one - clerksroombark & co solicitors very generously donated prizes. we are extremely grateful...
TRANSCRIPT
C i r c u l a t e d F R E E t o B a r r i s t e r s ’ C l e r k s i n t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m
HEALTH WARNING:This magazine contains comments that may disturb the bar
PA G E 3 Quality Issues
PA G E 8 Sheraton Doyle
PAGE 12 iGoogle
PAGE 23Director’s Duties
I S S U E 7 1 - O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7
W W W . C L E R K S R O O M . C O M / M A G A Z I N E
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O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 1
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES TO:[email protected]
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES TO:[email protected]
This edition of the Clerksroom Magazine has been kindly supportedby the following companies:
Advantage Office Supply Systems LtdUnit 10, Poole Hall Industrial Estate,Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH66 1ST.T: 0151 357 3500F: 0151 356 3459E: [email protected]
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By all accounts, the IBC Ball was a resounding success earlier this month. One
clerk described the event as “a bit messy”. It was that good then?
There was a time when it took 10 minutes to walk round the house re-setting the
clocks twice a year. But last Saturday night I decided to stay up and see if all the
digital clocks would automatically change at 2 am on Sunday morning back to
1 am. You are quite right: how sad is that? I don’t know why I bothered.
There was nothing to do. The event was over in 1 second, as they all dutifully
changed back to 1 am. That is apart from a grandfather clock that needed
rewinding. I was up anyway sorting out my personalised iGoogle and sidebar.
There is an article on this topics later.
According to a recent survey of some 200 UK lawyers, only 1 in 10 are currently
using encrypted e-mail. The remainder are happily sending sensitive information of
a confidential nature, not appreciating that there are hackers around every corner
in the multitude of public places that e-mails have to pass through before they
reach the intended recipient. Data theft is on the increase and intercepting
e-mails is easy to do. This topic should be part of everybody’s risk management
and risk assessment procedure.
The Bar Council has elected its officers for 2008. The Chairman from 1st January
will be Timothy Dutton QC of Fountain Court Chambers, with Desmond Browne QC
of 5 Raymond Buildings becoming Vice Chairman. As the Chinese would say:
“may they live in interesting times.”
We expect to have the Clerksroom Magazine website home page up and running
in time for the November edition. You will still be able to download the magazine
as usual and if you want a personal email to confirm when each edition is
available then please send me an email to: [email protected].
We are starting off with a straight forward website which can grow with demand
for additional pages / services in the future.
Clerksroom Magazine is produced under licence by JAR Holdings Limited, 20 Alexander Court, Chester,Cheshire CH3 5AW. 07734 995 902
Bob Moss
1
A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 13
Gazette Quality Issues
Quality at a costThe Gazette reported this month that the Bar Standards Board(BSB) has rightly criticised the Government’s plans to introduceyet another quality assurance scheme, this time for publiclyfunded criminal defence work. The BSB was responding to aconsultation paper put out jointly by the Ministry of Justice andLegal Services Commission regarding a scheme for assessingthe quality of advocates at Crown Court level and above.
The consultation period has now closed and the Ministry ofJustice and Legal Services Commission expect to design a 6 –12 month pilot scheme which would be tested out in differentparts of the country. The aim would be to require all advocatesto collect evidence to show their competence and skills.
This evidence would then be evaluated by Chambers or anindependent panel and a grading scheme used to show thelevels achieved by each individual advocate. A good wellinformed clerk who knows counsel’s practice better thananyone, armed with some marketing tools, would be a muchbetter bet.
Bar Quality issuesBruce Holden QC is to chair the panel recently set up by the BarCouncil to handle non-disciplinary issues. So far so good, butapparently the panel will have no link to the ComplaintsCommittee of the Bar Standards Board. Where will the referralscome from? Who is going to grass up a professional colleaguewhen there is no conduct issue?
According to the Gazette, the Bar Council has set up this qualityadvisory panel to handle referrals made to it by for examplemembers of the judiciary, instructing solicitors and barristers.The aim is to address examples of poor practise which fall shortof a breach of the Code of Conduct.
