Barristers in chambers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board. You can search the Barristers’ Register on the Bar Standards Board’s website. This shows (1) whether a barrister has a current practising certificate, and (2) whether a barrister has any disciplinary findings, which are published on the Bar Standards Board’s website in accordance with their policy. Alternatively, you can contact the Bar Standards Board on 020 7611 1444 to ask about this or e-mail.
Please also find information about:
- Our complaints procedure;
- Any right you may have to complain to the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) – the independent body which can help you if you have complained to your lawyer and are not happy with their response;
- How to complain to LeO; and
- Any time limits for making a complaint.
You can also search the decision data on LeO’s website. This shows providers which received an ombudsman’s decision in the previous 12 months, and whether LeO required the provider to give the consumer a remedy. Alternatively, you can contact LeO on 0300 555 0333 to ask about this or via e-mail.
Timescales
Timescales for a case may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability, the type and complexity of the case, the other side’s approach and court waiting times.
Public Access
If you are a member of the public, the Bar Standards Board’s Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients may be helpful. This will help you to understand how the Public Access scheme works, and explains how you can use it to instruct barristers directly.