Barristers 'serious' over non-payment by tardy solicitorsThe Bar Council last week launched a service to help barristers collect fees from tardy solicitors.

The fees collection department - a formalisation of a scheme already running - has the power to issue a 'direction' against a law firm which stops it instructing barristers in privately funded matters unless their fees are paid in advance.

A Bar Council spokesman said that non-payment was 'an increasing problem, and enough of an issue for us to introduce this service'.

Barristers also now have access to SolCare, the helpline established to provide solicitors with advice and support for health problems such as stress and alcoholism.

SolCare co-ordinator Barry Pritchard said he had 'no idea' how many barristers would use the service.

'We don't know how big the demand will be, because there's no way of knowing how widespread these problems are among barristers.' Victoria MacCallum