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What to expect from your barrister

There are rules barristers have to follow to make sure they are doing their job correctly and giving you the best service possible.

The rules about how barristers must behave are listed in the BSB Handbook. 

The rules cover a wide range of things, including:

  • The “Core Duties of barristers” - a list of the most important things that barristers should and should not do
  • What they are allowed to do in the course of their work.
  • How they qualify to become a barrister.
  • How they will be disciplined if they break the rules.
Signs of a good barrister

Having the right barrister is not just about making sure they work in the right area of law. A good barrister will:

  • speak to you in a way you can understand and build trust.
  • treat you with respect and courtesy, regardless of your background or circumstances.
  • provide you with advice that is clear and accurate.
  • keep you informed as your case progresses.
  • make "reasonable adjustments" for you.

Barristers' Core Duties

 Barristers have ten core duties that they are required to follow when they are working for you.

  • Report a barrister
    • Report a barrister

    If a barrister breaks any of these rules or Duties, they can be disciplined by us for professional misconduct.

    If you think a barrister has broken any of these rules, you can report them to us.

    Report a concern

    Barristers and vulnerable clients

    Barristers need to take special care to meet the needs of vulnerable clients.

    Barristers should:

    • be considering your needs to make sure they are giving you the best service they can.
    • do what they reasonably can to ensure that you understand the process and what to expect.
    • try to avoid any unnecessary distress for you.

    Client care letters

    Once it is agreed that you will be instructing a barrister, they must give you a "client care letter". 

    If you are using a solicitor, the barrister will send the letter to them, but if you are using a Public Access barrister they will send the letter directly to you. 

    This letter should: 

    • set out what work they are going to do for you.

    • when it will be done.

    • how you will be charged for the work.

    • how you can complain if you are unhappy with the service they provide.  

    This letter could be written by the barrister or by someone else at their chambers. If you instruct the same barrister for a new or different issue, they must send you another letter with information about that work. 

    An example of what a Public Access "client care letter" should look like, and the information it should have in it, can be found on the  code guidance page for barristers.

    Leaving feedback about barristers' services

    You can download our short guide on how to leave feedback about barristers' services. You may find this guide useful if you want to:

    • find feedback to help you choose a barrister;
    • instruct a barrister based on feedback you have received from someone or have seen somewhere else; or
    • give feedback on the service you have received from a barrister to help them improve their practice or to help others choose a barrister.
    DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE ON USING AND LEAVING FEEDBACK ABOUT BARRISTERS' SERVICES