How many solicitors obey the law by giving cost estimates in advance?

THE first time I heard the word “disingenuous” was in a court where a barrister, during the joust, described her “friend” (the opposing barrister, for those who don’t understand the parlance of such antiquated legal niceties) as being less than wholly truthful.

I was reminded of this scenario as I read of the latest morsel of quality standards proffered by the legal profession — the recent ruling announced by the Bar Council requiring its members to provide fee estimates (in advance, one presumes) for services to be provided.

Now I would ask readers to reflect on what happens with the other arm of legal advocacy — solicitors.