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Why is the debate on this question becoming so heated? Sounds like a Man City v. Man U derby. Each side, each solicitor, or his practice anyway, is free to charge as he and his clients agree, surely. We all know the type of case which lends itself to a fixed fee, say standard domestic conveyancing, and the other type which can spin out of all foreseeable control. Surely the answer is to agree a cost basis appropriate to each case and acceptable to each client.

The problem with being a part of a group is that you are required to comply with that group's policies. This can apply from the smallest partnerships upwards.

What seems clear is that this is an issue where one size does not fit all and each case, and each client, should be considered on a piecemeal basis. Some clients can make an otherwise simple case very time consuming, not to mention tiresome. Once one of those gets you on a fixed fee basis, watch out!