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Our rules require barristers’ practices to publish information about their fees. This should be available on their website or in a printed document. You should be able to see this information before your solicitor hires a barrister for you, or before you hire a Public Access barrister yourself. 

This guidance will help you understand the price and the service you will receive from your barrister. 

How much you may have to pay

There is no standard price for barristers’ services. Each barrister sets their own fees. You can decide whether the price is reasonable and whether you want to hire that barrister. If you are using Public Access, you may want to contact more than one barrister so you can compare prices and get different quotes.

When you hire a barrister, they should explain clearly how you will be charged and what the work is likely to cost. If anything is unclear, ask your barrister for more information.

Barristers’ chambers may publish:

  • a range of fees for barristers in the chambers, or
  • an average fee across the chambers

Barristers or their clerks should always discuss fees with you before work begins. If anything about the fees is unclear, ask for more information. You can also read the Legal Ombudsman (LEO) guide on what to ask your lawyer about costs on the LEO website.

How barristers charge

  • Fixed fee
    • Fixed fee

    A fixed fee means the barrister agrees a set price for the work. You pay the agreed overall amount for the whole piece of work.

  • Hourly rate
    • Hourly rate

    Some barristers charge by the hour. They set a price for each hour of work. The final cost depends on how many hours they spend working on your case. They may give you an estimate of how long the work will take.

  • Conditional fee
    • Conditional fee

    A conditional fee arrangement means the amount you pay may depend on whether you win your case.

    For example:

    • you may not have to pay if you lose, or
    • you may pay a smaller amount if you lose and more if you win.

    Public Access barristers and fee information

    Public Access barristers must publish fee information if they offer certain types of work.

    This includes:

    • Employment Tribunal cases
    • Financial disputes after divorce
    • Immigration appeals (First-tier Tribunal)
    • Inheritance Act advice
    • Licensing applications for business premises
    • Personal injury claims
    • Motoring offences heard in the magistrates’ court
    • Winding-up petitions

    They must also publish:

    • example of their fees and when these may change
    • whether their fees include VAT
    • any likely extra costs and the typical range of those costs
    • a description of the service they provide, the key stages of the work, and how long it may take

    Barristers and their clients’ money

    “Client money” means money that a lawyer holds on behalf of a client. The lawyer uses a special bank account to keep the money safely on behalf of the client. Barristers are not allowed to hold client money in this way.

    Paying a barrister and understanding your bill

    How you receive a bill depends on the fee arrangement you agreed with the barrister. If you have a solicitor, they will usually pay the barrister and include the cost in your overall legal bill. If you do not have a solicitor, the barrister or their chambers will send the invoice directly to you.

    Barristers are usually paid within 30 days of sending an invoice. However, payment terms may vary. It is best to agree payment terms when you first instruct the barrister.

    Common items on a barrister’s bill may include:

    • attending court
    • attending meetings or conferences
    • drafting documents
    • correspondence
    • travel

    Barristers must keep records of their fees. You have the right to ask to see these records. If you do not understand a charge on your bill, ask the barrister to explain it.

    Legal aid

    If you cannot afford a barrister, you may be able to get legal aid. Legal aid means the government helps pay for legal advice or representation.

    You can read more about this on the gov.uk page explaining legal aid and how to apply.

    There is also a charity called Advocate, which may help you get free assistance from a barrister if you cannot afford one.

    If you want to apply, you can complete the application form on the Advocate website.

    The form is detailed, so it may help to get support from:

    • Citizens Advice
    • a Law Centre
    • your local MP
    • a legal advice clinic