At Astons Law Chambers, we believe that transparent pricing is essential. When you are facing a criminal allegation, you need to understand the costs involved so that you can make confident decisions about your legal representation. Our hands-on, client-focused approach means we take the time to explain your options clearly, ensuring you feel supported and heard.
This page explains how we charge for our legal services, the typical costs you can expect, and how to obtain a specific quotation for your case. As a set of chambers regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), we are committed to providing clear and accessible pricing information. This page is designed to fulfil the requirements of BSB Rule C159.2.
We offer a flexible pricing structure tailored to the specific needs of your case. After reviewing the initial details, we will propose the most suitable and cost-effective model for you. Our most commonly used pricing models are hourly rates, fixed fees, and a combination of a brief fee and refreshers for court hearings.
We charge an hourly rate for work where the total time required is difficult to predict. This often applies to advisory work, case preparation, legal research, written submissions, and conferences with you or your solicitor. We record time meticulously and can provide a clear breakdown of all work undertaken.
What is included:
For certain types of work, we can offer a fixed fee. This gives you complete certainty about the cost from the outset. Fixed fees are commonly used for specific, self-contained pieces of work.
Examples of fixed-fee services:
A fixed fee covers a pre-agreed scope of work. If the case becomes more complex or requires work outside that scope, we will discuss this with you and agree on any additional fees in advance.
For representation at a trial or a contested hearing, the standard approach is a brief fee and refresher fees.
The following table provides indicative fee ranges for our services, based on the seniority of the barrister. These figures are estimates and exclude VAT. A formal, written quotation will be provided once we have assessed the complexity of your case.
Service
Junior Barrister (Under 10 years' experience)
Senior Junior (10+ years' experience)
King's Counsel (KC)
Hourly Rate
£150 – £250
£250 – £450
£500+
Fixed Fee (e.g., short hearing)
£500 – £1,500
£1,500 – £3,000
£3,500+
Crown Court Brief Fee (1st day)
£1,500 – £5,000
£5,000 – £15,000
£15,000+
Crown Court Refresher (per day)
£750 – £2,000
£2,000 – £5,000
£5,000+
Please note: These are estimated ranges. Final fees depend on case complexity, urgency, and the specific work involved.
Several factors can influence the final cost of your legal representation. We will discuss these with you when providing a quotation. Key factors include:
All fees quoted are exclusive of VAT. VAT at the standard rate (currently 20%) will be added to all our fees.
In some cases, there may be additional costs, known as disbursements. These are costs related to your case that are paid to third parties, such as:
We will always discuss potential disbursements with you in advance and will not incur these costs without your prior approval.
Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs), sometimes known as "no-win, no-fee" arrangements, are generally not available for criminal defence work. However, in some ancillary matters, such as confiscation (POCA) appeals or certain regulatory cases, a conditional arrangement may be possible. This is subject to a detailed assessment of the case. Please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances.
We aim to make obtaining a quotation as simple as possible.
Payment can be made via bank transfer. For fixed fees and brief fees, we typically require payment on account before the work commences. We provide clear invoices and receipts for all payments.
We understand that funding legal representation can be a concern. We are always open to discussing flexible payment arrangements. Please speak to us to find a solution that works for you.
Our commitment is to be completely transparent. If you have any questions about our pricing, the quotation process, or how the costs might apply to your situation, please do not hesitate to ask. We are here to provide clarity and reassurance.
This pricing information is reviewed at least annually. Last reviewed: November 2025.