Barristers rate the quality of service they provide far higher than those who receive it, according to a new poll commissioned by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and released today (22 November).

According to the findings of the MORI poll, which surveyed solicitors, prisoners and members of the public as well as barristers between December 2006 and August 2007, 89% of barristers said they were satisfied they spent enough time with their clients.

However, just two-thirds (66%) of solicitors agreed – a proportion that dropped to 57% among members of the general public.

By contrast, 96% of participants in the survey said barristers are honest, act with integrity and provide 'good' or 'excellent' advice and guidance.

The survey, which will be conducted on a regular basis every two to three years, is in line with a BSB pledge to make evidence-based regulation a cornerstone of its regime.

BSB chair Ruth Evans commented: "Whilst this research demonstrates that there is considerable public and professional confidence in barristers, it also provides us with important evidence about a number of areas of critical importance for the future of the Bar and the services it provides."

She added: "The Bar's approach to client care will need to be developed so that consumers can feel able to raise legitimate concerns about the service they receive."

The poll also showed that a majority of barristers (57%) felt the current system was not effective at dealing with sub-standard performance.

However, while 47% of barristers believe the public think they are out of touch with ordinary people, just 16% of the general public agreed.

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