Now traditionally didn’t this sort of problem get deal withbehind closed doors? They were professional matters which didnot concern the public [otherwise the BSB would get involved],and often concluded by a quiet word in the appropriate ear. Anyjudge or head of Chambers would regard themselves ascompetent to handle any problem. And if they cannot deal withcounsel, just ask the Senior Clerk
From the Law Society Gazette
A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 14
The Ball
The Black and White Ball took place on 12th October
2007 at the Brewery, London and was once again a
resounding success with nearly 200 Clerks
complimenting the stylishly decorated venue in Black Tie
and Black and White frocks.
Our main sponsor this year was Mountain Software
who funded the casino in full. We would like to take
this opportunity to convey our sincerest thanks for their
generous contribution.
Raffle prize donations helped us to raise nearly £2000
for The Anthony Nolan Trust whose purpose is to take
back lives from leukemia by providing lifesaving donors
for patients in need of bone marrow transplants and
the Barristers’ Clerks’ Benevolent Fund.
Generous prizes were donated by our regular service
providers, Best Invest, Advantage, Lianda, Chambers
People, Allied Irish Bank, Whiteprint, Bar Squared, AON,
Syscap, and Bar Co. Details of whom can be sought via
the IBC office.
Local businesses including, The Six Clerks Restaurant,
Oddbins, T M Lewin, Fitness First, The Punch Tavern and
The Printers Devil donated clerking essentials, beer,
food, shirts and gym memberships. Chambers at 25
Bedford Row, 7 Bedford Row, Landmark Chambers and
Bark & Co solicitors very generously donated prizes. We
are extremely grateful for this support and are certain
the money raised will impact greatly.
I witnessed the usual flamboyant behaviour on the
dance floor with Declan Redmond leading the pack
with his S Club style moves. The girls as always were on
sparkling form and winning moves from Mike Hannibal
and Michael Eves could provide inspiration for this
year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants, finally
knocking Nathan Lee Walsh off the top spot, he was
nowhere to be seen.
By Emma Makepeace
...continued on pages 5 & 7
6 Kings Bench Walk
Faye Pattis, Vicky Thompson & Jo Pickersgill
Matrix Chambers
Mr & Mrs Hannibal.'Raffle Prize Glory'
Norman Brooks, Michael Eves & Gary Brown
9 Bedford Row Boys
A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 17
The Roulette and Black Jack tables provided an
opportunity for all to show off there skill and prowess
with David Kirton of 25 Bedford Row, Ben Heaviside of
Red Lion Court and Stephanie Legitt, a guest, winning
the tables with overwhelming scores and taking home
Champagne compliments of Wilberforce Chambers.
Declan presented Student of the Year, Luisa Hodge of
Chartlands Chambers in Nottingham, with the John
Carter Memorial Trophy for her excellent result and
contribution to The BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers
Administration
The talented Jason Housden once again provided
commentary from the Hokey Cokey Temple Race Track
for the Barristers’ Clerks’ Ball Stakes. Each table taking
part in their own sweep stake with a portion of the
proceeds going to charity. “Graduate First Junior” came
out on top having got to grips with “Carter Impact”
with “PowerPoint Presentation” and “Handouts”
impressing “Head of Chambers”. “Senior Clerk” came
in second despite carrying excess weight and being
interfered with by “Head of Chambers”.
“Lord Chancellor” has indicated he will race next year
with “Chief Whip” – it could be messy, we await
with interest.
Thanks to Katie Bird of 2 Hare Court and Fraser Geddes
from Wilberforce Chambers for their assistance and
support with organising and to all at Seal Events. Lastly
thank you to all those who attended, hope you had a
wonderful time.
Martin Poulter & Jason Doyle
Jackie Ginty, David Goddard & Lucy Pilbro
Dale Jones & Gary Brown.'The Dream Team'
...continued from page 5
A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 18
Why did you become a clerk?
Was not sure what I wanted to do but thought I
wanted to do something with the courts or legal
background. A good friend of mine who is now a
solicitor got offered an interview, but decided to change
direction.
She said she had a friend who would be interested, so
they contacted me.
Although you clerk the Public Law team at 39
Essex Street but are called a “Practice
Manager” Why?
To make me sound more important!
So far what has been your best moment in
Chambers?
Being given the role of first junior to run the Public Law
Team @ 39.
