RATES
The fees outlined below are for guidance only and our experienced clerking team will be very happy to provide fee quotations for all professional, licensed access and lay clients for legal services.
An estimate of costs will be provided in advance of undertaking any work. If it is not possible to estimate the final figure that will be charged for a specific item of work, an indication will be given as to fees e.g. an hourly rate, capped fees, paperwork rates, preparatory/advocacy rates which will not be exceeded without further discussion with the client. Our rates are most commonly based on hourly rates but we are happy to agree fixed fees for our clients to manage financial expectations upon request.
Factors considered in a quotation:
– Availability of Counsel
– The complexity of the case
– Volume of papers to review and assess
– Time estimate of hearing
– Requirement for conferences
– Location (ie travel time and cost)
Great James Street Chambers will take a commercial view with regards to fee agreement. We are bound by rules as set out by the BSB code of conduct but are always willing to discuss agreements and specific case requirements. Please feel free to contact our clerking team to discuss your individual needs:
clerks@greatjames.co.uk or 0207 440 4949
We will request a case summary and an electronic copy of any paperwork be emailed to the clerks for assessment to allow us to provide an accurate quotation. We aim to respond to all requests within 24 hours but allow up to 7 days in the event we require further assessment.
All data received for the purpose of quotations is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
VAT is applicable to all fees quoted unless evidence of exemption can be provided. is provided from the client as to why VAT is not applicable.
The table below details our most commonly provided legal services within our practice areas:
Legal aid rates for Solicitors instructing Counsel in criminal matters at the Magistrates’ courts where a Legal Aid representation order is in place:
First Appearance
£60.00 + Vat + Travel
Standard appearances and non-effective hearings (Mentions, CMH, Bail apps etc)
£60.00 + Vat + Travel
Magistrates’ Court trial (Half Day)
£100.00 + Vat + Travel
Magistrates’ Court trial (Full Day)
£150.00 + Vat + Travel
Private fees for Solicitors instructing Counsel in criminal matters at the Magistrates’ courts:
Fees for criminal matters at the Magistrates’ court are dependent entirely upon weight and complexity of the case and the level of seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed. Fees should be discussed with the clerks via instructing solicitors. You may be required to provide papers relating to the case to the clerks to assist in determining fees applicable.
First Appearance:
Not Guilty Plea – From £350
Guilty Plea (to include sentence on same day) – From £650
Standard appearances and non-effective hearings (Mentions, CMH, Bail apps etc)
From £250
Magistrates’ Court trial (Half Day)
From £500
Magistrates’ Court trial (Full Day)
From £750
Conferences and written work
From £250 (Junior) – From £850 (Silk) per hour
Private fees for Clients’ instructing Counsel in criminal matters at the Magistrates’ courts under the Public Access Scheme:
Fees for criminal matters at the Magistrates’ court are dependent entirely upon weight and complexity of the case and the level of seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed. Fees should be discussed with the clerks. You may be required to provide papers relating to the case to the clerks to assist in determining fees applicable.
First Appearance:
Not Guilty Plea – From £500
Guilty Plea (to include sentence on same day) – From £1000
Standard appearances and non-effective hearings (Mentions, CMH, Bail apps etc)
From £350
Magistrates’ Court trial (Half Day)
From £750
Magistrates’ Court trial (Full Day)
From £1500
Conferences and written work
From £250 (Junior) – From £850 (Silk) per hour
Legal aid rates under the GFS (Graduated Fee Scheme) for Counsel in criminal matters at the Crown courts where a Legal Aid representation order is in place:
Legally aided Crown court instructions are billed by Counsel to the LAA (Legal Aid Agency). The full guidance from the LAA can be found here: Crown Court fee guidance – GOV.UK
Private fees for Solicitors instructing Counsel in criminal matters at the Crown courts:
Fees for criminal matters at the Crown Court are dependent entirely upon weight and complexity of the case and the level of seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed. Fees should be discussed with the clerks via instructing solicitors. You may be required to provide papers relating to the case to the clerks to assist in determining fees applicable.
Conferences
From £250 (Junior) – From £850 (Silk) per hour
Written Advice
From £250 (Junior) – From £850 (Silk) per hour
Appeals against Conviction
From £750
Appeals against Sentence
From £600
Committal for Sentence
From £500
PTPH (Plea and trial preparation hearing)
Not Guilty plea – From £500
Guilty plea (to include sentence on same day) – From £1000 (dependant on offence, location, complexities, seniority of counsel etc)
Standard appearances and non-effective hearings (Mentions, CMH, Bail apps etc)
From £350
Sentence
From £600
Trial
Will be quoted on a case-by-case basis dependant on offence, location, complexities, seniority of counsel, time estimate etc. Any quote for a trial fee will include a ‘Brief fee’ which includes all preparation for the trial and the first day of trial. Any subsequent days are known as ‘refreshers’ and will be charged for each subsequent day that the trial is listed.
