

While the availability of legal aid is more restrictive than it once was, especially in civil cases, you can check whether you might be eligible for such help here.  If you are, and wish to receive such financial assistance with your case, then you must instruct a solicitor.  It may also be worthwhile checking whether a household or motor insurance policy includes legal expenses cover.

We aim to submit invoices or fee notes promptly on conclusion of the matter or at agreed or appropriate stages. In accordance with the Standard Contractual Terms we expect a privately funded case to be paid within 30 days of receipt of the invoice or fee note unless some other arrangement has been agreed. If this is not possible we would ask clients to discuss the matter with one of our clerks. We adhere to the Bar Council’s Guidelines when progressing collection of fees.

We generally accept payment by credit/debit card through Barclaycard Merchant Services.

We regret that work cannot be accepted from any professional client listed on the “Withdrawal of Credit Scheme” unless a Public Funding Certificate is in force or payment is received in advance.

Public Access Fee Information

Members of our team can advise and represent you in court. Specialist areas are set out below. This summary applies as an overview for criminal and civil work setting out below commonly used fee structures.  Prospective professional, licensed or lay clients may contact obtain quotations particular to their needs from members of Chambers on request for legal services (subject to any member being willing and able to provide such a quotation). Members of Chambers and the clerking team are contactable via the details set out on our Contact page. Each Member sets out on their individual profile the general and common areas in which they practice, although they may accept instructions for matters outside of that listed on each page.

Timescales

Timescales for your case may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability; the value and complexity of your case and the need for additional documents.  As a guide only, written advice on your case will be available within three to four weeks where possible.  You may also need representation at short notice.  If so, please contact the clerks and our barristers will aim to assist you where possible.

Fees

We may charge fixed fees, which means that we will charge you a set amount of money for the work. Below, we provide estimates based on the range of fixed fees for barristers at East Anglian Chambers.  All fees exclude VAT, which is charged on top of the fee.

The likely additional costs may be the instruction of any experts (if required).  This will depend on the nature of a claim and advice given, or in the context of criminal work, defence.  In criminal cases, if you enter a guilty plea (or are found guilty), there will likely be fines and costs to pay in respect of the prosecution.  Your barrister can advise you further about this.

If we charge fixed fees, these may be towards the higher end of the range if you need a more experienced barrister. If you have a particularly complex case and/or involves substantial documentation, your fees may also be higher than the estimates below.

Stage of case Range of fixed fees (estimates)
Written advice on your case £350 – £3000
Preparation of case, including meetings with you and assistance with the drafting of any court documents £550 – £2000
Guilty pleas – fee for hearing £550 – £2000
First appearance in criminal cases (pre-trial court appearance where the case is being contested) £450 – £2000
First day of trial £950- £2500
Court appearances per day at trial, after the first day (barristers call these ‘refreshers’) £650 – £2250

Hourly rates

Alternatively, some members of our team may quote by an hourly rate for any of the preparation or advisory stages.  All of our barristers will quote fixed fees for hearings.

The range of hourly rates for members of our team are £180 – £340 per hour plus VAT.  The fixed fee rates above are indicative of the likely total cost range where an hourly rate is used.

Summary Only Motoring Offences

Members of our criminal team specialising in motoring can advise and represent you in the magistrates’ court and on appeal where applicable.  Our guidance below concerns those types of cases in which members of the team can advise and defend clients charged with a summary only motoring offence.  Such cases rarely have legal aid available for them regardless of a client’s income as there is often unlikely to be a risk of custody. Please contact the clerks for more specialist information.

Timescales

Timescales for your case may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability; the value and complexity of your case and the need for additional documents.  As a guide only, written advice on your case will be available within three to four weeks where possible.  You may also need representation at short notice.  If so, please contact the clerks and our barristers will aim to assist you where possible.

Fees

We may charge fixed fees, which means that we will charge you a set amount of money for the work. Below, we provide estimates based on the range of fixed fees for barristers at East Anglian Chambers.  All fees exclude VAT, which is charged on top of the fee.

The likely additional costs may be the instruction of any experts (if required).  This will depend on the nature of a defence. If you enter a guilty plea (or are found guilty), there will likely be fines and costs to pay in respect of the prosecution.  Your barrister can advise you further about this.

If we charge fixed fees, these may be towards the higher end of the range if you need a more experienced barrister. If you have a particularly complex case and/or involves substantial documentation, your fees may also be higher than the estimates below.

Stage of case Range of fixed fees (estimates)
Written advice on your case £350 – £2000
Preparation of case, including meetings with you and assistance with the drafting of any court documents £550 – £2000
Guilty pleas – fee for hearing £550 – £2000
First appearance in criminal cases (pre-trial court appearance where the case is being contested) £450 – £2000
First day of trial £950- £2500
Court appearances per day at trial, after the first day (barristers call these ‘refreshers’) £650 – £2250

Hourly rates

Alternatively, some members of our team may quote by an hourly rate for any of the preparation or advisory stages.  All of our barristers will quote fixed fees for hearings.

The range of hourly rates for members of our team are £180 – £300 per hour plus VAT.  The fixed fee rates above are indicative of the likely total cost range where an hourly rate is used.

 

Employment Tribunal cases

Members of our employment team can advise both employees and employers on ordinary unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims. Our guidance below concerns those types of claims but members of the team can also represent both employees and employers at the Employment Tribunal on a broad range of other matters, including discrimination and whistleblowing.  Please contact the clerks for more specialist information.

