The recent report by the Centre for Policy Studies argued that hourly rates charged by top London law firms are so high they risk restricting access to justice. The report also indicated that there is a shortage of competition between the top firms. While the figures used in the report appear to be accurate, the understanding of the work done by top firms, and the kind of clients they serve, was sadly lacking.
A partner at a top London law firm may occasionally recover £1,000 for an hour’s work, but it is unlikely he or she will be charging that for every hour worked throughout the year. Indeed, there will be many nil rate hours, for a variety of reasons good and bad, including the thousands of hours clocked up across the firms on pro bono work for those without means, including countries which need help with establishing the rule of law or negotiating international trade access.
