The guideline hourly rates (GHR) are an essential tool for costs assessments and budgeting within the civil justice system. They provide clarity and consistency when determining the reasonable and proportionate hourly rates that can be recovered between parties. For practitioners in Bristol, knowing the correct 2025 rates and how they apply regionally is vital for effective costs recovery and budgeting.

Bristol has become one of the UK’s leading regional legal hubs, home to numerous top-tier commercial law firms and barristers’ chambers. The city’s strong presence in financial services, insurance, and professional negligence work means that local rates often sit at the upper end of the National 1 band.

While Bristol firms may not match London’s higher rates, they frequently handle complex, high-value cases comparable to those managed by centrally based London firms. In such cases, a justified departure above the National 1 guidelines may be appropriate, particularly where work demands senior involvement or niche expertise.

Overview of the 2025 Updates

Following the most recent review by the Civil Justice Council, new rate increases took effect from 1 January 2025, reflecting a 3.65% uplift in line with inflation. This adjustment ensures that solicitors and other fee earners are remunerated fairly while maintaining proportionality for clients and opposing parties.

The 2025 uplift follows recommendations from a working group set up to examine whether the 2021 figures continued to reflect market conditions. That group consulted widely across the profession and gathered data on billing practices and regional differences. The final recommendations were approved by the judiciary, including the Head of Civil Justice, and supported by the Civil Justice Council to ensure the figures remain relevant and evidence-based.

The supervision of the guideline rates rests with the senior judiciary, led by Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls. As Master of the Rolls, he is responsible for overseeing the civil justice system and has emphasised the importance of maintaining up-to-date and fair cost guidance.

Under his leadership, the working group and the Civil Justice Council continue to monitor developments in the legal sector to ensure that the GHR evolve alongside modern practice trends. These include hybrid working models, regional differences in overheads, and the increased use of technology in litigation management.

What are the Guideline Hourly Rates in Bristol 2025 (National 1 Band)?

Bristol falls under National Band 1, which covers major regional centres outside London, such as Cardiff, Birmingham, and Manchester. The 2025 Guideline Hourly Rates for National 1 are:

These figures act as a benchmark for summary and detailed assessments but are not mandatory. The courts retain discretion to depart from the guidelines if justified by the case’s complexity, urgency, or value.

Applying the Rates in Practice

When preparing bills of costs or budgets, solicitors in Bristol should treat the 2025 GHR as a starting point. If a higher rate is claimed, clear justification should be included. Examples of justification may include:

• Exceptional complexity or urgency in the litigation;
• The case involving commercial and corporate work requiring specialist expertise;
• The seniority or experience of the fee earner handling the matter; or
• The need for work comparable in intensity to that of centrally based London firms.

In some heavy commercial and corporate disputes, firms in Bristol may be able to justify rates exceeding the National 1 figures. The courts, however, expect evidence to be specific and credible — generalised statements about case complexity or workload are insufficient.

ARC Costs regularly assists law firms in preparing Bills of Costs, Points of Reply, and Precedent H budgets that correctly reflect the guideline figures, ensuring consistency and defensibility on assessment.

How can ARC Costs assist?

At ARC Costs, our experienced Costs Lawyers and Draftsmen support solicitors and clients in all aspects of legal costs management, from drafting Bills of Costs and budgets to advocacy at detailed assessments.

We help firms apply the guideline hourly rates correctly, ensuring that any uplifts are supported by evidence and fully justified to maximise recoverability of fees. Whether you are seeking to recover costs at the 2025 rates or defending a claim for higher fees, our team ensures your position is presented clearly and persuasively.

As independent costs experts, we also regularly assist Paying Parties, and can advise on negotiations and the issue of appropriate hourly rates that should apply to a dispute.

Contact ARC Costs today for professional guidance on the 2025 Guideline Hourly Rates in Bristol and expert assistance with all aspects of legal costs recovery and assessment.  The team can be contacted at info@arccosts.co.uk or via telephone on 01204 397302.

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