What does a fixed fee barrister quote actually include?

One of the most common questions our team receives is what a fixed fee barrister quote actually covers. Direct access barristers have generally moved to fixed fees because clients want predictability. Knowing what is included, and what is not, helps you compare quotes and avoid surprises.

This guide explains the standard components of a fixed fee quote, what should be in writing and the questions to ask before you commit.

What is a fixed fee quote?

A fixed fee quote is an agreed price for a defined piece of work. The barrister agrees to do that work for that price, regardless of how long it takes them. The client gets cost certainty. The barrister takes on the risk of the work taking longer than expected.

Fixed fees have become standard for most direct access work because they remove the anxiety many clients feel about open-ended hourly billing. A client who knows exactly what the case will cost can plan and decide whether to proceed.

The standard components of a fixed fee

Most fixed fee quotes are made up of one or more of the following:

Paper review

The barrister reads the case papers (witness statements, court orders, correspondence, expert reports, the bundle if there is one) and forms a view on the issues.

Conference

A meeting (usually by telephone or video) with the client to discuss the case, take instructions and answer questions. Conferences for hearings are typically 30 to 60 minutes. Conferences as part of a full case strategy can be longer.

Drafting

Any documents the barrister prepares for the case. This might include position statements, skeleton arguments, witness statements, letters, applications, draft orders or written advice.

Representation

Attendance at a hearing, including travel time, the hearing itself and any waiting time at court.

Follow-up

A short note or summary after the hearing, including any orders made.

Reading the fee quote carefully

Every fixed fee quote should set out, clearly and in writing:

• The work that is included
• The work that is not included
• What happens if additional work is identified during the engagement
• The basis on which any additional work will be charged
• The payment terms (deposit, balance, deadlines)
• Cancellation arrangements
• VAT (charged on top in addition to the quoted fee)

If any of these are missing from a quote, ask for them in writing before agreeing.

Typical scope: a hearing engagement

For a typical fixed fee engagement covering a single hearing, you might expect to see:

• Review of papers (the bundle and any other materials provided)
• One pre-hearing conference of up to 60 minutes
• Travel to court and attendance at the hearing
• A short attendance note after the hearing summarising what was decided

What this does not include, unless specifically added:

• Drafting a position statement
• Drafting a skeleton argument
• Drafting a witness statement
• Negotiations with the other side
• Additional conferences beyond the standard one
• Review of late-disclosed evidence

Typical scope: a full case engagement

For a more substantial engagement (for example, taking on a financial remedy case for the FDR and final hearing), the fixed fee might cover:

• Review of the full case papers and bundle
• One or more conferences
• Drafting position statement, ES1, ES2 and skeleton argument
• Two hearings (or representation at one with the other on a separate fixed fee)
• Negotiation correspondence between hearings
• Final advice on settlement and post-hearing summary

For larger engagements, the fee is sometimes broken down into stages with separate fixed fees for each stage. This gives the client the option to stop after a particular stage if the case resolves.

What is usually outside the fixed fee?

Even within a substantial engagement, certain items are usually treated separately:

Court fees

Court fees are paid by the client directly to the court. They are not part of the barrister's fee.

Expert fees

If an expert (valuer, accountant, psychologist) is instructed, their fee is separate. The barrister may help to identify and instruct the expert, but the expert's fee is paid to the expert.

Translation or interpreter costs

Where these are needed, they are arranged separately.

Travel and disbursements

For most hearings, travel time is built into the fee. Where unusual travel is required (a hearing several hours away), specific travel costs may be charged separately. This should be disclosed in the quote.

The "what if it goes wrong" provisions

A good fixed fee quote should explain what happens if circumstances change:

Adjournments

If the hearing is adjourned at short notice through no fault of either party, what happens to the fee? Most barristers will agree to attend the new hearing date at no additional cost, provided the new date is convenient.

Late instructions

If you instruct close to the hearing, the fee may be slightly higher to reflect the urgency.

Cancellation by the client

If you cancel before the hearing, the deposit is usually non-refundable. The balance position depends on how much work has been done.

Additional documents

If new evidence is disclosed close to the hearing, this may require an additional fee for review. The quote should set out how this is handled.

Comparing quotes

When comparing fixed fee quotes from different barristers, look beyond the headline number. A cheaper quote may exclude work that another quote includes. Specific things to compare:

• How many hours of conference are included
• Whether position statement or skeleton drafting is included
• How travel is treated
• What the cancellation terms are
• The barrister's seniority and specialism

The cheapest quote is not always the best value. A well-prepared barrister with the right experience usually delivers better outcomes.

What to ask before you commit

• Exactly what work does this fee cover?
• What is the basis for charging if extra work is needed?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Is VAT included or added on top?
• When does payment need to be made?
• Is the barrister available on the hearing date with no diary clash?
• What experience does the barrister have with cases like mine?

A reputable direct access barrister will be comfortable answering all of these in writing before you commit.

How Barrister Connect approaches fixed fees

Every quote provided through Barrister Connect sets out the work covered, the fee with VAT shown separately, and the payment terms. We will not match you with a barrister until you have confirmed the quote is acceptable. There is no charge to enquire and no obligation at any stage.

Get expert advice without instructing a solicitor

If you would like a specialist barrister to look at your matter, we can usually arrange a fixed-fee quote within 24 hours. There is no obligation at any stage and the initial enquiry is free. Submit your case and our team will be in touch.