When did you start working in Chambers and
in what capacity?
Back in 1995 as a junior clerk.
...continued on page 11
What Makes A Clerk Tick?Sheraton Doyle is a Practice Manager at 39 Essex Court.
She joined them in 2000 after six years clerking at 6KBW.
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A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 111
What has been your worst moment in
Chambers?
Does not sound so bad now but at the time…….
Going over to fix a case for chambers on the 2nd day of
a new job and realising once fixed had missed a
personal appointment in counsel’s diary. As I had only
just started I did not want them to see what a school
boy error I had made, so I had to keep going in to a
conference room to make calls to the other side and
court to re fix, and then went over and changed date
without anyone knowing. [Editor: Pause for thought; we
have all been there?]
Who has been the greatest influence on your
career?
My Mum – Always installed in me you don’t get
anything for nothing in this world, you have to
work for it.
What irritates you the most?
Broken promises.
What is the best aspect of the job?
Meeting new people, everyday brings a new challenge.
What is the worst aspect of the job?
Some people are never satisfied – Moaning Minnie’s!
What is your best characteristic, clerking or
otherwise?
Always try to see the best in people – It’s tested often
in this job though!
Your favourite film?
Could not say just 1, have a wide variety also -
Goodfellas, JFK, Sound of Music!
Your favourite music?
Again large variety – Funky House, Soul, RnB
So what makes a clerk tick?
Busy diary and a happy clerk’s room.
If you had not gone into clerking, what
would you have become?
Acting – Not a million miles away from this job really!
...continued from page 8
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A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 112
Google WorldBy The Editor
For most of us who’ve ever joined the queue at a bus
stop, we have asked ourselves: When will the next bus
arrive? Will I be able to get on it? The same questions
apply to any form of public transport. Before long, the
answers will be on your mobile phone courtesy of
Google World officially called “iGoogle”.
You will be able to see how far away the next bus is
from your bus stop and how many seats are available.
Similar information can be provided about taxis. No
doubt you and the taxi driver will be able to lock onto
each other using similar technology. Any item can be
fitted with a radio-frequency identifier – an electronic
tag called an RFID – and can be linked to the internet
over local or national WiFi net works. Retailers have
been using this technology for years for stocktaking
purposes and fleet managers can track buses and taxis.
Now that satellite positioning chips are started to be
included in mobile phones, it becomes relatively easy
for the scenarios outlined above to become reality.
So the “i” era has developed through itunes, ipods to
igoogle. Google’s declared aim is to create a global
system that you can search for anything anywhere at
any time. By signing up to iGoogle you are using a new
supercharged version of the regular search services to
customise them to your own requirements.
So, iGoogle would identify the bus queue you are in as
well as if appropriate the number of the bus you would
normally take from that bus stop. The improved security
on public transport courtesy of CCTV coupled with the
information provided by such a personalised search
starts to make the bus or train more attractive as the
roads head for gridlock. It is good for the carbon
footprint too.
...continued on page 16
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A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 115
The Bar Standards Board (BSB)The current topic is complaints handling, but we thought you might look at some of the others as well.
Visit the BSB website for the links underlined in the table below. It is good to take part.
The basics [For junior clerks]
The Bar Standards Board was established in January
2006 as a result of the Bar Council separating its
regulatory and representative functions. As the
independent regulatory board of the Bar Council, they
are responsible for regulating barristers called to the
Bar in England and Wales. They take decisions
independently and in the public interest and are not
prejudiced by the Bar Council's representative function.
The Board’s purpose is to promote and maintain
excellence in the quality of legal services provided by
barristers to support the rule of law. They do this by
setting standards of entry to the profession and by
ensuring that professional practice puts consumers first.
Representation, support and services for barristers in
England and Wales, including guidance on issues of
professional practice, are provided by the Bar Council's
representation branch.
Open consultations
The Bar Standards Board is committed to an evidence-
based approach to policy-making and needs to take
into account the views of anyone who has an interest in
the regulation of barristers in England and Wales.
It does this through an open consultation process.
