Budgeting for costs of JSM

“Joint Settlement Meetings (JSM) It is not generally an objection to an allowance being made for a JSM that one or other party thinks such a meeting is unlikely to be required (unless it is clear that one will not be required or appropriate). It can be budgeted for on the assumption that one will take place. If a JSM is not required, then that is likely to be a good reason to depart downwards from a budget allowance. Again, the order can be expected to state whether attendance at a JSM (or mediation, exceptionally) is assumed.” – from Costs Judge Simon Brown’s Note on costs budgeting in the King’s Bench involving high value personal injury claims