Report comment

I recall that some years ago there was a fashion for solicitors' firms to employ seasoned advocates, including QCs, so that "firms operating as a unit can cut their overall costs meaning the same service can be provided more cheaply and at an agreed price for the work where it is all done in house."

It never seemed to really work. While I have no personal experience of having in-house advocates on tap, when in practice I considered the availability of outside expertise (through the Bar) to be helpful, and, with the right counsel and chambers, very likely not more expensive than if the advocacy expertise was available in-house. Solicitor firm overheads tend to be greater than those of chambers, and for junior barristers at least the hourly rates available are (in my experience) often lower than would be business prudent for a firm employed advocate of equivalent experience and seniority (I exclude 'name' QCs who are altogether different, whether in-house or in traditional chambers).