Interesting case just reported on BAILII where I acted for C involving interim statute bills, discounted CFAs, special circumstances and Chamberlain bills.

Excellent as always from Gordon Exall on this case where I acted for C (inst by checkmylegalfees.com )It's an interesting case and a cautionary tale about solicitors getting things right when agreeing fees or terminating retainers. 1/2

It's also likely to be the last published judgment of Master Haworth who retired on 1st Jan. I experienced his wrath many times when defending the indefensible (in his eyes!) but always found him to be a very fair judge to be before. 2/2

it's white book day! The costs and funding supplement, now running to 660 pages is as valuable as the other two volumes I think.

It's as though someone videotaped my recurring nightmares and put it on the internet.

This case on disclosure, solicitors providing an indemnity for costs and whether this amounts to insurance and security for costs in solicitors act cases is now on Bailii: bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…

An important outcome not just for SG but for personal injury firms in general. These costs cases are not going away. lawgazette.co.uk/news/court-rej…

Permission granted by Court of Appeal for 2nd appeal in SGI Legal LLP v Karatysz [2021] EWHC 1608 (QB) re: s.70(9) of sols act (1/5 rule) and the amount of a bill of costs. Busy year for costs appeals...

Court of Appeal has today refused Slater & Gordon permission for a second appeal in the Edwards / Raubenheimer cases - reported here caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewhc/qb/2022/1… - on all grounds.

Some thoughts on the effects of Belsner v CAM Legal going forward and what the implications of the judgment might be for solicitors and assessments of portal costs. gatehouselaw.co.uk/belsner-v-cam-…

Confirmed in the High court today (Stacey J sitting with CJ Rowley) that Mullaraj v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Part 36 offers and costs of assessment) is wrong. Court must consider factors at 47.20.

Those of us who visit the SCCO regularly have a head start on calling Masters "judge" in court as we've had to get out of the habit of addressing them as Master for some time now. All appear forgiving of the occasional slip...Personally I think "Master" is outdated.

I'm speaking at the Liverpool Law Society Costs Conference (being held online) on 8th March alongside a stellar line-up on "The Solicitor and Client relationship: What can go wrong (and what to do about it)" Details here: liverpoollawsociety.org.uk/training-cours…

Priya Gopal considers the important decision in TRX v Southampton Football Club and the guidance given in relation to costs of detailed assessment. Robin Dunne and Priya Gopal appeared for the Respondent / Paying Party in TRX v Southampton Football Club. bit.ly/3R5enCt

Can one judge make a costs order and a different judge undertake the summary assessment? No says the court of appeal in case handed down today, where I acted for the appellant. The judge making the order must conduct the summary assessment. caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewca/civ/2023/…

New edition of the indispensable Friston on Costs coming soon from @Mark_Friston, will also include a digital pack and ebook option which will mean I no longer have to try and photocopy key pages for hearings (usually missing the key text!) global.oup.com/academic/produ…

Costs, Actually. My latest article on costs, with very tenuous references to Hugh Grant films #CPRPart36 #CivilProcedureRules #CivilLitigation #Costs

Noticed a vacancy for the senior costs judge on the Jac website. The new SCJ will be my third since I started which sadly reflects my age. My first ever assessment was before the present one (before he was SCJ) in Clifford's inn on a bill of £4k...big shoes to fill