Barrister Fees Calculator
Estimated Barrister Costs
Brief Fee (Day 1)-
Refresher Fee (subsequent days)-
Advisory / Preparation Fee-
VAT (20%)-
Total Estimated Barrister Cost-
Barrister Fee Ranges by Seniority 2025/26
| Seniority | Hourly Rate | Brief Fee (1 day) | Daily Refresher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior (1-5 yrs) | £150-£300 | £750-£2,000 | £500-£1,500 |
| Junior (5-10 yrs) | £250-£500 | £1,500-£4,000 | £1,000-£2,500 |
| Junior (10-15 yrs) | £400-£700 | £3,000-£7,000 | £2,000-£4,500 |
| Senior Junior (15+) | £500-£1,000 | £5,000-£12,000 | £3,500-£7,000 |
| King's Counsel (KC) | £800-£2,500+ | £10,000-£50,000+ | £5,000-£25,000 |
Average Fees by Case Type
Civil Brief
£2,500
Family Hearing
£1,500
Criminal Trial
£3,000
Employment
£2,000
Written Opinion
£500-2k
KC Day Rate
£5k-15k
How to Use This Calculator
1
Select barrister seniority
Choose the level of barrister needed — from newly qualified junior to King's Counsel.
2
Choose the case type
Different practice areas have different fee norms.
3
Enter hearing days
Brief fee covers day 1; subsequent days are charged at the refresher rate.
4
Select work scope
Choose whether you need hearing only, advice, or full preparation.
5
Review the estimate
The total includes brief fee, refreshers, advisory fees and VAT at 20%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a barrister cost per day?
A junior barrister with 5-10 years experience typically charges 1,500-4,000 pounds per day for the first hearing day (brief fee), with refresher fees of 1,000-2,500 per subsequent day. A Kings Counsel can charge 10,000-50,000+ per day. Rates vary significantly by practice area and location.
What is a brief fee?
A brief fee is the barristers charge for the first day of a hearing. It covers preparation and advocacy for that day. Subsequent hearing days are charged at a refresher rate, typically 60-75% of the brief fee. The brief fee is separate from any advisory or drafting work.
Can I instruct a barrister directly?
Yes, through the Direct Access (Public Access) scheme. Many barristers accept direct instructions from members of the public without needing a solicitor. This can save money but means you handle case management yourself. Check the Bar Councils directory for Direct Access barristers.
What is the difference between junior and KC?
A junior barrister is any barrister who is not a Kings Counsel, regardless of experience. A KC (formerly QC) is a senior barrister appointed by the Crown on merit after typically 15+ years of practice. KCs handle the most complex and high-value cases. In some cases, a junior is instructed alongside a KC.
Do barristers charge VAT?
Yes, barristers who are VAT registered charge VAT at 20% on their fees. Most practising barristers are VAT registered as their turnover exceeds the registration threshold. The VAT is payable in addition to the brief fee and any other charges.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.