Enquiries

Enquiries about instructing barristers at Stone Chambers should normally be referred to our clerks who can advise as to suitability, availability and fees (click here for contact details). However, individual barristers can be contacted directly, particularly in an emergency.

Instructions

Instructions do not have to be in any particular form. The main requirement is that the relevant information is provided so far as practicable. Instructions and advice can be given by telephone where convenient or necessary.  Email is regularly used.

Instructions are accepted in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the English Bar. Work is usually referred to us through solicitors. However, instructions are also accepted from employed barristers, patent and trade mark agents, and foreign lawyers. When appropriate, and in accordance with professional regulations, we can also be instructed by members of various other approved professions or by clients directly. Instructions can also be accepted from other persons for work to be performed outside the UK.  Please contact the clerks if you require further information.

Languages

Instructions are normally received in English. However, various members of Stone Chambers are competent or fluent in other languages including French, German, Gujarati, Italian, Spanish, Urdu, Persian and Arabic.  Please contact our clerks if you wish to include documents in these languages in instructions to us.

Representation Abroard

Much of the work of Stone Chambers is international in character. We frequently provide advice and advocacy on the English, European and international law aspects of multinational and multi-jurisdictional disputes.

As well as being entitled to appear in all courts and tribunals in England and Wales, members of Stone Chambers are entitled to appear in European Courts such as the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the Court of First Instance (CFI), the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM), and the European Patent Office (EPO). In addition, several barristers at Stone Chambers are entitled to appear in a range of overseas courts and tribunals. Stone Chambers has particularly strong Australian and Hong Kong connections. Members of Stone Chambers have been admitted to the Bars of New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Gibraltar, Antigua and Barbuda, and New York. Admissions to the Bars of other jurisdictions can often be arranged if required for a particular case. Instructions for work in other jurisdictions are accepted in accordance with the Bar Council's Overseas Practice Rules. Please contact our clerks for further information.

Fees

We aim to provide a high quality service at a fair price.  Fees generally reflect the experience of the individual barrister and the nature and value of the work. Some members accept conditional fee ('no win, no fee') arrangements in appropriate cases. Our clerks are always happy to deal with enquiries about fees and will give as much guidance as possible in individual cases.

Our fees are normally rendered in UK pounds sterling but alternatives are accepted where appropriate. UK VAT is generally applicable at the standard rate of 17.5%, but supplies to clients outside the UK can normally be exempted. Enquiries about VAT and billing arrangements should be directed to the clerks.