Barristers have been issued with guidance on how to claim enhancements on legal aid fees, in a joint initiative between the Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL) and the Bar Council.
Counsel instructed in civil (non-family) work have been paid the same rates as solicitors since 2 December 2013, but are allowed to apply for a percentage enhancement on hourly rates for “exceptional” cases. The guide, which explains the legal requirements and practicalities of making a claim, was launched at the Bar Council’s annual remuneration conference by Paul Seddon, chair of the ACL’s legal aid group.
Seddon says: “When it cut the minimum hourly rate for counsel, the government said there was ‘no reason’ why barristers should not be eligible for enhancements when they act in complex cases in specialised areas of law and add ‘real value’ to the resolution of the case. However, counsel and their clerks have no experience of making such claims, and it was causing problems, which is why we offered our assistance.”
