Bar Fee Sharing

SAHCA?s committee has become aware that some members of the Bar may offer a share of their fee in return for the brief.

We want to take this opportunity to remind criminal practitioners that proposals to fee share will breach the LSC's Criminal Contract terms if the agreement amounts to paying referral fees, although agency agreements and fee sharing between suitably experienced Instructed Advocates and Substitute Advocates is not only allowed but expressly expected and permitted.  Professional conduct rules or, in extreme circumstances, the Bribery Act may also be relevant.

Any instances of this occurring should be reported to our Vice Chair, ShawnWilliams at shawn.williams@cllsols.co.uk or 07788 184646 in complete confidence.