Legal advice

Estuary Court Chambers 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.

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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.

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Estuary Court Chambers' terms of service

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.

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

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Confidentiality

All instructions received will be handled by Chambers with due regard to the confidentiality of their contents and relevant data protection legislation.

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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 upon 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.

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Fees

Fees for advisory work are usually charged at an hourly rate based on complexity, value, the volume of paperwork and urgency. However, it is generally possible for Craig to give a fixed quotation for a piece of work in advance. Brief fees depend upon similar factors and the length of the trial. All fees are liable to payment of VAT.

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Craig takes publicly as well as privately funded work. 

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Estuary Court Chambers 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. Estuary Court Chambers adhere to the Bar Council’s Guidelines when progressing the collection of fees.