Timescales and Fees
We are committed to providing transparent information about the timescales and pricing model at Maxim Chambers. We agree in advance the timescales for dealing with a particular matter. There are times when due to one or more factors the timescales cannot be met, and those factors include: the barrister’s availability or that of the client or relevant third parties; the complexity of the case; the amount of papers that need to be reviewed; the need for additional information or documents; the approach to the case taken by the other side; the third parties intervening in the case; and Court waiting times. For example a straightforward immigration appeal case would take 6-8 months to conclude, whereas a Children Act matter for contact may take one year or more. Each jurisdiction and venue has its own timescale. However, written advice is usually provided within two weeks.
When the court lists a matter for a hearing, it is not in the barrister’s control when it will be re-listed, as it will depend on the Court’s re-listing diary which will vary from court to court. The other side in a case may present documents that necessitate an adjournment which can cause delay in the case. There may be a need for an interpreter which if not booked in time or is not available can also cause an adjournment and delay thereby in a case.
Furthermore, it cannot be guaranteed that the court will always accommodate the barrister’s request to list the matter on a day when the barrister is available, and if the court accommodates the barrister on the availability, this may cause some delay in turn. In some cases e.g. family matters if a third party applies to join in the proceedings unexpectedly that can affect the anticipated timescales. In immigration tribunals or other courts where the bundles are served late by the parties, that also has potential for adjournment and delay in turn. There may be hearings where the other party is not in attendance and the court is not satisfied that the party had had any or adequate notice of the hearing and this has potential for adjournment and consequent delay. It cannot be guaranteed that the barrister who has agreed to and provided service on one occasion will be available to agree to provide the service on the same matter on another occasion for availability reason.
In terms of pricing model at Maxim Chambers we use a fixed fee model wherein the fixed fee for a particular work is agreed to in advance to provide the best certainty possible to the clients on the costs that will be incurred in dealing with their matter. This advance agreeable fee can vary depending on: the issues; the amount of paperwork; the complexity of the issues; the Court where it is listed; the method by which it will be heard; the preparation of any documentation e.g. Skeleton or Position Statements for the hearing. Please contact today for a quote. We will provide you with a quote as soon as possible. We always aim to set out quotes clearly, but if you receive your quote and there is something you do not understand, please contact us. Click here for further information for direct access clients in this regard.
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The fees that are payable when a hearing is cancelled
If you have instructed a barrister 5 days before a scheduled hearing, the following conditions will apply if that hearing is cancelled on a short notice:
a) if you inform before 10 am on the working day before the scheduled hearing that it has been discontinued, vacated or adjourned, 50% of the agreed brief fee will be payable to the barrister. This means that this fee becomes payable if the hearing has been discontinued, vacated or adjourned between 5 days before the hearing and 10 am on the working day before the hearing; and
b) if you inform after 10 am on the working day before a scheduled hearing that it has been discontinued, vacated or adjourned, 100% of the agreed brief fee will be payable to the barrister.
If, in either of the above cases, the barrister receives brief for an alternative hearing for an equal or higher fee, then no fee will be payable by you. If the barrister is able to undertake a hearing at a lower fee, this will be deducted from the amount which would otherwise be payable by you.