Where a trial fee has been agreed but the defendant subsequently enters a guilty plea, or the prosecution offers no evidence prior to the trial, a cracked trial fee may be payable. The appropriate cracked trial fee will be agreed with the clerks having regard to the work undertaken by Counsel up to and including the date on which the trial cracks and any associated hearing required.
Cancellation fees may apply where a hearing is vacated, adjourned or cancelled following acceptance of instructions. Any applicable cancellation terms will be confirmed when the fee is agreed and set out in our standard terms of instruction.
Private Fees for Clients Instructing Counsel in Criminal Matters in the Crown Court under the Public Access Scheme
Fees for Public Access criminal matters in the Crown Court will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The rates below are indicative minimum fees only and should not be taken as a fixed quotation.
The fee applicable to an individual case will depend upon a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offence, the complexity of the case, the volume of papers and evidence, the amount of preparation required, the anticipated length of any hearing, urgency, location and the seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed.
Public Access instructions may also require Counsel to undertake additional work that would ordinarily be carried out by an instructing solicitor. This will be taken into account when assessing the appropriate fee.
Prospective clients may be required to provide papers relating to their case before a fee can be assessed. All fees should be discussed and agreed with the clerks before instructions are accepted.
Conferences
From £350 (Junior) – From £1000 (Silk) per hour
Written Advice
From £350 (Junior) – From £1000 (Silk) per hour
Appeals Against Conviction
From £1,250
Appeals Against Sentence
From £1000
Committal for Sentence
From £750
PTPH (Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing)
Not Guilty Plea – From £750
Guilty Plea (to include sentence on the same day) – From £1,500
Standard Appearances and Non-Effective Hearings
Mentions, CMH, bail applications etc. – From £500
Sentence
From £1,000
Trial
Public Access trial fees will be assessed and quoted on a case-by-case basis following consideration of the papers.
The fee will take into account the nature and seriousness of the offence, complexity of the case, volume of evidence, preparation required, location, seniority of Counsel and anticipated length of the trial.
Any trial quotation will ordinarily comprise a brief fee, covering preparation and the first day of trial, together with an agreed daily refresher fee for each subsequent day of the trial.
Where a trial fee has been agreed but the defendant subsequently enters a guilty plea, or the prosecution offers no evidence prior to the trial, a cracked trial fee may be payable. The appropriate fee will be assessed by the clerks having regard to the work already undertaken by Counsel and any hearing required.
Cancellation fees may apply where a hearing is vacated, adjourned or cancelled following acceptance of instructions. Any applicable cancellation terms will be confirmed when the fee is agreed and set out in our standard terms of instruction.
Legal aid rates for Solicitors instructing Counsel in extradition matters where a Legal Aid representation order is in place:
MAGISTRATES’ COURT
First Appearance:
£75.00 + Vat + Travel
Standard appearances and non-effective hearings (Mentions, Remand, CMH, Bail apps etc):
£75.00 + Vat + Travel
Full Extradition Hearing:
£150.00 + Vat + Travel
Private fees for Solicitors instructing Counsel in extradition matters:
Fees for extradition matters are dependent upon the weight and complexity of the case, the volume of papers and evidence, the work required and the level of seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed.
The rates set out below are minimum indicative rates. Fees will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and a higher fee may be applicable depending upon the circumstances of the individual case.
You may be required to provide papers relating to the case to enable the clerks and Counsel to assess the work required and determine the appropriate fee.
MAGISTRATES’ COURT
First Appearance:
From £350
Standard appearances and non-effective hearings (Mentions, Remand, CMH, Bail apps etc):
From £250
Full Extradition Hearing:
From £750
The fee for a full extradition hearing will be assessed having regard to the complexity of the issues, volume of evidence, preparation required, anticipated length of the hearing, expert evidence, location and seniority of Counsel instructed.
Multi-day and complex extradition hearings will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.
