1. Regulatory Status

Astons Law Chambers is a set of barristers’ chambers regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). You can view our entry on the BSB’s Barristers’ Register here.

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2. Pricing & Fees

In accordance with Bar Standards Board requirements, we publish detailed information regarding our pricing models, indicative fees, and VAT status.

For a full breakdown of our fees, including our hourly rates, fixed fee ranges, and information for Public Access clients, please refer to our dedicated Pricing & Fees Policy here‍

We will always provide you with a clear quotation and agree on the basis of charging before any work commences.

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3. Description of Services

In accordance with BSB transparency rules, we provide the following information to help you understand the services we offer.

Our barristers specialise in criminal defence. While every case is unique, the key stages of our legal services generally include:

• Initial Consultation: Meeting with you (in person or remotely) to take full instructions.
• Review of Evidence: Analysing the Initial Details of the Prosecution Case (IDPC) or full used and unused material.
• Advice: Providing a written or oral opinion on the strength of the evidence, the likely outcome, and the appropriate plea.
• Drafting: Preparing legal arguments, skeleton arguments, or defence statements.
• Representation: Advocating on your behalf at First Appearances, Case Management Hearings, Trials, and Sentencing hearings.

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4. Timescales

The timeline for your case can vary significantly depending on factors such as court availability, the complexity of the evidence, the availability of witnesses, and the actions of the prosecution.

For a detailed guide on how long cases take and the factors that influence these timescales, please refer to our Timescales Guide here

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5. Complaints and Redress

We are committed to providing a high quality of service. If you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, you have the right to complain.

You can view our full Complaints Policy here, which includes details on how to complain to the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) and the relevant time limits.

You can also access decision data regarding legal service providers on the Legal Ombudsman’s website here.

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6. Professional Indemnity Insurance

All barristers at Astons Law Chambers maintain professional indemnity insurance with the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund (BMIF) to cover the legal services they supply to the public.

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All information is available in alternative formats (e.g., large print) upon request. Please contact info@astonslaw.com.