I represent claimants only, not those who have caused the injury. I specialise in injury to the brain and spine, however caused. I travel the entire country in order to see clients who are unable or unfit to come to see me in my chambers in Liverpool, Manchester or London. If it is not convenient to see clients in their homes, or if they find the intrusion unwelcome, we arrange a meeting somewhere suitable, such as a hotel.
I charge for all my work, with one exception (see below), on an hourly basis. The hourly rate is calculated on the size and complexity of the case, and whether there are points of particular importance involved (either to the client or, in the wider sense, in the development of the law). My preparation for a consultation is charged at the same hourly rate as the actual consultation. My hourly rate varies between £250 and £400 an hour. I charge for the time spent travelling at £100 an hour, unless I am able to work during the journey, in which case there is no charge. I charge my mileage at £0.36 a mile. The average time spent in preparation would be in the region of five hours, and the average consultation would not last more than three hours.
The exception to the hourly rate is in relation to my appearance at court. The tradition of the Bar is that the first day of a trial at court is charged as a "brief fee", which is a lump sum. It is calculated on the basis of the size and complexity of the case, the estimated length of the trial, and the seniority and expertise of the barrister. It covers all preparation for the trial, and the first day's appearance at court. All remaining days of the trial are charged as "refreshers", which again are a daily lump sum calculated on the above basis.
We are always delighted to explain the system to those who wish to instruct me. My clerk, Tom Handley, will discuss the hourly rate, and all aspects of the fees. We pride ourselves on being flexible in the assessment of the rate, and in the arrangements for payment. In this area of law it is important to remember that the client has, by definition, been involved in a catastrophic accident, and that therefore the financial arrangements for his or her representation need to be sympathetic.