Fees

Paul is a practising barrister at The 36 Group Chambers, barristers regulated by the Bar Standards Board (or “BSB”). Paul is on the BSB’s Barristers’ Register which shows who has a current practising certificate and whether a barrister has any published disciplinary findings.

If you or your business require legal advice or representation, Paul may be able to assist. If you already have a solicitor working on your legal matter then your solicitor may instruct Paul on your behalf. Paul is also able to accept instructions directly from the public under the public access scheme, as well as via the licensed access scheme (which is available to members of authorised organisations such as surveyors or accountants).

The Bar Council has prepared information about the two schemes under which barristers can be instructed directly at the following links:

• Direct Access (Opens in new window)
• Licensed Access (Opens in new window)

Depending on the nature of any assistance you need, Paul may advise you to appoint a soclicitor if you do not have one before he can agree any work for you.

Most of Paul’s work is bespoke and tailored to the individual needs of the client. Therefore, it is not always possible for him to provide a fee quote before he has reviewed your case and any documents and materials relevant to it. Nothing in this page or website should be read as a fee quote for legal services.

Paul holds professional indemnity insurance cover for the legal services he provides, is registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office and is VAT registered (VAT number available on request).

All of Paul’s client enquiries are handled via his professional practice in Chambers. Paul does not provide advice or legal services via this website or under this website brand.

Please note that Paul is not authorised to conduct litigation. Therefore, if you are looking to instruct him on a Public Access basis (whether Direct Access or Licensed Access) then you will be responsible for taking all formal steps in the case, such as filing and serving documents and corresponding with other parties or their representatives. You may find the Bar Standards Board’s Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients helpful in this respect.

Fee quotes

Paul typically works on either a fixed-fee or hourly-rate basis.

If you provide all the relevant information, Paul can usually work on a fixed fee basis so you know exactly what you are paying for any task. If further information becomes available after fees are agreed or if the scope of the work changes at all, Paul may need to revise his fees.

Sometimes, Paul may charge an hourly rate for his work. This rate will reflect his level of experience and the complexity of the work being undertaken.

Paul is also happy to discuss retainer arrangements with suitable clients, such as businesses who require legal services on a regular basis.

You can contact Paul or his clerks at The 36 Group to obtain a free fee quote for legal services.

Complaints

The 36 Group has a formal complaints procedure. Further information regarding this is available via The 36 Group website.

All clients also have a right to complain to the Legal Ombudsman if unsatisfied with the final response of The 36 Group to a complaint, or if the complaint has not been fully responded to within 8 weeks. Please note that the Legal Ombudsman scheme rules say that they can look into a complaint within 6 years of the problem happening or within 3 years of when you found out about the problem, provided you refer your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman within 6 months of The 36 Group’s written response to your complaint.

More information on complaints is available:

• For Public Access clients, in the Public Access Agreement sent to you;
• For solicitors and/or licensed access clients, in the acknowledgment letter sent to you.

Further information, including decision data from the Legal Ombudsman, can also be found on the Legal Ombudsman's website.