FEES & FUNDING
Fees & quotations
Clear agreement on the work, the cost and what is included before work begins.
Fees and quotations
Ask the clerks at 2 Bedford Row for a quotation for his work. Fees depend on the work required, its complexity and the time needed. The quotation will explain the fee structure and what is included.
Fixed fee
An agreed amount for a defined piece of work or case.
Hourly rate
A rate applied to the time spent on the agreed work.
Brief fee and refreshers
A fee covering trial preparation and the first day, with separate fees for subsequent trial days.
Your quotation will set out the work covered, including any agreed litigation services, VAT and any additional costs, such as travel or accommodation. He also offers voluntary police interviews, attendance following arrest and pre-charge advice, including evening and weekend attendance. Ask the clerks to confirm the scope, availability and fee for the attendance you need. For Direct Access, a client care letter will confirm the agreed services, fees, terms and your responsibilities. Further work outside that agreement must be agreed separately. The clerks can explain what may lead to a revised fee if the case changes.
Direct Access motoring cases
For summary-only motoring offences, 2 Bedford Row publishes the following typical ranges across chambers. These are chambers-wide indications; his fee and the work included will be confirmed in your quotation.
- Single hearing
- £500–£10,000Including VAT
- Hourly work
- £75–£1,000Per hour, including VAT
These are not fixed minimum or maximum prices. Seniority, complexity, preparation and hearing length affect the fee. Ask about any travel, accommodation, expert evidence or additional hearings.
Work may involve advice, a plea, trial, sentencing or arguments about disqualification. A guilty plea and sentence may be dealt with at one hearing. A trial may follow several months later; a sentencing adjournment for reports commonly adds four to six weeks. The court timetable and the needs of the case determine the actual timescale.
Chambers’ published motoring fee informationWhat affects timescales?
Timing depends on availability, the stage and complexity of proceedings, the amount of material to review and the court timetable. The involvement of other parties can also affect progress. The clerks can discuss a realistic timescale once they know what work is needed.
Read chambers’ fee and business informationInformation about service concerns, the complaints process and the Legal Ombudsman is available in Terms & Client Information.
For an explanation in another format, or to discuss an accessibility requirement, contact the clerks. Please mention any imminent hearing or deadline at the start of your enquiry.
Legal aid and private funding
Direct Access cannot be funded by legal aid. If you have legal aid, instructions to a barrister must come through a solicitor. Your solicitor can contact the clerks to discuss instructing him.
If you may qualify for legal aid, discuss that route with a legal aid solicitor before choosing private instructions. You can make an informed choice to pay privately, but you should understand the funding available, the costs and your responsibilities. Direct Access must still be suitable for the case.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Fee questions.
How much will it cost to instruct him?
Fees depend on the complexity of the case, the documents to review and the time required. The clerks at 2 Bedford Row can provide a quotation once they know what work is needed. Ask what is included, the VAT amount, any expenses and how a change in the work would affect the fee.
Can Direct Access be funded by legal aid?
No. Direct Access is privately funded. If you have legal aid, instructions to a barrister must come through a solicitor. If you may qualify, speak to a solicitor about funding and your choice of barrister. Your solicitor can contact the clerks at 2 Bedford Row to discuss his availability for the case.
Can I choose Direct Access if I qualify for legal aid?
You can make an informed choice to pay privately, provided the case is suitable for Direct Access. Before deciding, understand the legal aid available and the costs and responsibilities of private instructions. Discuss the funding options with a legal aid solicitor, and ask the clerks about the proposed work and fees.
What will be agreed before work starts?
For Direct Access, you will receive a client care letter setting out the agreed work, fees, terms and the responsibilities that remain with you. Make sure you understand what is included, VAT and any additional costs before accepting. Further advice, a hearing or other work outside that agreement will need to be agreed separately.
THE NEXT STEP
Contact John Hurlock.
Email him directly about your case or call the clerks at 2 Bedford Row. Evening and weekend attendance is offered, with availability and fees confirmed when arranging instructions.