Costs Round-Up #7
Welcome to a round-up of the best costs-related news and posts published this week.
Gordon Exall, Barrister chose to start the week with a timely reminder of the Government consultation process on an increase in Court fees and the Law Society’s own response: closing date 27th Feb.
Kerry Underwood comments April is again the Cruelest Month reminding us of the new Part 36 Rules effective 6 April 2015 and presenting thoughts on anti-Claimant bias.
The week was dominated by the Global Law Summit in London (23 – 25 February) which was heavily criticized by the Daily Telegraph’s Peter Oborne last month in the run up to the event. Of interest were remarks made by Lord Neuberger (Master of the Rolls) in his closing speech:
“Governments also have to accept that maintaining the rule of law can be demanding. It costs money to give people genuine access to justice and to recruit first class judges. It can also be irritating when people insist on their right to seek the Court’s assistance against the government. But a Government which undermines its citizens’ rights to go to Court or does not ensure a first class judiciary undermines the rule of law.”
This leads us on to commentary on the Judicial Review reforms passing into law, this week presented by Litigation Futures.
There is commentary also from the Law Society Gazette on the surprise climb down by the MOJ on banning no win no fee agreements in insolvency proceedings.
Finally: have you ever wondered on the statistics on the impact of legal aid cuts and the increase in those representing themselves at Court? Apparently, the facts are hidden until further notice: the MOJ has refused to release information on legal aid cuts.
You can find out more from the Justice Alliance and a short film starring Stephen Fry and Jo Brand highlighting the devastating impact of legal aid cuts across the Board.
Don’t forget our free seminars on family legal aid costs: getting it right 2015 where David Smith, our Training Director will guide you through the main points to be aware of when looking to maximise your family costs and meet the LAA’s current submission requirements. The seminars will also look at key costs issues to be aware of when using the Client and Costs Management System (CCMS). Click on the link to check your nearest venue.
If you have a blog on costs related matters and would like to submit your post to the round-up, e-mail: Ilkley@johnmhayes.co.uk
Back to summary