Standard Terms & Conditions
About our standard terms & conditions
With effect from 31 January 2013 the Bar Council abolished the long-standing “Terms of Work on which barristers offer their services to solicitors and the Withdrawal of Credit scheme”. In light of this – and after a period of detailed consultation – the members of KBG Chambers agreed collectively that private instructions are accepted as per the new Standard Conditions of Contract for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers to Authorised Persons 2012. A copy of the terms can be viewed here.
Therefore, unless otherwise agreed in advance, any new instructions will proceed on the basis of these standard terms. This does not apply to licensed access, public access, work involving a public funding certificate or matters subject to a Conditional Fee Agreement.
FAMILY LAW TERMS & CONDITIONS
We understand that in some cases matters settle or are vacated in close proximity to the hearing. When a booking is made in Counsel’s diary, regardless of whether the brief has been delivered, to provide remuneration both for the preparatory work undertaken by Counsel and the inability to undertake further hearings, the following cancellation fees will apply.
Financial Remedies & Private Law Privately funded cases (For hearings with a time estimate of 2 days or less)
Where cases/hearings are settled between the parties or vacated prior to the date of hearing without the assistance of Counsel:
- Within 1 full working day prior to hearing – 100% of brief fee shall be payable;
- Within 4 full working days prior to hearing – 50% of brief fee shall be payable;
- More than 4 working days prior to hearing - no cancellation fee shall be payable
Any cases over 2 days, terms will be agreed on booking.
In each case we will consider any unforeseen circumstances for hearings that are adjourned or vacated.
CIVIL LAW TERMS & CONDITIONS (As of 27 January 2026)
DELIVERY OF PAPERS (Brief / Instructions)
Chambers has a strong preference for receiving all documents and papers electronically.
Where possible, papers should be provided as a single, consolidated PDF which:
- Is rendered in searchable text (not image-only where avoidable);
- Contains bookmarks corresponding to the enclosures listed in the instructions/brief.
If it is not practicable to provide papers in a single PDF, all documents should:
- Be sent as separate attachments;
- Be clearly numbered; and
- Have identifiable file names corresponding exactly with the enclosures listed in the instructions/brief.
Example:
1. Letter to accompany instructions.pdf
1. Instructions_Brief to Counsel.pdf
2. Court Order dated...pdf
Please note the following requirements:
- Photographs and images must be provided in full colour.
- All PDF documents must have no document restrictions applied. In the PDF Document Properties → Security tab, all permissions should be set to “Allowed”.
- Particular care should be taken where typed documents have been scanned as images to ensure they are clear and legible.
- So far as practicable, all copy documents must be clear, complete, and readable.
Whilst Chambers is content to receive papers electronically, compliance with the above format is required in order to:
- Enable Counsel to work electronically in the most efficient and effective manner;
- Allow multiple documents to be merged into a single bundle with bookmarks where necessary;
- Facilitate ease of printing should Counsel require a hard copy.
TIMEFRAME FOR DELIVERY OF PAPERS
To enable Counsel to provide the best possible service to both those instructing and the lay client, sufficient time must be allowed for Counsel to consider all papers fully in advance of any conference or hearing. This is particularly important where Skeleton Arguments are required to be lodged in advance.
Unless otherwise agreed, briefs should be delivered within the following minimum timeframes:
- Small Claims Cases: At least 3 days prior to any conference or hearing.
- Fast Track Cases: At least 7 days prior to any conference or hearing.
- Intermediate Track Cases:
1-day hearings: at least 7 days prior to any conference or hearing.
2–3 day hearings: at least 14 days prior to any conference or hearing.
- Multi-Track Cases: At least 14 days prior to any conference or hearing.
- CFA Cases: Unless the terms of the individual CFA require earlier delivery, briefs should be provided at least 14 days prior to any conference or hearing.
TIMEFRAME FOR DRAFTING
Chambers’ standard turnaround time for paperwork is 14–21 days, depending on the complexity of the matter. This timeframe runs from the date instructions are received or, where a fee estimate is required, from the date fees are agreed.
