Quality Mark for the Bar

Important note:

We are currently focussing our audit resource on our contracted suppliers and those whose funding is contingent on the award of the Quality Mark.

Therefore if your organisation does not fall into these categories, it is unlikely your application will be accepted or your organisation audited. We recommend you contact your LSC regional office to check the local position.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and if you would like to comment further, please write to the Quality Efficiencies and Diversity Department at the Head Office address.

About the Quality Mark

Quality Mark for the Bar, published in September 2002, is a new specialist level standard designed specifically for use in Chambers. It draws significantly on existing quality standards, especially the Bar Council's Code of Conduct, BARMARK and the Specialist Quality Mark.

In common with the development process for all Quality Mark standards, the LSC's objective has been to work in partnership with the Bar to ensure that the final standard commands wide support amongst the profession and its clients

Chambers may apply for Quality Mark for the Bar whether or not they conduct publicly funded work. Chambers who hold the Bar Council Quality standard 'BARMARK' will automatically be passported into the Quality Mark for the Bar, upon undertaking to meet the additional requirements within 12 months of application.

Chambers should have received a copy of the Quality Mark for the Bar First Edition, together with an application pack, by direct mailing during September 2002. Applications should be made to their LSC Regional Office.

Directory of Quality Marked Chambers

The Directory of Chambers who have been awarded Quality Mark for the Bar is updated monthly. Please note that members of Chambers are only able to give specific legal advice if instructed by a solicitor or a member of one of the professional bodies approved by the Bar Council under the Direct Professional Access rules or the BarDIRECT scheme.

For more information

For queries regarding the Quality Mark for the Bar and the application process please contact your LSC Regional Office or e-mail: qualitymark.forthebar@legalservices.gov.uk

>back to top

Last updated: 10 November 2003