Fees

Barristers’ fees are based on a number of elements.

Hourly Rates

Each of our Barristers has a range of hourly rates which takes account of the market rates in their area of practice and the barrister’s skills and experience.

The hourly rate for a particular case and a particular piece of work is agreed in advance. That rate will take account of the complexity of the case, the value of the case and any particular demands the case gives rise to.  Rates for direct access work are generally a little higher because of the additional client care requirements involved.

Charges for paperwork and conferences are be based on hourly rates. Time estimates for a piece of work can be given in advance and where appropriate a maximum fee can be agreed. 

Brief Fees, Refreshers & Hearing Fees

Fees for a trial consist of a brief fee and refreshers. A brief fee is an agreed fixed fee that covers all the pre-trial preparation and the first day of the trial. A refresher is the fixed agreed fee for a subsequent day of the trial which includes the ongoing preparation before and after court each day along withas well as any conference.

In advance of the trial both the brief fee and refreshers will be agreed. The date the trial preparation is treated as starting or “the brief is delivered” and the brief fee becomes due will also be agreed in advance. In substantial matters it is possible to agree a brief fee which falls due in instalments leading up to the start of the trial.

The fee payable for a hearing will include all the preparation for that hearing and any at conference as well as for the hearing itself.

Expenses

The costs of travel for substantial journeys or overnight accommodation may be charged as a separate item or reflected in the brief or a hearing fee.

Our Approach to Fees

At Hardwicke we understand litigation can be an expensive process. Funding can be the biggest barrier for an individual’s access to justice. Hardwicke is always looking for ways to reduce that barrier.

Our Barristers bring their commitment to a flexible, client focused service to the question of their fees. Whilst we charge reasonable market rates commensurate with the service provided we are always willing to discuss the way our fees, and the payment of them, are structured in order to find a solution that works for our clients as well as us.