Barristers

• around 13000 barristers
• mostly self employed and work for crown prosecution service
• have advocacy in court, negotiating, writing opinions of cases, drafting documents for court
• take civil and criminal matters
• operate under cab rank rule, if available they must take the next case, they cannot pick. Does not apply if client finds barrister directly.
• most barristers instructed by solicitors, some have direct access
• regulation - bar council is the professional body for barristers, representing profession and making decisions regarding education and training requirements for barristers
• poor service - client should contact the solicitor who referred them to complain. If not dealt with they should ask the legal ombudsman to investigate complaints. If agrees, can ask lawyer to apologise, return documents, do more work, refund or reduce legal fees or pay up to £50,000 in compensation
• professional misconduct - bar standards board investigate. Disciplinary tribunal held by council of the inns of court, can be suspended or disbarred
• sue - cannot be sued for breach of contract if instructed via solicitor but can be if they have direct access. Can be sued for negligence