Halloway Chambers — frequently asked

Frequently asked

Do I need a solicitor to instruct you?

Not for an initial consultation, an employment conference or a family conference — those can be booked directly. Commercial dispute reviews do need a solicitor, because the papers and the disclosure position need someone holding the file.

What does the first meeting actually cost?

A hundred and twenty pounds including VAT for thirty minutes, whether in person or by video, and nothing further is owed if you decide to stop there. If it turns out you do not need counsel at all, that is what the clerk will tell you.

How far ahead is the diary?

Initial consultations are usually inside five working days, and often next day by video. Employment and family conferences run about two weeks, commercial reviews about three. A clerk will always say plainly if a matter is too urgent for the diary.

What should I bring or send beforehand?

For an initial consultation, nothing — half an hour of talking is enough. For a conference, the papers should reach the clerks' room three working days ahead so the member reads them beforehand rather than across the table, which is most of what you are paying for.