Richmond Chambers invites applications from established immigration barristers of all levels of call to join our immigration team on a dual practice basis. This is an excellent opportunity for successful members of the bar to supplement their existing practice with good quality private client direct access work.
What is dual practice?
Dual practice barristers remain self-employed members of their existing chambers, but they also join Richmond Chambers on a part-time basis and register for ‘dual capacity’ with the BSB. This enables them to accept instructions from clients of Richmond Chambers.
Once registered, dual practice barristers continue to practice at, and receive instructions from, their existing chambers, in the traditional way, but they also have the opportunity to advise and represent private clients of Richmond Chambers. You can fit this additional source of work in around your existing practice. Paralegal assistance from our legal associates can be arranged, should this be required, and there are no clerks fees or chambers rent.
How does it work in practice?
Registering as a dual practice barrister typically takes no more than a day or two. We’ll help you to complete the necessary paperwork and liaise with the Bar Council on your behalf.
As a dual practice barrister, you will have complete control over the work that you take on. There is no requirement to take on any particular case or any number of cases. We operate a pool system, whereby you will have access, via an online portal, to new enquiries that come into Chambers.
We receive a high number of enquiries from private individuals every day, spanning the full range of personal and business immigration, as well as solicitor instructions. You will be able to select the enquiries that best suit your experience, interests and availability. The ‘cab-rank’ rule does not apply to us, and this complete flexibility means that you will be able to choose work that fits around your other professional commitments. We are happy to work with your clerks to manage your diary.
We’ve worked hard to ensure that our compliance controls and procedures result in the highest standards of client care being delivered without compromising the freedom and flexibility offered to our barristers, or becoming overly intrusive or time consuming. Our cloud based case management and document sharing systems, combined with video conferencing technology, ensure that remote working is possible. We do not use paper files, and you will not be required to come into chambers to work on your cases.
Conferences take place in attractive conference rooms in our prestigious Covent Garden offices or online and we supply all branded stationery and other equipment that you may require.
Our team of administrators, legal associates and pupils are here to help you with all manner of tasks ranging from taking notes at conferences and court hearings, to taking and drafting witness statements, preparing bundles, legal research and drafting.
What about fees?
Remuneration is based on a fixed percentage of fees received in your cases, and you (or your clerks) will invoice us on a monthly basis in accordance with your contract with us. This is not a referral arrangement and we do not charge traditional clerk’s fees or chambers rent. Because all our work is conducted on an agreed fee basis, with payments obtained from clients in advance, you won’t have to worry about an aged debt. We’ll pay you on a monthly basis in respect of all fees received in the previous month.
You will be treated as self-employed under the terms of your contract for the purposes of tax and National Insurance, although for regulatory and insurance purposes only you will be considered to be an employee of Richmond Chambers.
“Having been at Richmond Chambers for over four years, I have had the opportunity to work within an exceptionally knowledgeable immigration team, while having the freedom to develop my own practice in the way that I want. As a barrister, I am supported by good administration, excellent technology and a real flexibility in the way that I work. This leaves me free to concentrate on my large but interesting caseload.” Gillian McCall, Immigration Barrister
How can I find out more?
If you are a practising immigration barrister with a successful practice and would like to learn more about joining Richmond Chambers on a dual practice basis, please send a covering letter and CV to our HR Manager, Nancy Holland (nancy.holland@richmondchambers.com).
We encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or belief, or disability.
All expressions of interest will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
