Various elements of rates of reward

Fees for barristers have two, and sometimes three, elements. They also vary between senior and junior counsel.

The first element is known as a "brief" fee, which covers all the preparation of the case and the first day in court. The second and subsequent days are covered by what are known as "refresher" fees. If a case or a tribunal runs for longer than, say, 30 days, the refresher fees are reduced, though not by a great amount.

Definite fees are usually also set for senior and junior counsel, with the junior being paid on average two-thirds of the senior's fees. In very big cases, and in tribunals, each side has two senior counsel and one junior.

If a client disputes the level of fees charged and awarded by one of the higher courts, he or she can go to the Taxing Master. There are two of them, Master Charles Moran and Master James Flynn, and they are attached to the High Court, with the same rank as a High Court judge.

In the year ending on July 31st last 427 bills went to them. The total amount claimed was £9,396,401. This total was reduced to £7,277,346. Master Flynn reduced the bills by 20 per cent and Master Moran by almost 27 per cent.