You will always get a fixed quote before any work is undertaken
How much does it cost to use a direct access barrister in Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby or anywhere across the West or East Midlands? Guideline costs are set out below, but most importantly I will always give you an up-front fixed price quote for each phase of work. You will never face a nasty shock with unexpected costs.
Due to the rules of our regulator, direct access barristers have to provide a quote for work before starting. I will not start any work until you are happy and have decided to use me. If you do, then you will pay the fee and I will do the work. If it takes longer than expected, the work will still be completed for the agreed fee unless you have done something that has caused it to take longer, e.g. supplying new information or documents after the fee has been agreed that creates more work.
Guide to potential costs for Direct Access advice
Below are some very rough guides to prices. However every case is unique and the more documents involved or the more legally complex it is the greater the time involved. This inevitably increases the price.
Starting a claim (initial meeting & advice, considering key documents and drafting particulars of claim) typically £1,000 – £2,500
Drafting a defence to a claim ( initial meeting & advice, considering key documents and drafting the defence) typically £750 – £1750
Written advice on complicated or high-value legal problems (e.g. property disputes, high value goods, commercial disputes) typically £1,000 – £3,000
Representation at Court (hearings up to one day in length)
Small claims from £500 – £1,500.
Other claims from £1,000.
For hearings lasting more than one day please contact me.
Hourly rates
Occasionally it is necessary to work on an hourly rate. If so you will be advised as to the range of time need for the work and a separate agreement will be entered into for this work. Work at an hourly rate is billed at £250 per hour.