About Chambers

Chambers Operations

Crown Office Chambers is committed to a modern, flexible and friendly approach. The clerks’ team is willing to discuss any aspect of Chambers’ procedure and fee charging in an effort to accommodate individual requirements. We also recognise that certain litigation requires a particular approach, and will seek to match counsel both on expertise and personality. We are committed to implementing and maintaining best practice, and periodically seek the views of clients on the level of service which we offer.

Modern Facilities

Crown Office Chambers is able to offer first class reception, conference and ADR facilities. Our dedicated conference and meeting rooms have facilities for every requirement and the demands of all forms of litigation. We recognise the importance which solicitor clients often place on such aspects of Chambers’ service, and are committed to the highest standards of presentation. Disabled access is provided. Video-conferencing is available and encouraged where appropriate. Members are also willing to travel to conferences if desired.

Modern Practice

Chambers is willing to discuss and enter into block agreements for particular areas of work, and operates chambers’ service protocols. These protocols seek to regulate the level of service (particularly the return of paperwork) and meet the changes to the legal services market with the necessary flexibility. Our senior clerks will be happy to visit solicitors or insurers in their offices to explain the advantages which such a modern approach can have for the client.

Premier Level of Service

Uncertainty as to the time within which work will be returned is often a complaint which solicitors levy against the Bar. At Crown Office Chambers we monitor the receipt of paperwork and the required date of return. Our aim is that paperwork will be returned within 28 days, or any lesser period that has been agreed in advance or which is clearly marked on the outside of the instructions. However, sometimes other commitments and pressure of work make this impossible, in which case we will get in touch without delay in order to make appropriate arrangements.

Because each member of Chambers is an independent practitioner, it sometimes happens that members of Chambers are instructed on opposing sides in the same case (or one may be acting as arbitrator). Where this happens, separate clerking facilities are arranged with appropriate information barriers (or "Chinese walls"). Please do not hesitate to discuss the details with the appropriate member of our Clerking Team.

Double booking of court appearances will be avoided without the prior consent of the client. Where previous cases run on unexpectedly, the client will be kept fully informed and alternative arrangements will be made.

If at any time you experience difficulties in your dealings with any member of Chambers or any member of our staff, or have any comments to offer, please contact Andy Flanagan, the Senior Managing Clerk. We welcome and take seriously all comments from our clients and have internal procedures for addressing their concerns.

Flexible Rates

Crown Office Chambers is committed to a realistic and flexible approach to fees. We appreciate that sometimes the traditional approach to the delivery of briefs and incurring of brief fees is inappropriate. We are always willing to discuss individual requirements in advance. Hourly rates for members of chambers vary, and are available upon application. However, unless otherwise agreed, or where fees are subject to an agreed or imposed scale, instructions for paperwork are accepted on the basis that the client will be charged on the basis of the time reasonably spent at the barrister's current hourly charging rate. Estimates of likely total fees will be provided if requested. Hourly rates are generally applied only to advisory and drafting work.

It is our usual practice to ask for counsel's fees to be paid within 28 days of receipt of the fee note. If no arrangement has been made for late payment, interest may be charged.

Conditional Fee Work

We now undertake a considerable amount of conditional fee work. We have our own conditional fee agreements (based on the Bar models) which are available on request. Success fees will usually reflect the rate agreed between solicitor and client but will be negotiated individually where not covered by standard uplifts.

Direct Access

Work is accepted from a large range of authorised bodies. Chambers recognises the cost advantages which such access offers and will accommodate the additional demands which such arrangements create.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Crown Office Chambers has developed a new centre for alternative dispute resolution, and can offer a fully administered and equipped ADR service. This extends to mediation, adjudication and arbitration. We are able to offer the services of experienced CEDR and other accredited mediators. As well as acting as mediators, these members of Chambers are also able to offer specialist advice and representation for clients involved in all forms of ADR. Chambers recognises that this is a route down which clients increasingly wish to go and is happy to play an active role in the process.