Who are Bright Line Law?
Jonathan Fisher QC, “an innovative silk” (Legal 500 2021), started Bright Line Law in 2016 to offer a modern way of delivering specialist advice and representation at the Bar. Bright Line Law specialises in money laundering and proceeds of crime, economic sanctions and tax investigation cases. Across these areas, Bright Line Law is involved in advice, advocacy, litigation, policy and strategy.
Bright Line Law is an innovative model, established by Jonathan Fisher QC and one of a small number of barrister firms to provide legal services through a corporate entity which is authorised by the Bar Standards Board. These services include Public Access and the right to conduct litigation. Bright Line Law delivers barrister services in a flexible and accessible way. From the beginning, Bright Line Law communicates with prospective clients and referrers directly without an intermediary or barrister’s clerk. This enables the salient issues arising in a particular case to be understood at the outset. Understanding that cost is a main concern of clients, fee arrangements may be fixed. Bright Line Law is regularly instructed by law and other professional firms as well as directly by companies of all sizes and members of the public.
All instructions are received by Bright Line Law and all work is performed by either Jonathan Fisher QC alone, or working alongside other barristers in independent practice who are instructed by Bright Line Law on a case-by-case basis. Bright Line Law has close professional relationships with two junior barristers in leading sets of barrister’s chambers who are former employees, Anita Clifford and Rachel Clark. Additionally, Bright Line Law works with solicitors, accountants, investigators, and expert witnesses, based in London or abroad, as a case requires.
Bright Line Law can be instructed to advise on or lead a case from the outset. At all times, the arrangements made between Bright line Law and its clients are transparent and there is a hands-on approach. Bright Line Law undertakes work on the Standard Contractual Terms for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers to Authorised Persons 2012 which are available here.
What is the 'bright line'?
The firm takes its name from the ‘bright line’ rule — a simple objective standard, based on the principles of thorough examination and integrity, which is applied in every case to resolve ambiguities.
Bright Line Law works to ensure that its clients stay on the right side of the bright line. Where clients have unwittingly strayed across the line, Bright Line Law is able to support clients through a difficult time with its specialist advisory, advocacy and litigation services.
Why was Bright Line Law established?
Bright Line Law was established to enable clients to access specialist barrister services in a contemporary and commercially sensitive environment.
The approach is modern and agile. As a barrister law firm, Bright Line Law combines the delivery of traditional legal activities such as representing clients in court and giving ‘case specific’ advice (known as ‘reserved activities’ under the Legal Services Act 2007) with the provision of consultancy services on broader issues involving corporate governance, policy, strategy, and training.
What is Bright Line Law’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?
Bright Line Law is an advocate of equality and diversity at the Bar. Barristers instructed by Bright Line Law to deliver legal services come from diverse backgrounds, and may include those with foreign practice and professional experience. Everyone is treated equally and fairly regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, identity, or expression, marital or civil partnership status, political persuasion, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or gender, sexual orientation, or social background.
What is Bright Line Law’s pro bono commitment?
Pro bono advice and representation is important to Bright Line Law. It is a supporter of the International Lawyers Project which provides pro bono assistance to governments and civil society organisations on law reform. In 2020, Jonathan Fisher QC was appointed a Trustee of the International Lawyers Project.
For several years Bright Line Law has supported anti-corruption law reform projects in Eastern Europe and Africa, providing in-country assistance in the form of pro bono training of legal professionals and conference participation. Bright Line Law also represents persons of limited resources pro bono in select, meritorious cases.
What is Bright Line Law's commitment to corporate social responsibility?
The practice of law is a vocation and lawyers are important stakeholders in the development of society’s welfare and health.
To this end, Bright Line Law has established The White Collar Crime Centre to promote research into corporate wrongdoing, produce policy and strategic briefings, and provide consultancy and training services at the highest level.
The Centre is non-partisan and independent of government and external funding.
Who regulates Bright Line Law?
Bright Line Law is authorised and regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
As part of this regulation, Jonathan Fisher QC and all barristers instructed by Bright Line Law are registered on the BSB’s Barristers’ Register. This page also contains the BSB’s Entities’ Register, which lists Bright Line Law as an authorised entity: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/regulatory-requirements/the-barristers’-register/
Is Bright Line Law covered by professional indemnity insurance?
Bright Line Law is covered by professional indemnity insurance provided by Bar Mutual.