Value for Money
Everyone is concerned to get value for money when instructing lawyers. Barrister are very aware of this and price competitively as a result.
The Chairman of the Bar Council, Mr Nick Green QC said recently that 'It should come as no surprise that the Bar is fantastically good value. We have a very cost effective cost base...the price/quality ratio at the Bar is, to be blunt, simply unbeatable' - Counsel Magazine March 2010.
In an industry wide report conducted by Westminster University Law School in June 2009: 'Our interviews have indicated that clients who have engaged barristers directly have found the experience positive. Responses often include terms such as:
• “great value for money”
• “fast”
• “good to deal with the main person on the case”
• “respect for budgets”
• “very knowledgeable”
• “thoroughness and attention to detail”
• “good communication”
And a practice manager summarized it thus, “And we are probably, no always, cheaper than the solicitors.” Or as was articulated clearly by a senior clerk: I mean the whole thing behind the direct public access to be frank is to save money for the client. That’s why it’s going to take off because the public will look at it as a money saving. They’ll look at it and say well I can instruct one person instead of having to instruct two. That’s why I believe that it’s going to be a growing area.' - Straight There No Detours: Direct Access to Barristers - John Flood and Avis Whyte University of Westminster School of Law 17th June 2009
The Bar Standards Board's 'The Public Access Scheme: Guidance for Lay Clients' April 2010 states that the main advantage is 'it could potentially save you money whilst giving you access to the Bar, since you would be paying for a barrister only instead of a barrister and solicitor'
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