Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Old Square Chambers has a long-standing reputation for its work in civil liberties and human rights. Chambers is particularly known for the innovative use of human rights law for trade unions and in professional disciplinary proceedings, as well as for excellence in public inquiries and inquests, but members of chambers appear for both claimants and defendants across a wide range of high-profile human rights litigation.

Lord Hendy KC, holder of a Liberty Lifetime Achievement Award, leads this impressive team, alongside notable practitioners including Michael Ford KC and Ben Collins KC.

Barristers specialising in Civil Liberties & Human Rights

High profile cases include:

A number of recent Supreme Court appeals including Gilham v Lord Chancellor.
Representing three different parties in ground-breaking litigation about worker and trade union rights for foster carers.
Representing the Parole Board in the John Worboys case.
Representing the NUJ in the Leveson inquiry into press ethics, culture and practices.
Representing the RMT in challenging UK strike legislation under Article 11 ECHR in the European Court of Human Rights.
Representing members of UNITE in litigation against BA in the European Court of Human Rights.
Deploying Article 6 (right to fair trial) of the European Convention on behalf of consultant cardiologist Dr Mattu in his professional disciplinary hearing.

Fee charging model

There are various different fee charging models available and these will vary according to each individual case. Wherever possible costs will be agreed in writing prior to commencement of any work by the barrister. In cases that are unusually lengthy or complex, it may not be possible to agree a fixed fee for certain items of work. In those circumstances we will agree an appropriate hourly rate for the item of work.

One of the fee structures commonly used for Civil Liberties and Human Rights cases is a fixed fee. This means that, wherever possible, we will quote a fee in advance of the work being carried out. For hearings we typically charge a brief fee which includes counsel’s preparation for the hearing and attendance at the first day of the hearing. A refresher fee will be charged for each subsequent sitting day.

Please see below estimates based on the ranges of fixed fees and brief fees for barristers at Old Square Chambers in Civil Liberties and Human Rights Commercial Law cases.

Item	Range of fees (estimate)
Hourly rate	£75 to £750 plus VAT
Written advice	£250 to £5,000 plus VAT
Advising in conference	£500 to £5,000 plus VAT
Brief fee for Case Management Hearing in London region	£500 to £5,000 plus VAT
Brief fee for 1 day hearing in London region	£1,000 to £15,000 plus VAT
Brief fee for 2 day hearing in London region	£2,000 to £220,000 plus VAT
Refresher fee	£500 to £6,000 plus VAT

Wherever possible, we will endeavour to achieve the timescales outlined, or any other reasonable timescales agreed at the time of accepting the instructions. Timescales may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability, the complexity of your case, the need for additional documents and the other side’s approach. Chambers will, wherever possible, endeavour to provide advice and representation that meets and exceeds the needs of our clients. Unforeseeable factors such as tribunal/court delays, cases overrunning, barrister illness and other factors outside of our control could cause delays. We will always endeavour to work with you to ensure we meet and exceed your expectations wherever possible. Where it is not possible, we will ensure we communicate clearly and regularly with you to guide you through any challenges.