Bar Select

The proposed new rules approved by the Bar Standards Board (yet to be ratified by the LSB) will for the first time allow solicitors to profit from the work they refer to barristers. It will be possible to enter into a contract for services, on a case by case basis or otherwise, so that a barrister’s fees then become a cost that can be marked up; as is the case with any fee earner providing services on behalf of a firm. The nature of the business relationship will change in a variety of ways as the barrister becomes, in effect, a representative of the firm.

For solicitors (and other lawyers) the benefits of using the Bar may include the ability to:

• deploy barristers when and where needed without incurring recruitment and retention costs;
• easily expand and contract resources in line with client service demand;
• integrate barristers into the firm’s practice management systems (such as time recording; document management; workflow).

For barristers the benefits may include the ability to:

• develop more integrated, as opposed to purely transactional, relationships;
• undertake and be remunerated for a wider range of work than has been allowed to self-employed barristers;
• enjoy better utilisation of their time and therefore, potentially, increased income.

Dual Practice has the potential to reverse the trend towards hiring of in-house advocates as the costs of recruitment and retention only serve to reduce profitability.

Bar Select will be working with chambers and solicitor firms to develop a standard form of contract for services that respects the needs of all involved. If you would like to contribute to that process please contact us.

Best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and prosperous New Year.

See the full article published by the Law Society - Click here.