BARRISTERS CHAMBERS LTD | BAR SUPER FUND
 
HOME
SitemapSITEMAPContactCONTACT  
 
 
Search
Coming to the Bar

Other Information

Financial commitments

During the first 12 months at the Bar, you can expect at least the following financial commitments:

a.

The fee for the Readers' Course is set by the Bar Council and payable prior to the commencement of the course. The fee for 2008 is $3,771. The fee includes GST.

b.

A charge for affixing name plates to doors and the floor directories are in the range of $100-$150 but this charge can increase.

c.

The average telephone handset currently costs $250 and there is no connection fee.

d.

For the 2006/2007 year, the annual subscription to the Victorian Bar for barristers under one year's call is $350 (including GST). Subscriptions then rise to $590 (including GST) for those over 1 year call and then increase with every year at the Bar. Pro rata fees apply to readers and they are $50 (including GST) for March readers and $170 (including GST) for September readers.

e.

Rent for chambers varies with the size and location of chambers. A modest chamber would cost approximately $700.00 (including GST) per month.

f.

A practising certificate fee is payable when applying for a practising certificate or when renewing a practising certificate. A pro-rata fee is charged when a certificate is issued. The cost of renewal is currently $200.00. Before applying for a practising certificate, professional indemnity insurance must be obtained. The insurance premium varies with the level of cover purchased and the value of the barrister's annual fee receipts. In 2007/2008, a first year barrister would generally pay around $840 per annum for the minimum level of cover.

Clerking

As a member of the Bar, you are not obliged to retain a clerk but it is advisable that you do so. The clerks provide a valuable service both to solicitors and the public and to the members on their list. See our section on the role of clerks.

Each Clerking List has its own committee. You are free to choose your own list and clerk, subject to being admitted by the list committee. You should apply in writing to the chairperson of the List enclosing your curriculum vitae. It is strongly recommended that you apply to more than one list. We suggest that you lodge your application to join a list simultaneously with your application to sign the Bar roll.

Accommodation

Barristers' Chambers Limited ("BCL") owns Owen Dixon Chambers East and Douglas Menzies Chambers. It leases Owen Dixon Chambers West at 525 Lonsdale Street which is connected to the existing Owen Dixon Chambers East. It also leases:

a.

the majority of floors in Joan Rosanove Chambers

b.

floor 27 of 200 Queen Street; and

c.

floors 8 and 9, 555 Lonsdale Street.

The offices of BCL are located on the 1st Floor, Douglas Menzies Chambers, 180 William Street Melbourne. Members are invited to go to the BCL section on this web site to ascertain the available vacancies. For enquiries relating to accommodation, see our section on BCL staff.

Generally, where there is competition, BCL allocates rooms according to seniority (calculated in accordance with length of time on the Bar roll, less deductions for time spent away from the Bar). BCL has specific policies on the allocation of chambers.

 

BACK TO TOP
 
 
   Disclaimer | Privacy | Sitemap | Contact © Vic Bar Inc - Reg. No. A00343046  
  Site designed by Icon Inc