How much does a UK barrister charge? A helpful guide.

Help to understand how much a barrister might charge for representing your case.

If you need support in the courts from a barrister you may wonder what sort of charges you will need to pay. In this guide, we explore how much a barrister may charge you and how much time they may need prepare for a case.

How much does a UK barrister charge?

The fees charged by a UK barrister can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the experience and reputation of the barrister, the location of the court, and the length of the trial.

In general, barristers in the UK charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee for their services. According to a survey conducted by the Bar Council of England and Wales in 2021, the median hourly rate for a junior barrister (with up to five years of experience) was £200-£250 per hour, while the median hourly rate for a senior barrister (with more than 10 years of experience) was £350-£400 per hour.

However, it’s important to note that these figures are just averages and can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. In addition, barristers may also charge additional fees for expenses such as travel and accommodation if they need to attend court outside of their usual area of practice.

How much time would a barrister typically need to work on a case?

The amount of time a barrister needs to work on a case can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence involved, the stage at which the barrister is instructed, and the desired outcome.

In general, a barrister will need to devote a significant amount of time to prepare for a case, including reviewing evidence, researching the law, drafting legal documents, and preparing arguments. The amount of time required can range from a few hours for a simple case to several weeks or even months for a more complex case.

For example, if a barrister is instructed to provide an opinion on a legal matter or to draft a legal document, they may only need to spend a few hours on the case. However, if they are instructed to represent a client in court, they will need to spend a significant amount of time preparing for the trial, which may involve reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and drafting legal submissions.

It’s important to note that the amount of time required can also depend on the barrister’s level of experience and expertise. A junior barrister may need more time to prepare for a case than a senior barrister who has more experience in the relevant area of law.

Ultimately, the amount of time a barrister needs to work on a case will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. It’s important to discuss the expected timeframe and costs with the barrister upfront to ensure that you are both on the same page.

How can I find more information, and how much a barrister might cost?

Here at Quartz we’re dedicated to finding clients the right barrister for their case. Get in touch with a member of the team to find out more.