18 Aug 2021
We are aware that a group of immigration barristers is seeking to give pro bono assistance to Afghan nationals, who may be in need of urgent advice about seeking asylum in the UK. In such circumstances, it may not be possible to satisfy the normal requirement in the BSB Handbook for the terms of any instructions to be set out in writing and sent to the client in advance. The BSB wants to enable barristers to help those in urgent need. Barristers in this situation should seek to ensure the client understands the nature of the service being provided and that a record is kept of how they have done that and why it was not possible to send a letter. They should also consider following up in writing if and when that is feasible.
