In a previous post I commented on the unsatisfactory way that legal costs case law (see post) is scattered all over the place and the problems this causes trying to keep on top of developments. One potential solution to this problem may come from the re-launched Costs Law Reports. This is a publication that has […]
It is not unusual for me to make offers in relation to claimants’ bills of costs that represents only a fraction of the amount claimed. However, from time to time the response I receive is not simply the inevitable one of displeasure but what appears to be a genuine reaction of incredulity. There appears to
Reasonable legal costs – Compared to what? Read More »
You wait ages for an interesting legal costs decision from the Court of Appeal and then two come along together. Both cases concerned a similar issue as to the extent of a costs judge’s discretion to limit costs in a manner that appears to go beyond a strict reading of the final costs order.
Court of Appeal Legal Costs Judgments Read More »
I acted in a detailed assessment recently where the Claimant had failed to serve a statement of reasons in respect of the success fee in accordance with CPD 32.5(3) when serving the bill of costs and notice of commencement. The appropriate statement was subsequently served. It was argued for the Defendant that the failure to
Middleton v Vosper Thornecroft (UK) Ltd Read More »
The 2010 edition of the Association of Law Costs Draftsmen’s diary contains advertisements from six barristers’ chambers holding themselves out as specialists in legal costs matters. Five of these give the names of the barristers in their costs teams. The number of named individuals totals 49. There are a number of other chambers who have
Specialist costs counsel Read More »
Arguably, Lord Justice Jackson’s most significant recommendation, in his Final Report, is an end to recovery between the parties of success fees. This proposal will lead to obvious and huge savings to defendants. Those who think that current political uncertainty will lead to much of the Report being shelved should think again. Whichever party is
Jackson Report – Success fees Read More »
I have recently been commenting on the forthcoming publication of Civil Costs – Law and Practice, a new book by Dr Mark Friston. To give you some idea as to the scope and ambition of this book have a look at this sample chapter (external link). This chapter deals with the important topic of contracts
Dr Friston's Civil Costs – A short teaser Read More »
I recently came across a job advertisement for a trainee costs draftsman with the following wording: “Are you seeking a career option that is secure? Would you like to work in a niche market? Would you like to work in the field of Law Costs?”. Secure? Have I missed something?
Costs draftsman – A secure career Read More »
Before defendants get too excited about the positive recommendations that appear in Lord Justice Jackson’s final report on his Review of Civil Litigation Costs it is time for a reality check. The first point to note is that we do not know which, if any, of the proposals in the report will be implemented or
Have defendants been stitched up? Read More »
BAILII is a wonderful, and free, resource and contains a section specifically devoted to recent costs law decisions. These are usually mirrored in the excellent, free, Senior Courts Costs Office website transcripts section. The downside with these sites is that the first does not provide case summaries and the second provides summaries for some cases
Legal costs case law Read More »
