Terms of Business

1. Introduction

These Terms of Business set out the basis on which members of Parity Chambers provide legal services. By instructing a barrister from Parity Chambers, you agree to these terms.

These terms should be read in conjunction with the BSB Handbook and any specific terms agreed for individual instructions.

2. The Relationship

Members of Parity Chambers are self-employed barristers. When you instruct a barrister, you enter into a contract with that individual barrister, not with Chambers as an entity.

Chambers provides administrative and clerking services to facilitate instructions but does not itself provide legal services.

3. Acceptance of Instructions

All instructions are subject to:

• The barrister’s availability and capacity to undertake the work
• The absence of any conflict of interest
• Compliance with the Bar Standards Board Handbook
• Agreement on fees and payment terms
• Receipt of adequate instructions and relevant documentation

A barrister may decline instructions in accordance with the BSB Handbook, including where there is a conflict of interest or where accepting would cause them to breach their professional duties.

4. Fees

Fees will be discussed and agreed with the clerking team before work commences. Fees may be charged on various bases including:

• Hourly rates
• Fixed fees for specific pieces of work
• Brief fees for hearings
• Refresher fees for multi-day hearings
• Conditional fee arrangements (where permitted)

Fee estimates are provided in good faith but may need to be revised if the scope or complexity of the work changes.

5. Payment Terms

Unless otherwise agreed:

• Invoices are payable within 30 days of the invoice date
• Interest may be charged on late payments in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998
• For publicly funded work, payment terms are in accordance with the relevant legal aid regulations

6. Direct Access Instructions

Certain barristers at Parity Chambers accept direct access instructions from members of the public and organisations without the involvement of a solicitor.

Direct access instructions are subject to additional terms, including:

• Confirmation that the matter is suitable for direct access
• Provision of a client care letter
• Payment arrangements as agreed