Terms & Client Information

About this website

This website describes the practice of John Hurlock, a self-employed barrister at 2 Bedford Row (2BR), 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT. He is regulated by the Bar Standards Board. John offers advice, advocacy and agreed litigation services. The scope of any instructions is confirmed directly with John and his clerks. His professional entry is available on the Barristers’ Register.

Using the content

The content provides general information about John’s practice and instructing a barrister. It is not legal advice on your particular circumstances. Advice on a case requires consideration of the relevant facts and papers.

Pages may be read, linked to and printed for personal reference. Text, photographs and other materials remain subject to the rights of their respective owners. Obtain permission before reproducing material for publication or commercial use.

Case summaries describe John’s work and link to the relevant report or professional profile. Information can change; please flag an apparent error by emailing John. Linked websites are independently operated and have their own terms.

Professional instructions

An enquiry does not, by itself, mean that John has accepted instructions. The services, responsibilities, fees and terms for a particular matter are confirmed in writing before work begins. For Direct Access, these are set out in a client care letter.

Please see Contact & Instructions and Fees for the enquiry process, fee structures and Direct Access information, and chambers’ business information for its approach to professional work. These website terms do not replace the terms agreed for legal work or limit any rights you have under applicable law.

Client concerns & complaints

If you are unhappy with the service you have received, please contact chambers promptly and identify John Hurlock as the barrister concerned. You do not need a solicitor to make a complaint.

For a telephone complaint, contact Graham Briggs, Deputy Senior Clerk. Written complaints can be emailed to the Chambers Administrator or addressed to the Heads of Chambers, Complaints, 2 Bedford Row, 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT.

Include your name and contact details, what happened and the outcome you are seeking. Tell chambers if you need an adjustment or help using the complaints process. The full chambers complaints procedure explains who handles a complaint, confidentiality and alternative dispute resolution.

What happens next

Chambers aims to acknowledge a written complaint within two days where possible and will explain how it will be handled. The appointed investigator aims to reply within 14 days of notifying you of their appointment, or will provide a revised date. The investigation and its proposed resolution are explained in writing.

The Legal Ombudsman

The Legal Ombudsman provides an independent, free service for eligible complaints about legal services. Eligibility includes individuals and certain small businesses, charities and trusts. It can explain whether your complaint falls within its remit.

Complain to chambers first. You can approach the Ombudsman if you remain dissatisfied after a final response, or if your complaint has not been resolved within eight weeks.

Time limits

Normally, you must refer your complaint within one year of the act or omission, or within one year of when you should reasonably have known there was cause to complain. You must also normally refer it within six months of a final response that gives the required Ombudsman information. The Ombudsman can consider exceptions under its Scheme Rules.

Check the Ombudsman’s current guidance if you are unsure about eligibility or a deadline.

Legal Ombudsman, PO Box 6167, Slough SL1 0EH.

Bring a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman · View Ombudsman decision data

Professional conduct

The Bar Standards Board regulates barristers. Concerns about professional conduct, including concerns from someone who is not John’s client, may be raised with the BSB. It serves a different role from the Legal Ombudsman’s service-complaint process.

Visit the Bar Standards Board · View John’s register entry