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We have listed below the various arrangements for fees at Lincoln House Chambers. If you have any queries about fees, whether it is publicly or privately funded, criminal, civil or tribunal work, then please do not hesitate to contact the Clerks in Chambers who will be happy to assist.
We adhere to the structure and systems that have been put in place by the Crown Prosecution Service and other prosecuting authorities when acting for the Crown in both the Crown Court and the Magistrates Court. This includes both “graduated fee” work and Very High Cost Cases (“VHCCs”). When acting on behalf of defendants who are in receipt of public funding by way of a representation order, we will deal directly with the Crown Court where the case in question was listed. It is important to note that once a barrister has been instructed by a client that all fees relating to that barrister are dealt with by Chambers. The Revised Advocacy Graduated Fee Scheme has come into effect for all cases where a representation order has been granted on or after 30th April 2007. The Graduated Fee Payment Protocol governs payments under the scheme. Below is a link to the Protocol on the Bar Council's website: http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/assets/documents/FeesProtocolFinal%2025042007.doc When acting for defendants in VHCCs we will discuss the division of work and task lists with our professional clients. We will either liaise directly with the Legal Services Commission Contract Manager or with instructing “case manager” solicitors (in non-panel situations) in regard to the fees of counsel. Where a case is to be privately funded, we will agree fees prior to any conferences or hearings taking place. It is only once the fees have been agreed that we are able to accept papers. If a case is private then the following criteria are taken into account: (a) the seniority and expertise of counsel; (b) the complexity and seriousness of the case; (c) the size of the case, i.e. how many pages of evidence are involved and how many hours preparation will be required; (d) any accommodation or travel expenses that will be incurred; and (e) the length of the case, i.e. number of days that counsel will be in Court. We are always willing to be flexible in agreeing fees when clients are paying privately. We can suggest a brief fee and refresher, hourly rates for preparation, conferences and court-time or a lump-sum that incorporates all aspects of the case. It is worth pointing out at this stage that you must remember to add VAT on to any figure that is quoted. You will, however, be reminded of this when requesting a quotation. A fee note will be sent with all papers at the conclusion of the case which will detail how the fees have been put together. It is important to note that if there are any queries about a fee note then they should be addressed within 14 days of receiving it.
When acting on behalf of defendants who are in receipt of public funding by way of a representation order, we will deal directly with the Higher Court where the case in question was listed. When acting for the prosecution we adhere to the structure and systems that have been put in place by the Crown Prosecution Service and other prosecuting authorities.
In "fast-track" cases we abide by the standard rates. In "multi-track" cases we will agree the fees for the hearing as soon as we have received the brief. This must be prior to the hearing taking place. An hourly rate for conferences and paperwork must be agreed with the Clerks. In agreeing fees, the following criteria are considered: (a) the seniority and expertise of counsel; (b) the complexity and seriousness of the case; (c) the size of the case, i.e. how many pages of evidence are involved and how many hours preparation will be required; (d) any accommodation or travel expenses that will be incurred; (e) the length of the case, i.e. number of days that counsel will be in Court; and (f) value of the Claim. Conditional Fee Agreements (“CFAs”) are accepted by Chambers but are assessed individually. Terms are negotiated for each case. The level of fees for hearings, conferences and paperwork is assessed using the criteria as set out above.
We accept judicial review cases, both privately funded and those funded under Section 7 of the Community Legal Service Funding Code. An hourly rate can be negotiated with the Clerks for the preparation of advices on merits/quantum, statements of facts and grounds and skeleton arguments. A fee can be agreed for the hearing itself.
Chambers undertake work for the Police Federation, The General Medical Council and The Royal College of Nursing. The fees are negotiated using a fee structure that has previously been agreed that we are happy to adapt. Immigration cases are accepted for both CLR (Controlled Legal Representation) and privately-paid cases. Private fees should be referred to the Senior Clerk but we tend to work to a set structure depending on the seniority of Counsel. An initial conference is included within the brief fee although further conferences will be charged at appropriate rates. Fees for Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals and Inquests are negotiated separately and take into account the following: (a) the seniority and expertise of counsel; (b) the complexity and seriousness of the case; (c) the size of the case, i.e. how many pages of evidence are involved and how many hours preparation will be required; (d) any accommodation or travel expenses that will be incurred; and (e) the length of the case, i.e. number of days that counsel will be in Court.
Prison law cases are usually funded under by the Community Legal Service, CDS funding regime. We accept all such cases when funded at the relevant rates, be they parole hearings, recall hearings, adjudications, or the provision of written advice. We will of course also accept such cases on a privately funded basis.
Chambers accept all types of fraud work and we will accept graduated fees, Very High Cost Cases and privately-paid work. We have great experience in dealing with the Legal Services Commission in VHCC cases and we are noted for our strength in depth and our ability to offer a wide-range of Barristers in this area.
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