Fixed Fee Counsel's Advice Scheme

3 Paper Buildings is a national set of Barristers' Chambers established not only in London but also in Bournemouth, Winchester, Bristol and Oxford with over 130 members. With a wealth of experience and expertise available this is an exceptional scheme. Needless to say, there are some conditions but we have kept them to the bare minimum so please read them carefully.

For a copy you can print out and keep close to hand click here.

Counsel’s Fixed Fee Scheme

By special arrangement with 3 Paper Buildings in Bournemouth, Counsel's Fixed Fee Scheme is open to members of the ILEX Bournemouth & District Branch. The Scheme enables a member of the Branch to receive advice from Counsel of up to 30 minutes duration, either in person at Chambers or by telephone. A member wishing to take advantage of the Scheme should contact the Clerk to Chambers, quoting the "ILEX Branch Fixed Fee Scheme". (Note that only Fellows are able to remit instructions to Counsel directly. Other members of ILEX must remit the instructions through their Solicitor employers.)

The following information should be provided:

1. Name of preferred Counsel
2. Names and addresses of all parties, to identify any potential conflict
3. General area of law involved
4. In writing, a brief synopsis of the background and the precise legal issue upon which advice is required. This may be accompanied by copies of any critical documents.
5. Branch Membership Number (contact the Branch Secretary if you do not know this).

In situations where Counsel cannot read the synopsis and accompanying papers and advise within the half hour limit Counsel may either refuse the instructions or negotiate an additional fee.

Counsel's Fixed Fee Scheme is only available once in any particular matter.

Payment of the fixed fee of £50 plus Vat must be made by the Branch member (or his or her employer) within 14 days of receipt of Counsel’s fee note. Liability for the fee will be treated as personal to the Branch member and non-payment will be the subject of a formal complaint of unprofessional conduct to ILEX.

Counsel's Fixed Fee Scheme will initially operate from 1 September 2009 until 28 February 2010.