Urgent instructions can be considered, with timescales to be agreed between the instructing solicitor and the clerks. Where a matter presents unusual difficulty or Counsel is unlikely to meet a deadline, the instructing solicitor will be contacted promptly to discuss the situation.
FEES
Chambers adopts a realistic, transparent, and flexible approach to fees. We aim to provide a high quality service at competitive market rates. Our Clerking Team are always available to discuss requirements, fee structures, and to address any queries.
Fast Track & Intermediate Track Fees
In the majority of cases, fees are billed in accordance with the Fixed Recoverable Costs applicable to advocates. The following fees apply to junior Counsel instructed in matters assigned to the Fast & Intermediate Track.
Fast Track Claims in which the pre-1 October 2023 rules apply.
| Value Claimed | Fast Track Trial Costs | Fast Track Trial Costs (Low Value Personal Injury) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £3,000 | £485 | £500 |
| More than £3,000 but not more than £10,000 | £690 | £710 |
| More than £10,000 but not more than £15,000 | £1,035 | £1,070 |
| More than £15,000 but not more than £25,000 | £1,650 | £1,705 |
Fast Track Claims in which the post-1 October 2023 rules apply.
| Trial Fees | Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 | Band 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1) Where the value of the claim is not more than £3,000 | £619 | £619 | £619 | £1,652 |
| (2) Where the value of the claim is more than £3,000, but not more than £10,000 | £877 | £877 | £877 | £1,652 |
| (3) Where the value of the claim is more than £10,000, but not more than £15,000 | £1,342 | £1,342 | £1,342 | £2,168 |
| (4) Where the value of the claim is more than £15,000 | £2,168 | £2,168 | £2,168 | £2,994 |
Other Work
| A. Providing post-issue advice in writing or in conference | £1,000 |
| B. Drafting a statement of case | £500 |
Intermediate Track Claims
| Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 | Band 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial fees for day one: | £3,303 | £3,613 | £4,129 | £5,988 |
| Fee for subsequent days: | £1,445 | £1,755 | £2,065 | £2,994 |
| Handing down of a reserved judgment and consequential matters, where dealt with separately from the trial | £599 | £599 | £599 | £599 |
| Other work: | ||||
| Providing post-issue advice in writing or in conference or drafting a statement of case | £2,065 | £2,065 | (a) £2,374; or (b) £3,613 if counsel is also instructed to draft a defence to a counterclaim | (a) £2,374; or (b) £3,613 if counsel is also instructed to draft a defence to a counterclaim |
| Advising in writing or in conference following the filing of a defence | £1,445 | £1,755 | £2,347 | £2,994 |
Although rare, the fees set out above may not be suitable in certain circumstances, including but not limited to:
- The amount or volume of papers;
- The anticipated preparation time; or
- The complexity of the matter.
Where this applies, Chambers will notify you as soon as possible upon receipt of the papers.
The fees above are charged irrespective of the geographical venue of the trial (provided this is within the Western Circuit) and do not attract any uplift, save for VAT and any conditional fee uplift, where applicable.
More senior members of Chambers do accept instructions for both Fast Track & Intermediate Track cases; in such instances, brief fees are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The Clerks are always happy to discuss requirements and advise on fee arrangements.
All other fixed recoverable sums for counsel set out in the CPR fixed costs provisions will apply as a minimum fee in any type of matter not referred to above.
Please note that while the above fees are based on the amounts prescribed for respective bands, the fees are not dependent upon their being recoverable in proceedings, Solicitors and Licensed Access clients are expected to be aware of what costs are recoverable on the Fast Track and Intermediate Track and to inform their lay clients, should, for example, additional written work be required, the cost of which will not be recoverable under the Fast Track and Intermediate Track recoverable fee structure.
Multi-Track fees
Fees are negotiated in the traditional way, giving consideration to a number of factors, including the seniority and experience of the barrister, the complexity of the matter, the value of claim and the length of time involved in preparation and attending Court as appropriate.
