Solicitors: Fees and instructions

Instructions are accepted from solicitors and other professionals. Fees are agreed in advance and may be structured as hourly rates, fixed fees, or brief fees and refreshers, depending on the nature of the case. The indicative hourly rates below generally also apply to solicitor instructions, unless otherwise agreed. 

Public Access: Fees and instructions

Following an assessment of competence and case complexity, a client care letter setting out the work to be undertaken, timescale and agreed fee are signed between the client and Kevin Farquharson. Clients are also required to provide identification. The fees below are indicative and may vary subject to complexity, urgency and volume of reading. 

Fee models

Fixed fee

In most cases fixed fee agreements are offered, representing a single fee for all work to be undertaken, as opposed to an hourly rate, which tends to be more cost effective for the client. A fixed fee quote can be provided after an assessment of the work to be undertaken. 

Standard hourly rate 

The standard hourly rate as at January 2026 is £150ph, but this may be increased or decreased depending on complexity and urgency.

Reduced rate and pro-bono 

Discounted services may be available for clients on state benefits or low incomes. In exceptional circumstances, services are offered on a pro-bono basis (free of charge). Discounted and pro-bono services are assessed on a case by case basis, and subject to an assessment of total household income, case complexity, competence, urgency and counsel’s availability. Client’s may be required to provide proof of income. 

For client’s not eligible for pro-bono or discounted fees, split or deferred payments may be available at the discretion of Kevin Farquharson.      

Indicative approximations of fixed fees

Pre-trial

Conference and subsequent conference note, including legal advice: £225 – £1200, depending on volume of reading and complexity.

Skeleton Arguments, case summaries and position statements: £225 – £1200 depending on volume of reading and complexity.

Witness statements: £175 – £450

Interim hearings:  £250 – £1200, depending on hearing type, duration & complexity. 

Trials & appeals

A fixed fee will take account of preparation time, drafting documents and oral advocacy at the trial or appeal. Preparation and day 1: £450 – £1200 subject to volume of reading, duration, urgency and complexity. Refresher fee of £250 – £800 per day, subject to complexity.  

Additional costs

Additional fees may be chargeable for travel and overnight accommodation where required.

V.A.T.

VAT is not chargeable on fees at the present time.  

Payment of fees

No fee is payable in a Public Access case until (a) it has been agreed between the client and barrister (b) a client care letter has been signed, and (c) client ID provided.  Payments are payable in advance via bank transfer, unless a split or deferred payment has been agreed, in which case payments are to be paid by electronic bank transfer by the agreed date.  

All potential clients should note that every instruction is subject to legally enforceable contractual terms and a failure to comply with those terms by paying the agreed fee by the agreed date could result in legal action to recover unpaid fees. 

Timescales

Timescales can be affected by many factors, but an approximate timescale and all other factors relevant to the work to be undertaken will be discussed, agreed and recorded in a client care letter.