*/
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.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
