A survey of barristers' fees by the ESRI may not be completed because of the poor response rate from members of the profession.
The survey, commissioned by the Bar Council, aims to establish the areas in which people are working, the level of fees earned and the length of time it takes to get established. However, junior barristers, in particular, have been reluctant to return questionnaires.
Subscribers to the Law Library were sent questionnaires at Easter, and a second call went out in May, according to the Bar Council's public relations manager, Ms Jeanne McDonagh, but there has only been a 50 per cent response.
"The seniors have been excellent, but the juniors have problems with it." she said. "Perhaps they want to appear to be earning more than they are."
She said the survey was confidential.
Another request is being made next week for the return of the questionnaires. A response of at least 70 to 80 per cent is needed to ensure the data on which the conclusions are based are accurate.