Conferences and Written Advice
Junior Counsel – From £250 per hour
King’s Counsel – From £850 per hour
HIGH COURT
Bail Application/variation:
From £1250
Renewal Hearing:
From £1250
Appeal:
From £1500
High Court fees will be assessed on a case-by-case basis having regard to the nature and complexity of the appeal, volume of papers, grounds advanced, preparation required, anticipated hearing length and seniority of Counsel instructed.
Private fees for Clients’ instructing Counsel in extradition matters under the Public Access Scheme:
Fees for extradition matters under the Public Access Scheme will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The rates below are indicative minimum fees only and should not be taken as a fixed quotation.
The applicable fee will depend upon factors including the nature and complexity of the extradition request, the issues raised, the volume of papers and evidence, the amount of preparation required, urgency, anticipated length of the hearing, location and the seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed.
Prospective clients may be required to provide papers relating to their case before an accurate fee quotation can be provided. All fees should be discussed and agreed with the clerks before instructions are accepted.
MAGISTRATES’ COURT
First Appearance:
From £500
Standard appearances and non-effective hearings (Mentions, Remand, CMH, Bail apps etc):
From £350
Full Extradition Hearing:
From £1250
Multi-day or complex extradition hearings will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.
Conferences and Written Advice
Junior Counsel – From £250 per hour
King’s Counsel – From £850 per hour
HIGH COURT
Bail Application/variation:
From £1500
Renewal Hearing:
From £1750
Appeal:
From £2000
High Court fees under the Public Access Scheme will be assessed and quoted on a case-by-case basis following consideration of the papers.
The quotation will take into account the nature and complexity of the appeal, grounds advanced, volume of evidence, preparation required, urgency, anticipated hearing length and the seniority and experience of Counsel instructed.
Where substantial written work is required in addition to attendance at the hearing, including the drafting of grounds, skeleton arguments or written submissions, an additional fee may be applicable.
Cancellation
Cancellation fees may apply where a hearing is vacated, adjourned or cancelled following acceptance of instructions. Any applicable cancellation terms will be confirmed when the fee is agreed and set out in our standard terms of instruction.
Immigration – Private Fee Guide
Private Fees for Solicitors Instructing Counsel in Immigration Matters
With effect from 1 October 2026, our fees will be as follows.
The fees below are based on hearings taking place at London Tribunals. An uplift may be required for hearings outside London to reflect additional travel and time commitments.
Conferences
From £450
Bail Applications
Representation at hearing – From £500
Written submissions – From £250
CMH/CMR Hearings
From £500
Appeal Hearings – First-tier Tribunal (FTT)
Deprivation of Nationality – From £1,000
Deportation Appeal – From £850
(HMCTS reference starting with DA)
Asylum Appeal – From £750
(HMCTS reference starting with PA)
Human Rights Appeal (Appendix FM refusal) – From £700
(HMCTS reference starting with HU)
EEA Appeal – From £700
(HMCTS reference starting with EA)
Entry Clearance Appeal – From £700
(HMCTS reference will ordinarily be HU or EA, as applicable)
First Stage Upper Tribunal
From £900
Second Stage Upper Tribunal / Error of Law Hearing / Judicial Review Permission Hearing
Fees to be agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Where Counsel has previously dealt with the First Stage Upper Tribunal proceedings, a reduced fee may be available for subsequent Judicial Review grounds.
Written Work
Pre-Action Protocol Letter
From £600
Appellant’s Skeleton Argument
From £500
Judicial Review Grounds
From £900
Judicial Review Renewal Grounds
From £500
Grounds of Appeal – FTT to UT
From £600
Grounds of Appeal – Home Office Refusal to FTT
From £550
Drafting Grounds & Emergency Judicial Review
From £1,000
Fees in immigration matters are dependent upon the weight and complexity of the case, the volume of papers, the urgency of the work and the seniority and experience of Counsel instructed. Upon receipt and review of the papers, it may be necessary to charge a higher fee than the minimum rates quoted above.
Fees should be discussed with the clerks.
For specific requirements or to obtain a fee quotation, please contact the clerks on 0207 440 4949.
Public Access Immigration Fees
Private Fees for Clients Instructing Counsel under the Public Access Scheme
Fees in immigration matters are dependent upon the weight and complexity of the case, the volume of papers, the urgency of the work and the level of seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed.
Fees should be discussed with the clerks. You may be asked to provide papers relating to your case to enable the clerks and Counsel to assess the work required and provide an appropriate fee quotation.
The fees below are based on hearings taking place at London Tribunals. An uplift may be required for hearings outside London to reflect additional travel and time commitments.
