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Terms of Engagement
The information below is published in line with the Bar Standards Board transparency rules. It covers the regulatory status of Astons Law Chambers, its fees, the services it provides, timescales, complaints, and professional indemnity insurance.
Regulatory status
Astons Law Chambers is a set of barristers' chambers regulated by the Bar Standards Board. Its barristers' entries appear on the BSB Barristers' Register.
Pricing and fees
Pricing models, indicative fees, and VAT status are published in full on the Fees page. A clear quotation and the basis of charging are agreed with you before any work begins.
Description of services
The barristers at Astons Law Chambers practise in criminal defence. Every case is different; the key stages of a typical instruction are:
- Initial consultation. Taking full instructions from you, in person or remotely.
- Review of evidence. Analysing the Initial Details of the Prosecution Case, and the used and unused material.
- Advice. 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. Advocacy at first appearances, case management hearings, trial, and sentencing.
Timescales
The timeline for a case varies with court availability, the complexity of the evidence, the availability of witnesses, and the actions of the prosecution. The Timescales page sets out indicative durations and the factors that affect them.
Complaints and redress
If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, you have the right to complain. The Complaints procedure explains how to complain and how to escalate a matter to the Legal Ombudsman, including the relevant time limits. The Legal Ombudsman also publishes decision data on legal service providers.
Professional indemnity insurance
All barristers at Astons Law Chambers hold professional indemnity insurance with the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund (BMIF), covering the legal services they provide to the public.
Information is available in alternative formats, such as large print, on request. Contact info@astonslaw.com.