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Surely the rationale behind the bar's stance is that the solicitor is in direct contact with the client and in a position to secure payment.
And as the discussion is on the cab rank rule, is the point not whether the solicitor should be compelled to agree to accept liability for counsel's fees but whether counsel should be obliged to accept instructions, under the cab rank rule, without a guarantee of payment? Why on earth should he?
But Keith, you are right - this should not be a reason for disagreement but an opportunity to address payment, a pretty fundamental point for both sides of the profession