Service Standards

A dynamic, forward-looking set of Chambers, we provide a specialist independent advisory, drafting and advocacy service. We are committed, through our efficiency and professionalism, to providing excellence in advocacy, advice and administration.

Availability

The clerks’ room is staffed from 08:30-17:30. Out-of-hours telephone numbers are available on request. All members, pupils and our administration team are contactable by direct email. Please view members’ profiles and the administration team page for further information.

Instructions

Members of Unity Street Chambers accept instructions from all solicitors and agencies as permitted by the Bar Council’s Code of Code. We accept instructions on paper and with prior agreement, by email and disk. We will not accept any instructions that breach the Bar Code of Conduct or Equality Code.

Receipt of papers

All briefs, instructions and ancillary papers are logged on to the chambers’ Lex Management system and forwarded to the relevant barrister immediately. All briefs and instructions are acknowledged in writing.  A Conflict of Interest check is made on all cases. We ask that all briefs and instructions are delivered at the earliest possible stage, but in any event where possible not less than two days before any hearing. It is important that our diaries reflect the current status of all cases; please notify us as early as possible when cases settle, are likely to be adjourned or will not require counsel’s attendance.

Response times

All written work will be returned within 7 days of receipt unless otherwise requested. Written work can be provided on email, disk or CD on request. We aim to return telephone calls as soon as possible but in any event before the end of the working day on which the message is received.

Hearings and Conferences

The clerks will keep instructing solicitors informed of any changes of circumstances that may affect a booking. We aim to minimise any changes of representation. When a change is necessary the clerks will give as much advance notice as possible and make every effort to provide suitable alternative counsel. While many conferences take place in chambers we are always prepared to travel other venues when necessary.

Fees and billing

Chambers accept instructions from both private and publicly funded clients and cases that are union and insurance backed.
Where appropriate, we undertake work on a Conditional Fee basis subject to the signing of contracts. A copy of our standard agreement is available on request. We aim to bill within two days of work being completed in matters where fees have been agreed in advance. In all other matters we aim to submit bills within one week of the completion of a case. Fees for publicly funded work will be billed at the relevant rates in accordance with current guidelines.

Payment

We request payment within 30 days of the issue date of our fee notes except where alternative agreements have been made.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Unity Street Chambers operates an equal opportunities and non-discrimination diversity policy. We are committed to ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated more or less favourably on the grounds of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political persuasion, age or disability whether they be existing or potential clients, employees, members, pupils or providers of services to chambers. We abide by the guidelines of the Bar Council’s Equality Code for the bar.

Diversity Data

In compliance with the BSB’s Equality and Diversity Rules of the Code of Conduct Chambers is required to collect diversity data from barristers and Chambers’ staff, and publish a summary of that data. This data has been collected and is published here – diversity data 2021. Contributions to the survey are by invitation and some members and staff did not take part.

Feedback

We always welcome feedback from our clients on all aspects of Chambers’ services and are committed to a continual improvement of service.

Complaints

The members of Chambers and clerks at Unity Street Chambers take great pride in offering high levels of service to clients. However, we recognise that unexpected problems can sometimes arise. Any complaints or concerns about our services should be addressed to Toby Halliwell. Your complaint will be fully investigated in accordance with our Complaints Procedure.

A copy of the procedure can be provided on request by Clair Wadden

Complaints may, at any time, be referred to the Legal Services Ombudsman. Information regarding the Legal Ombudsman Complaints procedure can be found on their website including how to complain and time limits for making a complaint: https://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/

Previous decisions made by the legal ombudsman can be found by following this link:
https://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/raising-standards/data-and-decisions/#ombudsman-decision-data 

Barristers Regulated by the Bar Standards Board.