The Bar Standards Board has published our research into consumers’ experiences of working with barristers. We conducted 50 in-depth interviews with consumers who had used the services of a barrister as well as focus groups to explore issues raised by the interviews.
- Very few clients are completely confident in dealing with a legal matter
- Many clients have little or no involvement in choosing a barrister and are generally referred by a solicitor
- Most clients have little understanding of barristers’ duties or how the relationship will work
- Clients identified good service from barristers including approachability, empathy, experience, knowledge and ensuring accessibility for vulnerable clients.
BSB Head of Policy and Research, Rupika Madhura, said:
“This is an important piece of research which will help us gain a deeper insight into the experience of barristers’ clients. It complements others’ recent studies about consumers’ experience in the legal services market, and will help inform our work in various areas, in particular the review of the Code of Conduct expected of barristers.”
A summary of the research findings can be found here on the BSB website.