CIVIL LAW CANCELLATION FEES
Where a hearing is entered into Counsel’s diary, that time is reserved exclusively for the instructing party. If the matter is settled, vacated, or otherwise does not proceed without the assistance of Counsel, a cancellation fee will be payable to reflect preparatory work undertaken and the loss of opportunity to accept other work.
Cancellation fees apply whether or not the brief has been delivered. The following cancellation fees will apply:
Definition of “Working Day”
For the purposes of the cancellation fees, a “working day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, bank holiday, or public holiday in England and Wales.
A working day shall run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For the avoidance of doubt:
- The day of the hearing does not count as a working day for the purpose of calculating cancellation periods.
- Any notice of settlement, vacation, or cancellation received after 5:00 pm shall be treated as having been received on the next working day.
Small Claim Hearings
Where a claim is settled or vacated without the assistance of Counsel:
- Within 1 full working day prior to the hearing – 100% of the brief fee payable
- Within 3 full working days prior to the hearing – 50% of the brief fee payable
- More than 3 working days prior to the hearing – no cancellation fee payable
Skeleton Arguments
Where the court orders Skeleton Arguments to be filed and served, an abated brief fee of 50% becomes payable immediately upon Counsel commencing work, regardless of later cancellation.
Fast Track Hearings
Where a claim is settled or vacated without the assistance of Counsel:
- Within 1 full working day prior to the hearing – 100% of the brief fee payable
- Within 2 full working days prior to the hearing – 75% of the brief fee payable
- Within 3 full working days prior to the hearing – 50% of the brief fee payable
- More than 3 working days prior to the hearing – no cancellation fee payable
Skeleton Arguments
Where Skeleton Arguments are court-ordered to be filed before the hearing, an abated brief fee of 50% becomes payable once Counsel commences work.
Intermediate Track Hearings
1 Day Hearing
Where a claim is settled or vacated without the assistance of Counsel:
- Within 1 full working day prior to the hearing – 100% of the brief fee payable
- Within 5 working days prior to the hearing – 75% of the brief fee payable
- More than 5 working days prior to the hearing – no cancellation fee payable
2–3 Day Hearing
Where a claim is settled or vacated without the assistance of Counsel:
- Within 1 full working day prior to the hearing – 100% of the brief fee payable
- Within 5 working days prior to the hearing – 75% of the brief fee payable
- Within 6–10 working days prior to the hearing – 50% of the brief fee payable
- More than 10 working days prior to the hearing – no cancellation fee payable
Skeleton Arguments
Where Skeleton Arguments are ordered to be filed, an abated brief fee of 75% becomes payable upon Counsel commencing work.
Multi-Track & Tribunal Hearings
1 Day Hearing
Where a claim is settled or vacated without the assistance of Counsel:
- Within 1 full working day prior to the hearing – 100% of the brief fee payable
- Within 5 working days prior to the hearing – 75% of the brief fee payable
- More than 5 working days prior to the hearing – no cancellation fee payable
For cases with a time estimate of over 1 day
Where a claim is settled or vacated without the assistance of Counsel:
- Within 5 working days of the hearing – 100% of the brief fee payable
- Within 6–10 working days prior to the hearing – 50% of the brief fee payable
- More than 10 working days prior to the hearing – no cancellation fee payable
Civil Hearings/Mediation/JSM
(Time estimate: 1 day or less)
Where a matter is settled or vacated without the assistance of Counsel:
- Within 1 full working day prior to the hearing – 100% of the brief fee payable
- Within 2 full working days prior to the hearing – 75% of the brief fee payable
- Within 3 full working days prior to the hearing – 50% of the brief fee payable
- More than 3 working days prior to the hearing – no cancellation fee payable
Where Skeleton Arguments and/or Position Statements are required, an abated brief fee of 50% becomes payable upon Counsel commencing work, regardless of whether the matter subsequently proceeds.
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