Keeping records

A barrister who accepts direct access instructions must keep a case record which sets out:

(a) the date of receipt of the instructions, the name of the lay client, the name of the case, and any requirements of the client on  time limits;

(b) the date on which the instructions were accepted;

(c) the dates of subsequent instructions, of the despatch of advices and other written work, of conferences and of telephone conversations;

(d) when agreed, the fee; and

(e) hearings attended and advice given.

These records should be retained for at least seven years.