Who normally instructs a barrister?
Most of our instructions come from solicitors, patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys and in-house lawyers. We also accept instructions from foreign lawyers and other professionals.
Can a member of the public instruct a barrister?
Yes. Some of our barristers are able to accept instructions from members of the public. Please telephone our clerks to discuss the nature of the instructions, and to help you choose a suitable barrister. Some further general guidance on “Public Access” is available from the Bar Council (see here). Please note that in some circumstances you might be advised to instruct a solicitor.
How do I choose a suitable barrister?
Our clerks are always happy to discuss which barristers will be suitable for a particular case. This will often depend upon the area of law involved, the complexity and the commercial value of the dispute. Please have a look at our list of members for further information about their experience.
How do I instruct a barrister?
We are happy to accept instructions by email, post or fax. We suggest that you telephone our clerks to discuss availability of particular barristers before sending the instructions. If you do not receive a prompt response from us please telephone to confirm that your instructions have been received.
How can I get a barrister in an emergency?
During normal office hours (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 7pm) please telephone our clerks on: 020 7404 0404. Outside normal office hours, in emergencies (e.g. at the weekend or on a Bank holiday), please contact: Ian Bowie, Chambers’ Director: 07956 312791 or Clive Nicholls, Senior Clerk: 07885 139 106.
What type of work do your barristers usually do?
The three main areas of work are advisory, drafting, and advocacy. All our barristers have appeared before a number of courts and tribunals. Our barristers undertake both contentious and non-contentious work.
What instructions cannot be accepted?
Barristers are not permitted to accept some instructions, such as to conduct litigation or to gather evidence. To discuss a particular case please telephone our clerks. Some general guidance is available from the Bar Council’s website at www.barcouncil.org.uk.
Which courts and tribunals do your barristers appear before?
- High Courts of Justice (Patents Court, Chancery Division, Commercial Court, Technology and Construction Court)
- Appeals to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court
- Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC)
- United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO)
- European Patent Office (EPO, Munich)
- European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO, Alicante)
- Appeals to the EUIPO Boards of Appeal, to the General Court and to the European Court of Justice (ECJ)
- Copyright Tribunal
Our barristers are also instructed to appear in arbitrations and mediations. In addition, some of our barristers are instructed to act as arbitrators and mediators.
How much will it cost me to instruct a barrister?
Our fees are flexible and competitive, while reflecting our high standard of advice and service. Our barristers’ hourly rates vary, taking into account the seniority of the barrister and the type and value of the work. However, fee and budget arrangements can be agreed separately for each case depending on individual circumstances. In the first instance, please direct your enquiry to one of our Clerks. Please note that VAT will be added to all fees unless exemptions apply. Hourly rates for our Junior barristers range from £100 to £450 and start at £500 for our Queen’s Counsel. This is only a guide and we will always be happy to advise on suitable barristers and provide a more accurate assessment of the fees for your case.
Do you do “no win, no fee” work?
Some of our barristers are prepared to accept instructions under a Conditional Fee Arrangement, but some types of work are less suitable for CFAs than others. We suggest that you discuss this on the telephone with our clerks.
What areas of law do you specialise in?
Our barristers specialise in the following areas:
Intellectual Property Law (the full range of IP law including patents, trade marks, copyright, designs and confidential information)
Information Technology Law (the full range of IT law including procurement, outsourcing, and disputes)
Entertainment and Media Law (performers rights, privacy, and contractual disputes in the music, film and sports industry)
Chancery / Commercial Law (commercial chancery, insolvency, property law, and succession)
ADR (Mediation, Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution)
Does Chambers have a Privacy and Data Protection Policy?
Yes. Chambers Privacy and Data Protection Policy can be found here.
Do you have disabled access?
Disabled access and parking can be arranged by request.
What are the nearest tube stations to Hogarth Chambers?
Chancery Lane (Central Line), Holborn (Picadilly and Central Lines) and Temple (District and Circle Lines) are all within 5 – 10 minutes walk.
Can I park my car in Lincoln’s Inn when visiting Hogarth Chambers?
There is car parking in Lincoln’s Inn at a cost of about £5 per hour.
What are the nearest hotels to Hogarth Chambers?
The nearest hotels are the Waldorf, the Savoy, the Howard, the Strand Palace, the Rosewood, the Tower, and the Connaught Rooms.
Does Hogarth Chambers have IT and other administrative facilities that clients can use?
Chambers provides guest WiFi access. Fax, email and other administrative facilities are available on request.