Current consultations are listed below:
• Chambers Complaints Handling
• Annex 1 List of Consultees
• Annex 2 Complaints Handling
• Annex 3 Guidance on dealing with complaints
• Report of Chamber Complaints working group
Open from Sept 2007
Closes 1 December 2007
The standards committee released in September the
consultation paper on chambers complaints handling.
The introduction sets the scene.
1. In 2004, the Bar Council asked a working group
chaired by Sue Carr QC to undertake a detailed
review of how Chambers dealt with complaints
that they received from their clients.
...continued on page 28
A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 116
Taken a stage further, an anxious parent will be able toconfirm that their offspring have caught the last bushome. But what if this information falls into the wronghands? Or what’s to stop iGoogle “mining” anindividual’s search history, files and folders to create adetailed personal profile that it could sell to advertiserswho would then bombard you with targetedadvertisements? We already allow vast quantities of information about us to be stored by companies we deal with. Loyalty cards provide supermarkets withvast quantities of information about what we buy andwhen we buy it. Is this necessarily a bad thing if itenables the right products to be in the right place atthe right time?
A further piece in the Google jigsaw is called “cloudcomputing”. This places Google in a head to headbattle with Microsoft that may take decades to resolve.The idea is simple. Instead of using the internet to findinformation that we then download to our computersand use alongside traditional software, we store all theinformation online on one of Google’s vast globalnetwork of servers. Google then provide online theirown Web based software programs called “GoogleApps” which enable you to create password protectedword files and spreadsheets, edit them and store themall online. They do not stop there. Similar products tothose Microsoft created [such as PowerPoint] andcharge heavily for will be available free to those who
store everything online.Cloud computing and data storage are offered free ofcharge for personal users on Google. So if you sign up,you will never again need to spend hundreds of poundsbuying software and zip drives to back up vastquantities of data. Google will do it for you. The visionof a paperless future – where all documents resideonline – sounds tempting. The success of iGoogle is upto the user. So long as the services on offer outweighthe loss of privacy, everyone wins.
Once you combine all you files and folders stored onlinewith the records of all the searches you’ve made on theinternet, you have a very powerful tool. Indeed, thatwould not only make Google the largest most powerfulsuper computer ever, it is claimed it would make thecompany the most powerful institution in existence.
However, rather like the supermarket analogy, if we areable to make an informed decision as to whether to jointhe bus queue or not, then we may be happy to give upa degree of privacy, always provided the informationdoes not fall into the wrong hands. The Google sidebarwith its 800 gadget options is the latest cool way topersonalise a desktop. The next step is to personalisethe Google search facility, and before you realise ityou’re hooked on igoogle.
...continued from page 12
Some Google Information
• Google will shortly celebrate its 10thanniversary.
• Googleplex California is a purpose built 1.5million square foot office block.
• In 2006 Google buys YouTube, the largest andmost popular video exchange website.
• Google handles 3 out of every 4 search queriesin the UK.
• With the use of its advertising system called“AdWords”, Google has captured more than halfthe search engine advertising market.
A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 118
Clerk SearchWe had an e-mail recently asking for a new feature for the
Clerksroom Magazine.
The e-mail had a photograph attached and read:
“Subject: new feature!
Hello there. Would you consider running a new feature called
“Page 7 Clerks” where hunky barristers’ clerks could send in
their photos to go into your magazine, raising their profile
generally within the legal world. My name is ****. I’m a clerk
at one of London’s leading Chambers and I’ve been told that
I’m a bit of a dish. What do you think?”
We are not sure if the question: “What do you think?” relates
to the proposed new feature or the suggestion that the e-mailer
is a bit of a dish. This is because the photograph that was
attached to the e-mail was, how shall we put it, less than
complimentary and just slightly below the standards you would
expect of the Clerksroom Magazine. Indeed, the whole exercise
could be a practical joke.
We had therefore tried to contact the e-mailer to get the real
story, but to date he’s [definitely male!] failed to reply.
Does anybody know the whereabouts of:
[email protected] or have any information which
may reveal the true identity of this person?
Email in confidence to: [email protected]
A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 120
More Donated To the Barristers’Clerks Benevolent Fund
A cheque for over £1,200 was recently handed to Steve Graham, Chairman of the Trustees of the
Barristers’ Clerks Benevolent Fund. The money has been donated by Advantage Office Supply Systems
Limited as part of its continued support for the Benevolent Fund.
