Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can a barrister do when they are instructed directly?
We can advise you about the strength of your case and how you should pursue it. This can either be in writing, over the telephone or in a meeting. We can draft documents for you to use in proceedings and draft correspondence for you to send, though they cannot send letters on your behalf.
We can appear in court, represent you at mediation or arbitration, where it will be possible to negotiate on your behalf.2. What type of direct access work do Sports Law Direct accept?
We accept instructions from individual sportsmen and women and/or their agents, clubs or unions to appear in disciplinary tribunals.
We also accept instructions from sports clubs when they are accused of being in breach of their governing bodies regulations.
We will fight issues of fact where you are wrongly accused and mitigate for a lenient sentence where guilt is admitted or found.
We will advise how best to conduct and prepare the case in terms of the strength of the evidence, the laws that apply and possible punishment options. We appear with you at the hearing and put your case.3. Are there any situations in which you will not be able to accept direct instructions
There are some instances when although we are willing to work with a direct client it is in the best interests of the client to instruct a firm of solicitors as well. We will advise as soon as possible if that arises. An example of this is if we need to obtain further evidence by way of investigation which we are not permitted to do. In most cases this is not necessary as our clients are able to provide us with any information we require to pursue the case.
We cannot under any circumstances handle clients' money nor do we take payments on account.4. Where do we work?
We are based in a Chambers in Manchester, but are prepared to travel nationwide if necessary. We will charge reasonable travel expenses for this.
5. What are our charges?
Our fee varies from case to case and depends on the amount of work involved and what is at stake. However, we will normally be able to offer a fixed fee, plus VAT and any reasonable travel expenses. Our hourly rates are well below litigation partners in large firms of solicitors while offering the service and skills they do not possess.
6. Is it more cost effective to instruct you directly or through a solicitor?
Our overheads are less than those of solicitors and we can charge much lower hourly rates than solicitors with comparable experience. Often much of the work done by a solicitor such as photo-copying and collating the necessary paperwork you can do yourself.
7. What happens if I can't have the barrister I want?
We endeavour to provide you with the person with whom you are familiar and would request. However, if your chosen barrister is not available on that particular day we have a large team with similar abilities and experience to choose from. We will be able to recommend someone of appropriate skill and experience to handle your case. You would only have to pay one fee. We recognise the need to be open about costs from the outset.
8. Do you accept no win/no fee work?
We as barristers work under the guidance and rules of the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board who advise us not to accept work on these terms.
9. What other information is there?
The Bar Council's website contains a lot of useful information, the address is: www.barcouncil.org.uk