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. We are a barrister law firm specialising in money laundering and proceeds of crime, economic sanctions and tax investigation cases. Across these areas, we are involved in advice, advocacy, litigation, policy and strategy.
We have 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. We deliver barrister services in a flexible and accessible way. From the beginning, we communicate 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. We are 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 performed by our barristers. Bright Line Law can be instructed to advise on or lead a case from the outset. One or more individual barristers at Bright Line Law can also be instructed to contribute to an existing legal team. At all times, the barrister or barristers performing the work on behalf of Bright Line Law is clear and there is a hands-on approach. We undertake 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'?
We take our 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.
We work to ensure that our clients stay on the right side of the bright line. Where clients have unwittingly strayed across the line, we are able to support clients through a difficult time with our 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.
Our approach is modern and agile. As a barrister law firm, we combine 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?
We are an advocate of equality and diversity at the Bar. One of the aims of our founder and lead counsel Jonathan Fisher QC is to nurture the talent of young barristers with an interest in its focused practice areas and to assist them in creating successful practices.
Bright Line Law’s barristers come from diverse backgrounds, and 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, we 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?
We are authorised and regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
As part of this regulation, all barristers 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.