*/
Barristers will be allowed to refuse work where there is an “unacceptable” risk that they will not be paid by solicitors, under proposed changes to the cab rank rule.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) said it hoped to have applied to the Legal Services Board (LSB) for approval by the end of July.
If granted, the change will dispense with the list of defaulting solicitors – from whom barristers are permitted to decline work.
Guidance from the regulator stated that barristers will be expected to consider alternatives, such as obtaining payment in advance or using a third party payment service, before refusing to take on a case.
The change follows a review conducted somewhat late in the day by the BSB, at the behest of the uber-regulator, the LSB, after the introduction of standard contractual terms between barristers and solicitors in 2013.
The BSB undertook to review the regime by July 2014, after an LSB investigation found that the Bar Council had interfered with the regulator’s independence in relation to the contract and cab rank changes.
Last month, following a “full and thorough” review “undertaken from first principles”, the BSB said it had reached a decision “entirely independent of the Bar and its representative bodies” that retention of the reference to the standard contractual terms within the cab rank rule was necessary, in the public interest.
Barristers will be allowed to refuse work where there is an “unacceptable” risk that they will not be paid by solicitors, under proposed changes to the cab rank rule.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) said it hoped to have applied to the Legal Services Board (LSB) for approval by the end of July.
If granted, the change will dispense with the list of defaulting solicitors – from whom barristers are permitted to decline work.
Guidance from the regulator stated that barristers will be expected to consider alternatives, such as obtaining payment in advance or using a third party payment service, before refusing to take on a case.
The change follows a review conducted somewhat late in the day by the BSB, at the behest of the uber-regulator, the LSB, after the introduction of standard contractual terms between barristers and solicitors in 2013.
The BSB undertook to review the regime by July 2014, after an LSB investigation found that the Bar Council had interfered with the regulator’s independence in relation to the contract and cab rank changes.
Last month, following a “full and thorough” review “undertaken from first principles”, the BSB said it had reached a decision “entirely independent of the Bar and its representative bodies” that retention of the reference to the standard contractual terms within the cab rank rule was necessary, in the public interest.
The Bar Council is ready to support a turn to the efficiencies that will make a difference
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the latest ONS data on drug misuse and its implications for toxicology testing in family law cases
An interview with Rob Wagg, CEO of New Park Court Chambers
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Ever wondered what a pupillage is like at the CPS? This Q and A provides an insight into the training, experience and next steps
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
Ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC continues his series explaining the impact on barristers. In part 2, a worked example shows the specific practicalities of adapting to the new system
Resolution of the criminal justice crisis does not lie in reheating old ideas that have been roundly rejected before, say Ed Vickers KC, Faras Baloch and Katie Bacon
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