Advantage’s managing director Roger Sheen handed
over the cheque for £1,200 at a meeting at Landmark
Chambers earlier this month.
The Barristers’ Clerks Benevolent Fund has been
established for over 80 years and is a registered charity.
It exists to give financial assistance to members and
past members of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks as
well as their wives, partners, widows and widowers,
children and other dependents who fall on hard times.
The charity exists almost entirely on donations.
Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Benevolent
Fund, Steve said: “We are very grateful to Advantage
Supply Systems for continuing to support us by
donating a percentage of every pound spent with them
by Chambers. It’s a brilliant idea, Chambers get a first
class product and service and the Benevolent Fund gets
a substantial donation. We certainly need the funds if
we are to keep on helping those of our colleagues and
their families who are in real need.”
Steve Graham with
the cheque handed
to him by Roger
Sheen, Managing
Director and Sally
Hilton, Sales
Account Manager
of Advantage
Office Supply
Systems Limited
Advance notice:Magazine website launch
11.00 am on Wednesday 28th November 2007
www.magazine.clerksroom.comCheck it out!
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A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 123
Do You Really Want To Be A Director?An increasing number of Chambers are converting themselves into limited companies for management
purposes. Often this places the senior clerk/practice manager on the board as a director of the
company. However, from 1st October 2007 there is a new statutory code to which directors must
comply with when considering their duties. You might prefer to consider your position before accepting
the directorship.
The statutory code is part of the Companies Act 2006 –
with over 1,250 clauses; it is the longest piece of
legislation ever to have been passed in the UK!
There are seven general duties set out in ss.
170 to 181 of the Act.
1. Duty to act within their powers.
This codifies the common law rules that directors
should exercises their powers under the terms that
were granted for a proper purpose. A director’s
powers are normally derived from the company’s
constitution, i.e. its memorandum and articles
of association.
2. Duty to promote the success of the company.
This is a new duty developed from one of the
heads of the overriding principles of the fiduciary
duties, i.e., duty of good faith to act in the
company’s best interest.
The director is required to have regards to various non-
exhaustive list of factors listed in s.172 (1) including
• the long term consequence of the decisions
• the interests of the employees
• the relationships with suppliers, customers
• the impact of the decision on community and
environment
• the desirability of maintaining a reputation for high
standards of business conduct
• the need to act fairly as between members of the
company.
It is important that detailed minutes are taken when
exercising decisions to document the fact that directors
have had regard to the factors listed in section 172.
3. Duty to exercise independent judgement.
There are two elements:
1. A director must first exercise a judgement and
2. He must exercise the judgement independently. It
remains to be seen how in practice this rule will
impact on a director.
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A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 124
4. Duty to exercise reasonable care, skill and
diligence
That is: care, skill, diligence that would be
exercised by a reasonably diligent person with-
1. The general knowledge, skill and experience that
may reasonably be expected of a person carrying
out the functions carried out by the director in
relation to the company; and
2. The general knowledge, skill and experience that
the director has.
This is the same dual test imposed under s.214 of
the Insolvency Act 1986 in the context of a
director’s wrongful trading. The first element of the
test sets out a minimum objective standard
(a hypothetic reasonable person) expected of
any director.
The subjective test requires a director to carry out
his duty with the general knowledge, skill and
diligence he in fact possess. Therefore, a director
who has more experience, knowledge and skill will
have a higher threshold in discharging this duty.
5. Duty to avoid conflicts of interest
The conflicts of interest provisions are previously
contained in Part 10 of the Companies Act 1985
and are quite complex. The Act restates, amends,
and simplifies these provisions to make them more
accessible and with a view of assisting modern
business practice.
6. Duty not to accept benefits from third parties
This reinstates the existing rule known as ‘non
profit’ in that a director is not permitted to accept
a benefit from a third party by reason of (a) his
being a director or (b) his doing or not doing
anything as a director.
7. Duty to declare interest in proposed
transaction or arrangement with the
company.
The requirement for disclosure is dispensed in
circumstances where the interest cannot
reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a
conflict of interest or if other directors are already
aware or ‘ought reasonably to be aware’ of the
director’s interest.
