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REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

HireABarrister.com

Effective date: 18 February 2026 | Last updated: 18 February 2026

1. Overview

This policy sets out how refunds and cancellations are handled for services arranged through HireABarrister.com (the Platform).

Important: The primary terms governing refunds and cancellations for legal services are set out in the Client Care Letter (CCL) agreed between you and your Barrister. This policy supplements, but does not override, the CCL.

2. Before the Client Care Letter Is Accepted

If an Engagement does not proceed and no Client Care Letter has been accepted:

  • No payment will have been taken (payment cannot be processed before CCL acceptance)
  • No fees are owed by Client or Barrister
  • The Client Service Fee is not charged

3. After Client Care Letter Acceptance but Before Work Commences

3.1 Consumer Cooling-Off Period

Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, Clients who are consumers may cancel within 14 days of the agreement without giving a reason.

However, if you have expressly requested that work begin within the cooling-off period and the Barrister has commenced work, you may be required to pay for work already completed. This will be set out in the Client Care Letter.

3.2 Cancellation by Client

If the Client cancels after accepting the CCL but before the Barrister has commenced work:

  • The Barrister's professional fee will be refunded in full, subject to the CCL terms
  • The Client Service Fee (5%) is non-refundable as Platform services have been provided
  • Any Stripe processing fees incurred are non-recoverable

3.3 Cancellation by Barrister

If the Barrister withdraws before commencing work:

  • The full payment (Barrister fee and Client Service Fee) will be refunded to the Client
  • The Platform will assist the Client in finding an alternative Barrister where possible

4. After Work Has Commenced

4.1 Governed by the Client Care Letter

Once the Barrister has commenced work, refund entitlement is governed by the terms of the Client Care Letter. The Barrister sets their own cancellation and refund terms, which may include:

  • Non-refundable deposits or preparation fees
  • Cancellation charges based on notice period
  • Pro-rata charges for work completed
  • Full retention of fees for late cancellation

4.2 Platform Facilitation

We facilitate refunds but do not determine entitlement. Refund entitlement for legal services is a matter between Client and Barrister as set out in the Client Care Letter.

Where a refund is agreed between Client and Barrister, we will process it through Stripe. Refunds are returned to the original payment method. Processing may take 5 to 10 business days.

4.3 Client Service Fee on Refunds

Where the Barrister issues a full refund of their professional fee, the Client Service Fee will also be refunded.

Where the Barrister issues a partial refund, the Client Service Fee is adjusted proportionally to the refunded amount.

5. Hearing Cancellations and Adjournments

If a court hearing is adjourned or vacated:

  • Refund entitlement depends on the CCL terms and how much notice was given
  • Barristers who have prepared for a hearing are typically entitled to retain preparation fees
  • The Platform cannot override the Barrister's fee terms

6. Disputes About Refunds

If you disagree with a Barrister's refund decision:

  1. Raise the issue directly with the Barrister
  2. If unresolved, use the Barrister's complaints procedure as set out in the CCL
  3. If still unresolved, contact the Legal Ombudsman at www.legalombudsman.org.uk

The Platform does not adjudicate refund disputes between Clients and Barristers.

7. Platform Service Issues

If the Platform itself fails to deliver a service (for example, a technical failure that prevents access to case management tools), we will consider refund requests for the Client Service Fee on a case-by-case basis. Contact: legal@hireabarrister.com.

8. Contact

For refund queries: legal@hireabarrister.com

For complaints about legal services: contact your Barrister or the Legal Ombudsman.