Frequently Asked Questions
What do I have to pay?
The subscription to myBarrister is
- 7+ Years' Call: £1,200.00 + VAT = £1,440.00
- 4-7 Years' Call: £800 + VAT = £960.00
- 0-3 Years' Call: £400 + VAT = £480.00
allowable against tax. The subscription is payable in advance. We take no commission or percentage, and there are no further charges of any kind. For monthly installments please contact us on 0207 831 9521.
How long is the subscription period?
Membership runs for twelve months.
Do clients have to pay?
No. The service is completely free for clients to use.
Who can join myBarrister™?
Any barrister with a current practicing certificate and who is qualified for Direct Access. myBarrister is not for everyone - we talk to all our barristers before admitting them to membership.
How is myBarrister™ marketed to clients?
myBarrister is investing in a sophisticated marketing programme using the latest online and digital techniques. We will ‘interrupt search’, putting myBarrister in the path of people and businesses who are searching for help with their legal issues.
We are also using PR to generate media coverage in both consumer and business media.
How do I build my myBarrister™ profile?
Have a look at the sample profile on the site, and at the guidelines provided there. Once you've paid your subscription, you can build your own profile. You can paste in content you’ve used elsewhere or produce your own.
We recommend spending some time on your profile, as it’s your face to the world. Try and make it as appealing and easy to read as possible.
Why do I have to select a ‘Primary Specialism’?
myBarrister promises to match clients with a true specialist, so we’d like you to indicate your main specialism. These are fairly broad, with twenty to choose from across personal and business.
Can I include other specialisms?
Yes. You can select up to two Secondary Specialisms. You can also mention specific expertise in your profile (for example ‘Pre-Nuptial Agreements’ or ‘Retail Leases’). Our search engine will pick up on all of these.
Can I edit my profile at any time?
Yes, you can make as many changes as you like, as often as you like. We recommend you fine-tune it to focus on the types of client you want,
Why do I have to enter my location?
We present clients with a shortlist of barristers who specialise in their issue and who are nearby. Clients often like to meet their barrister, so it sometimes sense to offer them nearby barristers.
If your practice is national, you can opt out and register for ‘Any Location’.
How does the ‘keyword search’ function work?
Clients will use this feature to search for what they specifically need. Our search engine then looks for these terms barristers’ profiles. So you should make sure your profile contains the terms that you think clients will use when they are searching..
Is the subscription tax-deductible?
Yes. It’s an allowable business expense, which will reduce the cost to you by your top tax rate. The net cost to a 40% taxpayer is therefore £720.00+VAT or £60.00+VAT a month.
Can my Clerk manage my myBarrister™ account?
Yes. They can use your username and password if you give them permission. You are responsible for the security of these details.
How do I respond to client enquiries?
By email or, if the client has provided a number, by phone. From this point on, you communicate directly with the client, not through myBarrister.
Do I have to offer a free first discussion?
Yes. In joining myBarrister you commit to offering a free first discussion (maximum half an hour) to clients with whom you start a discussion. If you reject an enquiry from a potential client, then this does not apply.
How does this affect my relationship with Chambers?
Many of our barristers have signed up as a group, in full discussion with their Chambers management. Others have signed up as individuals. Mybarrister is a complementary service to barristers and chambers: we simply provide an additional flow of work.
Can I monitor traffic to my profile?
Yes. You will have a personal dashboard where you can see who has contacted you and what search terms have been used to find you. There’s also a record of all contact forms that have been sent to you, so you can monitor your response.
Do I need to add a photo to my profile?
Definitely. Profiles with pictures get a better response. It’s easy to upload a photo, but if you have any concerns, we can do this for you.