Conferences / Initial Legal Advice Sessions (ILAS)
From £500
Bail Applications
Representation at hearing – From £650
CMH/CMR Hearings
From £600
Appeal Hearings – First-tier Tribunal (FTT)
Deprivation of Nationality – From £1,500
Deportation Appeal – From £1,250
(HMCTS reference starting with DA)
Asylum Appeal – From £1,000
(HMCTS reference starting with PA)
Human Rights Appeal (Appendix FM refusal) – From £950
(HMCTS reference starting with HU)
EEA Appeal – From £950
(HMCTS reference starting with EA)
Entry Clearance Appeal – From £950
(HMCTS reference will ordinarily be HU or EA, as applicable)
First Stage Upper Tribunal
From £1,250
Second Stage Upper Tribunal / Error of Law Hearing / Judicial Review Permission Hearing
Fees to be agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Written Work
Pre-Action Protocol Letter
From £600
Appellant’s Skeleton Argument
From £500
Judicial Review Grounds
From £900
Judicial Review Renewal Grounds
From £500
Grounds of Appeal – FTT to UT
From £600
Grounds of Appeal – Home Office Refusal to FTT
From £550
Drafting Grounds & Emergency Judicial Review
From £1,500
Indefinite Leave to Remain Applications
From £1,750
Citizenship Applications
From £1,250
Nationality Review Applications
From £750
The fees quoted above are indicative starting rates. The final fee will depend upon the circumstances of the individual case, including its complexity, the volume of documentation, the work required, urgency, anticipated hearing length and the seniority and experience of Counsel instructed.
For specific requirements or to obtain a fee quotation, please contact the clerks on 0207 440 4949.
Private Fees for Solicitors Instructing Counsel in Family Matters
Fees for family matters are dependent upon the nature, weight and complexity of the case, the volume of papers and evidence, the work required and the level of seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed.
The rates below are minimum indicative rates. Fees will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be higher depending upon the circumstances of the individual case.
You may be required to provide papers relating to the case to enable the clerks and Counsel to assess the work required and determine the appropriate fee.
Conferences and Legal Advice
From £500
Private Children Proceedings
First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)
From £1,000
Interim Contested Hearing
From £1,750
Fact-Finding Hearing – First Day
From £1,750
Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA)
From £1,250
Review Hearing
From £850
Directions Hearing
From £1,000
Final Hearing – First Day
From £2,500
Multi-day hearings will ordinarily attract a brief fee for preparation and the first day, together with an agreed refresher fee for each subsequent day.
Financial Remedy Proceedings
First Appointment / FDA
From £1,250
Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (FDR)
From £2,500
Final Hearing – First Day
From £3,000
Complex and/or high-value financial remedy proceedings will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.
Injunctions and Protective Orders
Non-Molestation Orders / Occupation Orders / Injunction Applications
From £1,250
Urgent and without-notice applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Written Work
Statement of Issues
From £600
Chronology
From £600
Drafting Consent Order
From £1,500
Witness Statement
From £750
Position Statement
From £600
More substantial written work may be charged at an agreed hourly rate or fixed fee depending upon the nature and volume of work required.
Private Fees for Clients Instructing Counsel in Family Matters under the Public Access Scheme
Fees for family matters under the Public Access Scheme will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The rates below are indicative minimum fees only and should not be taken as a fixed quotation.
The applicable fee will depend upon factors including the nature and complexity of the proceedings, the issues in dispute, volume of papers and evidence, preparation required, urgency, anticipated hearing length, location and the seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed.
Prospective clients may be required to provide papers relating to their case before an accurate fee quotation can be provided.
Conferences and Legal Advice
From £750
Private Children Proceedings
First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)
From £1,250
Interim Contested Hearing
From £2,000
Fact-Finding Hearing – First Day
From £2,500
Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA)
From £1,500
Review Hearing
From £1,000
Directions Hearing
From £1,250
Final Hearing – First Day
From £3,000
Multi-day fact-finding and final hearings will be quoted on a case-by-case basis. The quotation will ordinarily comprise a brief fee covering preparation and the first day, together with a refresher fee for each subsequent day.
Financial Remedy Proceedings
First Appointment / FDA
From £1,500
Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (FDR)
From £3,000
Final Hearing – First Day
From £4,000
Financial remedy fees will be assessed individually having regard to factors including the value and nature of the assets, complexity of the financial arrangements, business or company interests, pensions, trusts, property, third-party interests, international assets and the volume of disclosure.
