Terms of service

Introduction

These Terms of Service govern your use of this website and the legal services provided by Charlie Sherrard KC. By using this website or instructing Charlie Sherrard KC, you agree to these terms.

Charlie Sherrard KC is a practising barrister at 2BR Chambers, 95 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1DT. As a barrister, he is regulated by the Bar Standards Board and must comply with the Bar Standards Board Handbook.

How to instruct

Anyone, whether a professional client (solicitor or other authorised person), licensed access client, or lay client can contact Charlie to obtain a quotation for legal services. The simplest route is to contact the clerks at 2BR Chambers who will ensure that your enquiry is dealt with efficiently and quickly.

Contact the Clerks:

• Email: clerks@2br.co.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)20 7440 8888

Publicly funded cases

In criminal cases, many defendants will have the benefit of a representation order and receive publicly funded assistance (Legal Aid). In such cases, a defendant will need to instruct a solicitor who will liaise with Charlie. If a defendant is publicly funded but makes a contribution towards that funding, their solicitor will be able to assist if issues arise concerning the level of that contribution.

Private instructions - fee arrangements

For clients who wish to instruct Charlie without public funding (privately paying clients), he is happy to discuss the most appropriate way of structuring payment of fees. Fees can be structured in a number of ways, including:

• Fixed fee for the entire case
• Hourly rate (covering preparation, travel, waiting, conference, and advocacy)
• Brief fee and refreshers (a brief fee pays for preparation and the first day of trial, with separate payments for each additional day, known as ‘refreshers’)
• Separate payments for each hearing in a case

The fees agreed will reflect my experience and seniority, and all of the circumstances of the case, including but not limited to:

• The seriousness and complexity of the case
• The volume of papers and preparation required
• The commitment required to prepare the case properly
• The length of time any trial is expected to take

Charlie will strive to ensure that any payment arrangement is tailored to both your needs and the circumstances of the particular case.

VAT and insurance

All legal services attract VAT at the prevailing rate. Charlie is registered for VAT and registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Professional Indemnity Insurance is in place for all legal services supplied.

Timescales

There are a number of different factors which may influence the timescales within which Charlie can provide legal services. These include, but are not limited to:

• Your particular requirements
• His availability and other diary commitments
• The stage of proceedings when instructions are first received
• The complexity of the case and the volume of material to be reviewed
• The level of funding available
• The nature of the case and level of engagement from other parties

Upon accepting instructions, Charlie will ensure prompt early advice including a general assessment of the further work that is necessary and the timescale over which you can expect the required legal services to be provided.

Contractual terms

Charle accepts instructions subject to the Standard Conditions of Contract for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers to Authorised Persons 2012 (as updated). Those standard terms can be found on the Bar Council’s website at:

https://www.barcouncilethics.co.uk/documents/contractual-terms/

Additional Costs

In all cases, a payment structure can be arranged that suits both your needs and Charlie’s. A contract for the provision of legal services will be drafted, including provision for payment of fees and any additional fees that may arise.

On occasions there will be additional costs such as travel, waiting, and accommodation expenses. Where such costs are likely, these will be identified and included within the overall discussion at the outset of the case.

Sometimes, further additional costs may arise as a case progresses. These can arise for a number of different reasons, including but not limited to:

• The service of further evidence, increasing the case’s length and/or complexity
• The need to consider further avenues of investigation requiring additional funding (such as instruction of expert witnesses)
• A change in your requirements
• The case lasting longer than expected for reasons outside Charlie’s control or yours (such as illness of witnesses, witnesses failing to attend, or a jury having to be discharged for legal reasons)

Charlie will endeavour to ensure that within the contract for the provision of services, provision is made for any such eventuality.

Professional obligations

As a barrister, Charlie is subject to the Bar Standards Board Handbook, which contains the Code of Conduct and other regulatory requirements. Key obligations include:

• The Cab Rank Rule: In certain circumstances, he must accept instructions if the case is within his area of practice and expertise, and appropriate fees are offered
• Confidentiality: He must maintain client confidentiality subject to limited exceptions
• Independence: He must act independently and maintain his professional independence
• Standards of work: He must provide a competent standard of work and service

Limitation of liability

Charlie’s liability to you in contract, tort, or otherwise is limited to the extent permitted by the Bar Standards Board Handbook and applicable law. Professional Indemnity Insurance is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or fraudulent misrepresentation.

Data protection

Information about how Charlie collects, uses, and protects your personal data is set out in his Privacy Policy.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with the service you have received, please refer to Charlie’s Complaints Procedure for information about how to raise concerns.

Useful links

The following website links provide further information concerning the way barristers conduct their business:

• Bar Standards Board - Barristers’ Register
• Bar Standards Board - Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients
• Legal Ombudsman - Decision Data
• Legal Choices

Website use

This website is provided for informational purposes only. The information on this website does not constitute legal advice, nor does use of this website create a barrister-client relationship.

You should not act or rely on any information on this site without seeking the advice of a qualified barrister or solicitor who is familiar with your specific circumstances.

Intellectual property

The content of this website, including text, images, and other materials, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. You may view and print content for your personal use but may not reproduce, republish, or distribute content without permission.

Changes to these terms

Charlie may update these Terms of Service from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Your continued use of this website or Charlie’s services following any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Governing law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these terms or the provision of legal services will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Contact information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact:

Email: csherrard@2br.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 7440 8888
Address: 2BR Chambers, 95 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1DT