16 Apr 1895 - The Globe (London)

Page 6, Column 1, Link

"It is clearly contrary to the etiquette of the Bar for counsel to defend any prisoner for less than the minimum fee recognised by old-established usage." So says the "Law Journal," in a note on the statement that Sir Edward Clarke had offered to defend Mr. Oscar Wilde at the Old Bailey without a fee. One would have thought that the offer was quite in harmony with the etiquette of the profession, for it is certainly in keeping with its traditions, the old theory being that the advocate defended the prisoner in the interests of justice, and that any fee that was paid was in the nature of an honorarium. To this day barristers cannot sue for their fees. If it be true that it is contrary to the etiquette of the Bar for counsel to defend any prisoner for less than the recognised fee, it is time that the absurd position in which barristers stand as to the legal recovery of their fees was put an end to.