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Instructing a Barrister

Information

All Members of St Philips Chambers are self-employed and independent barristers who have been called to the Bar of England and Wales. They provide expertise in a wide range of practice areas (see areas of barristers’ areas of expertise). The legal services provided are most commonly advocacy and advisory services and members are instructed nationally and internationally by a wide range of solicitors (both in-house and in private practice), international lawyers, lay clients (Public Access), and other entities, including, consultants, surveyors, engineers, architects, etc (Professional Access).

How to Instruct Us

Professional, licensed access and lay clients may contact Chambers to obtain a quotation for legal services.

The clerks are the first point of contact for all clients and have extensive knowledge of each barrister’s areas of practice and availability.

Contact our Barristers’ Clerks, they will be able to assist you by recommending the barrister or team most suited to deal with any given case; and suggest the best way for you to access our services.

 

Fee Transparency

Barristers in Chambers act in privately funded and legally aided cases, as well as insurance-backed work.

The most commonly used pricing models for privately funded legal services are charged by an hourly rate, a fixed fee or an agreed brief fee and refreshers.

The setting of hourly rates is not necessarily straightforward and a number of factors may determine the rate that is set, for example the seniority of the barrister, the type of client, and the type, complexity and financial value of the case.

Fees for hearings are usually calculated on the basis of a brief fee and refresher. A brief fee is a fixed fee which usually covers preparation for the hearing and the first day of the hearing. A refresher is a fixed fee for each subsequent day of the hearing. These fee estimates will take into account a number of factors including (but not limited to), the required preparation, the complexity of the issues, the seniority and expertise of the barrister and any reservation of diary time. It is important to discuss and agree with the clerks exactly what will be included within the agreed fee. All fees will be subject to VAT at the prevailing rate (where applicable).

Some of our barristers also accept instructions under conditional fee agreements (“no win, no fee” agreements) in certain circumstances.

We always aim to set out quotes clearly, but if there is something you do not understand please contact us. For more information on fees and how they are determined, please view our fees and policies or contact our clerks.

A more detailed breakdown can be found here: Crime, Employment, Family and Regulatory.

Legal Aid

You may be eligible for legal aid. Follow these easy to use links below for further information:

https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal-legal-aid-means-testing

Unless otherwise agreed in advance, in writing, between the barrister and professional client, members of St Philips Chambers accept instructions under the Bar Council’s Standard Contractual Terms and Conditions 2012 (updated for the GDPR in 2018). A copy of these terms can be viewed /downloaded by clicking here.

Timescales may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the matter; the availability of the client, the barrister and any relevant third parties; the volume of documents to review; the need for additional information or documents; Court waiting times and the urgency of the matter.  Our barristers aim to turn straightforward work around within 21 working days.  Should any of our barristers be unable to meet that timetable, the client will be notified in good time in advance and, if necessary and agreed, the work may be allocated to another available and suitably experienced barrister so as to ensure that the client’s deadline is met.

Public Access

If you are a member of the public, the Bar Standards Board’s Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients is found here. This will help you to understand how the Public Access scheme works and explains how you can use it to instruct a barrister directly.

For further information on how to instruct a barrister under direct access here.

Client Confidentiality and Conflicts

We are often instructed by multiple parties to one action. To ensure that the confidentiality requirements of the Bar Code of Conduct are met, and that client confidentiality is maintained by barristers and staff, designated clerks are assigned to each party and those instructing are informed accordingly.

For further information, please contact our barristers’ clerks.

Testimonial

What do others have to say?

Chambers & Partners UK Bar Guide 2025

"The clerking is up to date and modern. When you talk to the clerks, they know who you are, which you don't get with other chambers - close personal attention to detail."

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

"St Philips is a fantastic set with good silks and good clerks that are always available and helpful."

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

"Their counsel are, without exception, dedicated specialists who strive to achieve the best outcomes for their instructing solicitors and their lay clients."

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

"St-Philips boasts some of the most experienced barristers and some of the most helpful and accommodating clerks in the region."

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

"St Philips is an outstanding chambers. They have a huge breadth of skill, knowledge and experience."

St Philips Barristers logo

St Philips Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.

Birmingham

55 Temple Row
Birmingham
B2 5LS
0121 246 7000

Leeds

29 Park Square
Leeds
LS1 2PQ

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