Red Bar Law is ABS number nine

A two member LLP which specialises in getting work done by barristers at cut-price rates is the latest ABS to be registered by the SRA.

Hatice Suvari, head of finance and administration at Red Bar Law, described the practice as a “fixed-cost firm” which negotiates discounted rates with barristers on the basis that they will be paid within 24 hours.

Suvari, a business consultant, told Solicitors Journal that clients would pay all, or part of their fee up front, but in return they would get peace of mind.

She said Red Bar’s growth model meant that it would start recruiting solicitors.

“There are so many good solicitors who would jump at the chance of working from home on a self-employed basis,” she said.

Suvari said any solicitors would be “closely watched” and given precise instructions.

Red Bar Law was set up by Suvari and John Esplen, formerly a partner at Barnes & Partners, and is based on Chancery Lane.

Its website promises: “We can obtain a barrister’s opinion from as little as £75 per hour because we are very well connected to several sets of chambers.”

It quotes fees of £10,000 to £12,000 for a divorce with a small asset base, £15,000 to £25,000 for a medium to large asset base and £30,000 to £35,000 for a large asset base.

The website goes on: “Red Bar is very confident of saving at least 30 per cent on costs for ALL our clients. Having established a good business relationship with our barristers, we are able to negotiate costs on behalf of our clients without compromising on the quality of the work that is produced.

“Barristers work well with Red Bar Law because we quickly identify what work is required, the costs involved, and we pay the barrister promptly upon completion of the work.”

Red Bar uses a panel of 120 barristers and advises on family disputes, civil litigation and probate.

Suvari added that external investment would be considered if the approach came from “someone sensible”.

“I would not rule anything out,” she said.