The standards of service and commercial awareness of barristers have improved but they are still perceived as arrogant, a survey of north-west law firms has revealed.

The poll of 50 commercial and criminal partners in the region - commissioned by Liverpool and Manchester set Exchange Chambers - found that a barrister's legal knowledge was the most crucial concern for solicitors when deciding who to instruct.


However, they also took into account personal knowledge of the barrister and their likely compatibility with the client.


But some 80% of respondents said the most irritating characteristic of members of the bar was their arrogance. Specific criticisms included returning briefs at the last minute, criticising instructing solicitors in front of the client, not reading the papers and an unwillingness to work as part of a team.


More encouragingly for the bar, 95% said barristers had improved their client service and commerciality in the last three years.


Tom Handley, director at Exchange Chambers, said: 'In the past, the bar has thought that knowledge of the law alone was sufficient, but in the increasingly competitive legal market that is no longer the case.'


Michael Redfern QC, leader of the northern circuit, said: 'The bar has in the past been guilty of arrogance, but I would not have said that was the case now and I am saddened to hear it.'