Timescales

Timescales for your case may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability; the value and complexity of your case; the need for additional documents and the other side’s approach to the case.  However, as a guide, more straightforward cases tend to have a hearing date four to six months after a claim is made (although this may be continue to be affected by delays caused by the pandemic).

Fees

We may charge fixed fees, which means that we will charge you a set amount of money for the work. Below, we provide estimates based on the range of fixed fees for barristers in the employment team at East Anglian Chambers.  These are for unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal cases and are based on a 3-day hearing with a bundle of documents in the region of 850 pages.  All fees exclude VAT, which is charged on top of the fee.

The are no likely additional costs that you would incur, but your barrister can advise you further if necessary.

If we charge fixed fees, these may be towards the higher end of the range if you need a more experienced barrister. If you have a particularly complex case, your fees may also be higher than the estimates below.

Stage of case Range of fixed fees (estimates)
Written advice on your claim or response £750 – £1,800
Preparation of case, including meetings with you and assistance with the drafting of any tribunal documents £750 – £1,800

(depending on work involved and time required)

Preliminary hearing (assuming this is only for case management, where required) £750 – £1,800
First day of full tribunal hearing £2,500 – £4,500
Tribunal appearances per day at full hearing, after the first day (barristers call these ‘refreshers’) £1,000 – £1,800
Remedy hearing (to decide compensation) £1,000 – £1,800

Hourly rates

Alternatively, some members of our team may quote by an hourly rate for any of the preparation or advisory stages.  All of our barristers will quote fixed fees for hearings.

The range of hourly rates for members of our team are £180 – £250 per hour plus VAT.  The fixed fee rates above are indicative of the likely total cost range where an hourly rate is used.

Financial Disputes in Divorce

Members of our family team can advise you if you and your former partner cannot agree on financial matters during, or after, a divorce. For example, you may not be able to agree on how assets should be divided, whether to sell your home or other assets, maintenance payments, or pension sharing.

If you cannot agree, you can apply to a court for a financial order. You may need to attend a number of court hearings.  Some of our barristers can represent you in these hearings.

Timescales

Timescales for your case may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability; the value and complexity of your assets; whether you have children; how much you have already agreed with your former partner; and their approach. Written advice on your financial dispute will be available within three to four weeks where possible. As a guide, court hearings for a financial order tend to take six to twelve months. This does not include possible appeals.

Fees

We may charge fixed fees, which means that we will charge you a set amount of money for the work. Below, we provide estimates based on the range of fixed fees for barristers in the family finance team at East Anglian Chambers, where the parties have joint assets which are worth less than £300,000. All fees exclude VAT, which is charged on top of the fee.

The likely additional costs may be the instruction of any experts (if required), such as a surveyor to value your home.  There may also be court fees to pay.

If we charge fixed fees, these may be towards the higher end of the range if you need a more experienced barrister. If you have a particularly complex case, your fees may also be higher than the estimates below.

Stage of case Range of fixed fees (estimates)
Written advice on your financial dispute £750 – £1750
Preparation of case, including meetings with you and assistance with the drafting of any court documents £550 – £1750
First appointment (first court hearing exchanging financial information) £650 – £1250
Financial dispute resolution appointment (second court hearing to reach a financial settlement) £850 – £2250
First day of final hearing (if no settlement has been reached) £1250 – £3250
Court appearances per day at final hearing, after the first day (barristers call these ‘refreshers’) £850 – £1850

 Hourly rates

Alternatively, some members of our team may quote by an hourly rate for any of the preparation or advisory stages.  All of our barristers will quote fixed fees for hearings.

The range of hourly rates for members of our team are £180–£300.  The fixed fee rates above are indicative of the likely total cost range where an hourly rate is used.

Inheritance Act advice

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 – Guidance for Direct Access clients

 

The Inheritance Act (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows spouses and civil partners (including former spouses and civil partners who have not remarried), cohabitees, children, step-children and other dependants to bring a claim for reasonable financial provision against the estate of someone who has died.    Please see our note on eligibility at (hyperlink).  Members of our civil team can advise you on whether you can make a claim under the Act or, if you are a beneficiary of the estate and someone else is making a claim, our team can offer advice as to your position.

Our timescale and fee estimate information below is based on those requirements.  Our team also offer a broader range of services for claims under the Act, including drafting and representation.  For more information about those services, please contact the clerks.

Timescales

Timescales for your case may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability; the value and complexity of the deceased person’s estate; your financial needs and those of any beneficiary of the estate.  Claims under the Act must be made within six months of the grant of probate.  Written advice will generally be available within three to four weeks, where possible.

Fees

We may charge fixed fees, which means that we will charge you a set amount of money for the work. Below, we provide estimates based on the range of fixed fees for barristers in the civil team at East Anglian Chambers who might accept this type of work, where the deceased person’s estate is worth less than £300,000.

The likely additional costs may be the instruction of any experts (if required), such as a surveyor if a valuation is required.  There may also be court fees to pay, but these are beyond the scope of providing advice about a claim under the Act.

If we charge fixed fees, these may be towards the higher end of the range if you need a more experienced barrister. If you have a particularly complex case, your fees may also be higher than the estimates below.

Stage of case Range of fixed fees (estimates)
Written advice on making or defending a claim £1,250 – £3,750 plus VAT

Hourly rates

Alternatively, some members of our team may quote by an hourly rate for any advice.

The range of hourly rates for members of our team are £190 – £300 plus VAT.  The fixed fee rates above are indicative of the likely total cost range where an hourly rate is used.

Contact Us

All information is correct as of July 2023, but fees are estimates only.

For a quotation, please contact the clerks on 01473 214481 or by using the enquiry form on the ‘How to instruct us’ page of this website.