"The bar represents an inexpensive way for law firms to handle some of the big, complicated and hidden litigation at rates which are far cheaper than the internal rates of a law firm."

Ms Harris said a client seeking expert advice should engage a barrister with about 10 years' post-admission experience because he or she could do the work for at least 50 per cent less than a firm.

She suggested a senior associate who transitions to the bar will go from charging up to $800 an hour in his/her old job to $250 an hour.

Mr Webb said he was looking forward to working closely with Ms Harris when she takes over the presidency of the Victorian Bar from Matt Collins, QC, in November.

Going into bat for the bar and its "value proposition": Wendy Harris, QC. Alina Gozin’a

"But I have an alternative view to what Wendy was saying about the practice of law in Victoria and probably Australia wide."

He said fees were often moderated due to an ongoing relationship with clients.

"How a barrister is charging $250 an hour also is questionable. I think that the costs are more significant than that. And I question the $800 that's quoted by Wendy ... if you want to go to the partner you are probably going to pay a higher price – similar to the price for a QC."


He said many firms were moving away from the pyramid model, under which most of the work is done by junior lawyers before a partner on much higher hourly rates – in the words used by Ms Harris – "sprinkles holy water" over it.

Arnold Bloch Leibler partner Leon Zwier says the bar is "underutilised". Tash Sorensen

Mr Webb, though, agreed with Ms Harris that "the work barristers do is becoming more and more concentrated on advocacy in significant matters".

"Barristers are usually brought in when they are needed, and they are not needed at all times."

He said he had been encouraged to respond by some large law firms.

"We don't have an issue with barristers seeking to get work," he said. "But we don't think they can do it faster and cheaper ... experienced lawyers in a firm are able to give that advice just as cheaply and just as quickly."

Mr Zwier offered qualified support for Ms Harris.

"I don't think they [solicitors] are taking advice work from the bar, but I certainly think the bar's not being utilised as well as it could be.

"There is no doubt that the model of the larger law firms is a pyramid model with a partner at the top; they have responsibility for a large number of senior associates and lawyers and grads – and they have to provide work for all of them.

"And there's no doubt that the big files in litigation, in particular, keep those pyramid structures busy and active."