Instructing us

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 or email where convenient or necessary.

Instructions are accepted on the (new) Standard Contractual Terms for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers to Authorised Persons 2012 – Annexe T to the Bar Code of Conduct” (“the Bar Council Standard Terms”). In exceptional circumstances, instructions may be accepted by individual members of chambers on other written terms which must have been expressly agreed in writing in advance of the instructions being accepted.

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.

Public Access

Please contact the clerks for further information as to instructing a barrister directly.  Those members of Chambers who accept public access work can be found here.

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 and Urdu.  Please contact our clerks if you wish to include documents in these languages in instructions to us.

Representation Abroad

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) and the Court of First Instance (CFI).  In addition, several barristers at Stone Chambers are entitled to appear in a range of overseas courts and tribunals. Stone Chambers has particularly strong Hong Kong connections. Members of Stone Chambers have been admitted to the Bars of Hong Kong, Gibraltar, Antigua and Barbuda, New York, and the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts. 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 the highest quality service.  Fees generally reflect the experience of the individual barrister and the nature and value of the work. Some members accept conditional 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 usually rendered in UK pounds sterling but alternatives are accepted where appropriate. UK VAT is generally applicable at the standard rate of 20%, but supplies to clients outside the UK can normally be exempted. Enquiries about VAT and billing arrangements should be directed to the clerks.

Complaints Procedure

Our aim is to give you the highest quality service at all times.  A copy of the Stone Chambers Complaints Procedure is available for downloading.