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Thrings Appointed to Bar Council Debt Recovery Panel

The Bar Council - the professional association which represents barristers in England and Wales – is enhancing its offering to members after forming a new strategic partnership with commercial law firm Thrings.

Thrings - whose Swindon offices are on Drakes Meadow – has been appointed to the Bar Council’s new debt recovery panel, which will help barristers collect outstanding fees from professional clients.

The new fees collection service provides a panel of solicitors’ firms for members of the Bar to choose from to assist with the collection of their outstanding fees. The formation of the panel follows the closure by the Bar Council of its fees collection service in 2015 after the introduction of Standard Contractual Terms in January 2013.

The panel will provide an essential service for barristers, many of whom are self-employed. With law firms appointed to the panel operating on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, as well as at fixed up-front rates, barristers can select the payment option which best suits their individual preference and circumstances.

The new service is open to all members of the Bar, with additional services for those who pay the Bar Representation Fee (BRF).

Founded in 1894, the Bar Council promotes the Bar's specialist advocacy and advisory services, provides fair access to justice for all, promotes the highest standards of ethics, equality and diversity across the profession, and develops business opportunities for barristers.

Paul Mosson, director of services at the Bar Council, said: “Our members need assurance that when we appoint an Affinity Partner, we are rigorous and commercial in our assessment. We were impressed with the experience and quality demonstrated by Thrings and feel confident our members will benefit from the appointment."

Ramona Derbyshire, litigation partner at Thrings, added: “Thrings is very pleased to have been appointed to the Bar Council’s panel of approved solicitors’ firms for debt recovery. Our team of specialists is looking forward to forging strong working relationships with barristers and Bar Council members.

“The recovery of outstanding fees is a new area for barristers, who can often feel exposed when payment is due. Thrings has been appointed by the Bar Council on the strength of its expertise in this area, and we welcome the opportunity to support and provide practical guidance to barristers during the often sensitive process of debt recovery.”