A barrister has a professional duty to provide accurate, competent, and diligent legal representation, ensuring compliance with legal principles, procedural rules, and professional standards.
Barrister Negligence Claims
Barristers play a crucial role in providing specialist legal advice and courtroom advocacy. Whether representing clients in complex litigation, advising on legal strategy, or drafting key legal documents, they are expected to uphold the highest professional standards.
However, when a barrister fails to meet their duty of care, the consequences can be severe, leading to financial loss, adverse legal outcomes, or reputational damage.
Barrister negligence occurs when a barrister fails to exercise reasonable care and skill in providing legal representation or advice, leading to negative consequences for their client. While barristers are typically highly trained and regulated professionals, they can still make errors that amount to professional negligence.
Where barrister negligence can occur
There are several ways a barrister may breach their duty of care, including:
• Incorrect legal advice
• Failure to follow client instructions
• Inadequate preparation
• Missed court deadlines
• Negligent advocacy
• Drafting errors
Negligent barrister representation can have serious legal and financial consequences, leading to unfavourable case outcomes, increased legal costs, and even loss of potential claims. Errors such as incorrect legal advice, missed court deadlines, or inadequate case preparation can significantly impact a client’s position. In some cases, poor advocacy or procedural mistakes may result in case dismissal, appeals, or further legal disputes, causing additional stress, disruption, and financial burden.
Bringing forward a tax advice negligence claim
If you have suffered financial loss or an adverse legal outcome due to a barrister’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
You must demonstrate that:
- The barrister owed you a duty of care.
- They breached their duty by failing to meet professional standards.
- Their negligence directly caused you financial or legal harm.
At Specters, we have extensive experience in handling barrister negligence claims. Our team will assess your case, gather necessary evidence, and provide expert legal guidance on the best course of action.
Our distinguished team is dedicated to meticulously handling your claim, ensuring every detail is addressed and your case is presented with the utmost precision. We begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your case, identifying all instances of negligence, and gathering the necessary documentation to build a robust argument. Our experts collaborate with leading professionals to provide authoritative testimonies that support your claim, while our seasoned litigators skill-fully navigate the legal landscape to advocate for your interests.
We understand the significant impact barrister negligence can have on your personal and professional life. Therefore, we are committed to providing a personalised and strategic approach to your case, ensuring that your unique needs and objectives are fully met.
Our legal negligence solicitors
Frequently asked questions
Can I complain to a regulatory body instead?
Yes. The Bar Standards Board (BSB) regulates barristers and can investigate misconduct complaints. However, if you have suffered financial loss, a professional negligence claim is often the best course of action.
How can I fund my claim?
Specters offer no win, no fee arrangements for most tax advice negligence claims. This means you can proceed with confidence, knowing you won’t face financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful.
What can I claim for?
If a barrister has been negligent, you may be able to claim for:
- Financial losses resulting from incorrect legal advice.
- Increased legal costs due to errors that required further legal intervention.
- Compensation for damages lost due to procedural mistakes.