Injunctions and Protective Orders
Non-Molestation Orders / Occupation Orders / Injunction Applications
From £1,500
Urgent, without-notice and contested applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Written Work
Statement of Issues
From £750
Chronology
From £750
Drafting Consent Order
From £2,000
Witness Statement
From £1,000
Position Statement
From £750
Written work will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Where appropriate, work may be charged at an agreed hourly rate rather than a fixed fee.
Assessment of Fees
All fees quoted above are starting rates only. The final fee will be assessed on a case-by-case basis following consideration of the papers and the work required.
Factors that may result in a higher fee include the complexity of the proceedings, volume of papers, number of parties, allegations of domestic abuse or coercive and controlling behaviour, expert evidence, international elements, urgency, hearing length, value and complexity of assets and the seniority and expertise of Counsel instructed.
Cancellation fees may apply where a hearing is vacated, adjourned or cancelled following acceptance of instructions. Any applicable cancellation terms will be confirmed when the fee is agreed and set out in our standard terms of instruction.
Where possible, work will be undertaken for an agreed fixed fee. Those instructing will be provided with details of the work included within the proposed fee and will also be informed of Counsel’s standard hourly rate and how this has been taken into account when calculating the fee.
Where the scope of work cannot reasonably be determined in advance, or where an hourly rate is more appropriate, the applicable hourly rate and basis upon which fees will be calculated will be confirmed before work commences.
Any additional work falling outside the scope of the original fee agreement will be discussed and agreed separately.
All fees will be agreed in writing prior to Counsel undertaking the work.
Mediation Fees
All mediation fees are subject to VAT where applicable.
The fees set out below are indicative fixed-fee packages based upon the total value of the claim and any counterclaim. The appropriate fee will be assessed on a case-by-case basis having regard to the value and complexity of the dispute, volume of documentation, number of parties, anticipated preparation required and the mediator instructed.
Prior to accepting instructions, the mediator may review information and/or papers relating to the dispute to enable our clerking team to confirm the appropriate fee.
Where possible, a fixed fee will be agreed in advance. We reserve the right to review the proposed fee where it subsequently becomes apparent that the value, complexity or scope of the dispute is materially greater than originally notified.
Venue and Additional Costs
The fees below are based upon mediation taking place remotely or at a venue provided by the parties.
Where an in-person mediation is required and suitable facilities need to be arranged, additional charges may apply for room hire and associated facilities. Any additional costs will be identified and agreed in advance and a breakdown will be provided.
All parties will be required to enter into the applicable mediation agreement and terms of instruction before the mediation takes place.
Disputes with a Total Value Below £100,000
Half-Day Mediation – up to 4 hours
From £750 per party
Full-Day Mediation – up to 8 hours
From £1,250 per party
Disputes with a Total Value of £100,000 to £250,000
Half-Day Mediation – up to 4 hours
From £1,000 per party
Full-Day Mediation – up to 8 hours
From £1,750 per party
Disputes with a Total Value of £250,000 to £500,000
Half-Day Mediation – up to 4 hours
From £1,500 per party
Full-Day Mediation – up to 8 hours
From £2,500 per party
Disputes Exceeding £500,000
For disputes where the combined value of the claim and any counterclaim exceeds £500,000, fees will be assessed and quoted on a case-by-case basis.
The fee will take into account the value and complexity of the dispute, volume of documentation, number of parties, preparation required, anticipated duration of the mediation and the seniority and experience of the mediator instructed.
Please contact our clerking team to discuss the requirements of the mediation and obtain a fee quotation.
Additional Time
Where a mediation continues beyond the agreed half-day or full-day period, any additional time will be charged at an agreed hourly rate. The applicable rate will be confirmed when the mediation fee is agreed.
Cancellation
Cancellation fees may apply where a mediation is cancelled or postponed following acceptance of instructions. The applicable cancellation provisions will be confirmed when the mediation is booked and set out in the terms of instruction.
Arbitration
Fees for the appointment of a barrister as an Arbitrator, or for the instruction of Counsel to advise or represent a party in arbitration proceedings, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact our clerking team to discuss the nature of the dispute, work required and the appropriate choice of Counsel or Arbitrator. A fee proposal will then be provided based upon the individual requirements of the matter.
Our standard terms of Instruction can be found here.
Payments can be made via BACS transfer.
GJS Ltd Fees Account: HSBC Sort code: 40-06-29 Account number: 42249030
Please always use our case reference number when making payment.
CONTACT
CONTACT OUR CLERKS TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU.
Great James Street Chambers
0207 440 4949
www.greatjames.co.uk
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