Generally, seek advice if unsure and overhaul the
decision making process and companies’
constitutions so as to minimise the risks.
...continued from page 23
A R T I C L E
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 ~ I S S U E 7 126
Something About Life At The BarA woman wrote to Dear Ted & Alice:
I have a dilemma. I am about to get married,
but I haven’t been totally honest with my
fiancé’. My mother is a well-known madam, my
father is a convict, and my brother is a bar
clerk. My sister sells heroin to the children at
the school down the street. She started doing
that after my father got sent to prison for
molesting her. I also have a problem - I’m
wanted for embezzlement. Taking all that into
consideration, this is my question: how do I tell
my fiancé’ about my brother the bar clerk?
Counsel was sitting in his office late one night, when
Satan appeared before him. The Devil told the barrister,
"I have a proposition for you. You can win every case
you try, for the rest of your life. Your clients will adore
you, your colleagues will stand in awe of you, and you
will make embarrassing sums of money. All I want in
exchange is your soul, your wife’s soul, your children’s
souls, the souls of your parents, grandparents, and
parents-in-law, and the souls of all your friends and
clerks." Counsel thought about this for a moment, and
then asked, "So, what’s the catch?"
A prominent young barrister was on his way to court to
begin arguments on a complex lawsuit when he
suddenly found himself at the Gates of Heaven. St.
Peter started to escort him inside, when he began to
protest that his untimely death had to be some sort of
mistake. "I’m much too young to die! I’m only 35!" St.
Peter agreed that 35 did seem to be a bit young to be
entering the pearly gates, and agreed to check on his
case. When St. Peter returned, he told the attorney, "I’m
afraid that the mistake must be yours, my son. We
verified your age on the basis of the number of hours
you’ve billed to your clients, and you’re at least 108."
A barrister passed on and found himself in Heaven, but
not at all happy with his accommodations. He
complained to St. Peter, who told him that his only
recourse was to appeal his assignment. Counsel
immediately advised that he intended to appeal, but
was then told that he would be waiting at least three
years before his appeal could be heard. The barrister
protested that a three-year wait was unconscionable,
but his words fell on deaf ears. He was then
approached by the devil, who told him that he would
be able to arrange an appeal to be heard in a few
days, if the barrister was willing to change venue to
Hell. When counsel asked why appeals could be heard
so much sooner in Hell, he was told, "We have all of
the judges."
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2. The Group’s terms of reference were to investigate
the effectiveness of current complaints handling by
Chambers and, if appropriate, to make
recommendations to develop the current
arrangements. The Working Group commissioned
Debora Price, a research consultant, to carry out a
detailed and independent review into the way that
Chambers handled complaints. Questionnaires
were sent to all sets of Chambers and sole
practitioners to gather information on complaints
handling and the different approaches to it.
3. In summary, the Group found that:
• Contrary to paragraph 403.2(d)(ii) of the Code of
Conduct, more than 20% of Chambers had no
written procedures for complaint handling, and
half of those were not presently seeking to
implement such procedures;
• Two thirds of Chambers had a policy not to deal
directly with lay clients who seek to raise
complaints;
• It was rare that a complainant was informed of Bar
Council complaints procedures when making a
complaint to Chambers (the survey was undertaken
before the Bar Standards Board was established.
At the time of the survey, the Bar Council had
responsibility for complaints handling);
• There was scope for increasing the awareness of
the benefits of active management of informal and
formal complaints. It was noted that a substantial
minority of Chambers made use of the information
collected during formal complaints to improve
practices within, and the service offered by,
Chambers; and further, the existence of a formal
written complaints procedure was associated with
a much shorter average time for resolution of
complaints;
• There was evidence to suggest that consideration
should be given to the development of a separate
approach to complaint handling by sole
practitioners;
• A significant number of clients were unaware of
the fact that they can complain in the first instance
directly to their barrister’s Chambers rather than to
the Bar Council;
• Some sets of Chambers did not have, or chose not
to make known to their clients the existence of, a
formal complaints procedure.
The Bar Standards Board is also consulted regularly by
government and other organisations on matters
affecting or having the potential to affect the regulation
of barristers.
...continued from page 15