An engraving of a barrister’s wig.

How to Instruct Jacob Gifford Head

The majority of my work is carried out in a traditional way: I work in partnership with a solicitor, providing specific advice and advocacy when necessary. Some of my work is also carried out under the Bar Council’s Public Access (sometimes called Direct Access) scheme without the involvement of a solicitor. Which method is appropriate will depend on the nature of the work and the client. I am therefore always happy to be discuss with prospective solicitors, individuals and companies how best to carry out the work required.

For Solicitors

I welcome instructions to advise and provide representation in a wide-range of different types of cases. I am happy to appear in any court within the jurisdiction and frequently receive instructions at short notice.

For solicitors wishing to instruct me, I usually recommend contacting my clerks directly on +44 (0) 20 7404 7000 since they can give full details of my availability and fees. I am always happy to read through papers to see whether I would be suitable for a case before formally accepting instructions.

I accept both privately- and publicly-funded briefs, and am happy to consider CFAs and other alternative funding models where appropriate. For private work, fees can arranged on an hourly-rate; fixed-fee; or brief-fee and refresher basis, depending on the nature of the case. Professional services and instructions are offered and accepted on the Standard Conditions of Contract for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers to Authorised Persons 2012.

For Companies

I provide a number of different services to companies and have experience representing organisations which range from small, unincorporated, firms to large multinationals.

Examples of Work Carried Out

Much of my corporate and commercial work involves representing clients in court or before tribunals. This can range from commercial disputes within the civil courts, defending in the Employment Tribunal, to representing companies and their directors in criminal proceedings brought for alleged regulatory failures. Whatever the nature of the case, my aim is to provide advice in clear commercial terms, so that the company can take an informed decision as to whether to bring, contest, settle or concede proceedings.

I also am happy to advise as to whether proceedings should be started; chances of success; how a case should be prepared; whether a case should be settled; and for how much. In doing so, I often carry out negotiations for clients or help draft pleadings, letters and other documents.

Equally, many companies find it helpful to seek my advice in order to avoid a legal dispute, either by drafting contracts or documents or advising them as to problems they might encounter if they follow a particular course of conduct.

How to Instruct Me

Much of my corporate and commercial work involves representing clients in court or before tribunals. This can range from commercial disputes within the civil courts, defending in the Employment Tribunal, to representing companies and their directors in criminal proceedings brought for alleged regulatory failures. Whatever the nature of the case, my aim is to provide advice in clear commercial terms, so that the company can take an informed decision as to whether to bring, contest, settle or concede proceedings.

I also am happy to advise as to whether proceedings should be started; chances of success; how a case should be prepared; whether a case should be settled; and for how much. In doing so, I often carry out negotiations for clients or help draft pleadings, letters and other documents.

Equally, many companies find it helpful to seek my advice in order to avoid a legal dispute, either by drafting contracts or documents or advising them as to problems they might encounter if they follow a particular course of conduct.

For Members of the Public

I provide a wide range of services to members of the public, ranging from representation in court, to advice and negotiation. This page gives some details of my services and how members of the public can instruct me. However, it is often easiest to contact my clerks directly to discuss how I can help.

How to Instruct Me?

Members of the public are able to instruct me in two ways. In the “traditional” method, the client retains a solicitor who will then have conduct of the case and can instruct me for advice or representation when necessary. Alternatively, in the “public access” (sometimes called “direct access”) method, members of the public can use my services without involving any other professionals.

Which method will be appropriate will depend on a number of factors, including:

  1. The nature and complexity of the work which needs to be carried out;

  2. Whether I am asked to provide advice, representation or both;

  3. How long any hearings will take and how complex they are;

  4. Whether any investigation or evidence gathering needs to take place; and

  5. Whether the client is is happy to carry out some of the work himself or herself.

In general, the “traditional” method is most suitable when a case is complex and likely to go to a lengthy contested trial; whilst the “public access” method is more suitable in cases where the client wishes to receive advice or representation in shorter hearings and trials.

If we decide that the traditional method is more suitable but you do not know a solicitor, I can usually recommend one to help.

Since every case and legal problem is unique, I invite potential clients to contact my clerks with a brief outline of their problem and the help they might need. If the case appears suitable for public access, we can then discuss what work is required or, if the case would benefit from the involvement of a solicitor, I can recommend a firm depending on location, area of law and budget. No fees will be incurred until I am formally instructed.

What Services Do I Provide?

As a barrister, much of my work involves representing clients in court, and I welcome instructions to appear before any court within the jurisdiction. Clients also find there is a great benefit in having an advocacy specialist representing them in proceedings before Tribunals (ranging from statutory bodies, such as the Employment Tribunal, to professional disciplinary tribunals), or representing them in other, ad hoc, meetings or hearings.

I also am happy to advise as to whether proceedings should be started; chances of success; how a case should be prepared; whether a case should be settled; and for how much. In doing so, I often carry out negotiations for clients or help draft pleadings, letters and other documents.

Finally, some clients find it helpful to seek my advice in order to avoid a legal dispute, either by drafting contracts or documents or advising them as to problems they might encounter if they follow a particular course of conduct.

Fees

I aim to keep my fees as affordable as possible, through minimising overheads and avoiding the overcharging which blights much of the legal profession. I believe they always represent excellent value to the client and, indeed, will only accept instructions when I believe my services will add value to the client.

For members of a public who are instructing me in the traditional way, through a solicitor, it is not usually necessary for them to be directly involved with discussions over fees: this is one of the services which the solicitor will provide and the client will just pay one set of bills to the solicitor.

For members of the public instructing me on a “public access” basis, once we have a understanding of the work that is required, fees are then usually agreed in consultation with my clerks, who can also provide quotations for other members of chambers, when required. Fees can be quoted on a number of different basis, depending on the work required (e.g. fixed fees, hourly rates etc.). Please get in touch with my clerks for a no-obligation quotation.

Contact Details

An icon of an old map of Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

If you are interested in instructing me—whether as a solicitor or a member of the public—it is usually best to make an initial enquiry to my clerks on + 44 (0)20 7404 7000 or by clerks@thomasmore.co.uk. They are generally available to answer calls from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and have access to my professional diary so can give you details of my availability and fees.

  • Post: Thomas More Chambers, 7 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP. (Google Map)
  • Telephone: + 44 (0)20 7404 7000.
  • Fax: + 44 (0)20 7831 4606.
  • DX: 90 Chancery Lane.
  • Clerking email: clerks@thomasmore.co.uk
  • Email: .
  • Secure Email: CJSM: jacob.gifford-head@tmchambers.cjsm.net and other means. Please contact me for further details.