FAQs
PublicBarrister.Com
- What type of work can our barristers undertake?
Barristers will be able to give legal advice, draft documents or letters or represent you at court, tribunals or other formal meetings.
Can barristers conduct litigation on my behalf?
No, but a barrister can do a wide range of work in the context of litigation. A barrister can:
advise you as to the steps that need to be taken; help in the drafting of correspondence;
draft the court documents and the statements of case such as claim forms; defences etc.;
prepare witness statements; draft instructions to expert witnesses.
However a barrister cannot: - correspond with the other side on your behalf;
- be responsible for the payment of any court fees;
- handle any sums of money on your behalf;
- issue court documents such as a claim form;
- contact witnesses or collect and investigate evidence.
- Who has to do the work the barrister is not permitted to do?
The work that barristers are not permitted to do will need to be carried out by you. If you do not feel you are able for whatever reason to do that work then you will need to instruct a solicitor or court appointed agent to do the work on your behalf. PublicBarrister.com can assist with finding you an appropriately qualified solicitor.
What will it cost?
The fees will depend on a number of factors including the seniority and experience of the barrister consulted, the difficulty, size and importance of the case and most importantly the amount of work involved. We will quote you in advance a fixed fee for the piece of work that is required. If that is not possible we will always provide you in advance with details of the barrister's hourly charging rate for the work, an estimate of the likely total cost, a capped costs limit beyond which the barrister will not go without your further authority. Barristers' fees are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.
When do I have to pay?
If it is possible to provide you with a fixed fee for the piece of work then normally this will be payable up front before the work is undertaken. If it has not been possible to provide a fixed fee for the work then the fee will be payable on completion of the work and you will be contacted with the cost of the work. The barrister may hold on to the piece of work until he or she has been paid (this is called exercising a lien).
What if more work is required? If it becomes clear that further work is required from the barrister than previously agreed a further agreement will be necessary setting out the additional work covered and the fees for that work.
How do I instruct a barrister through Public.Barrister.com?
If you want to instruct a barrister at you should do one of the following: fill out the form on the contact us page of the website, email with the outline of your case and what you require done and we will contact you to discuss. Alternatively please ring 0207 038 8332 to discuss.
How will I know if a barrister will accept my instructions?
Within 2 working days of receipt of your e-mail or letter we will contact you to give a preliminary indication. A barrister may at that stage or at any other time ask you to forward copy documents or other material to enable a decision to be reached. Do not send any additional documents unless and until requested to do so by ourselves. Under no circumstances should you forward original documents.
What then?
Until a barrister has agreed to take your case PublicBarrister.com cannot accept any responsibility for advising you on any other aspect of your case or matter. Once a barrister has agreed to take on your case or matter, you will be sent a "client care letter". This letter will be your contract for the work to be done. It is an important document and you will need to read it carefully and satisfy yourself that you understand it. The client care letter will set out:
- the extent of the work that the barrister has agreed to carry out;
- the fees that are payable for the work or alternatively the hourly rate that will be charged together with an estimate of the likely costs and a “costs cap” figure beyond which no additional work will be done without your further agreement;
- the conditions on which the barrister will undertake the work.
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Your agreement will be with PublicBarrister.com.
