Costs Round Up: Please Sir Can I have some More?
This week the team at John M Hayes has read articles on proportionality, interim costs payments on account, Kerry Underwood on the cost of defending clinical negligence claims and advice on updating costs budgets.
Proportionality – it seems size really does matter?
Or so says Daniel Green in this article on recent decisions on proportionality and how to use Part 36 to your advantage in costs disputes.
Lee Coulthard, Costs Draftsman says:
“Proportionality is likely to be the hot topic in costs for some time to come. It’s important for solicitors to consider this issue and discuss it with clients at the outset, especially if costs are likely to outweigh damages. Sticking your head in the sand is only going to lead to a severe pain in the neck.”
Come and meet Lee at Sheffield on 5th October when he delivers a seminar on costs at the Leopold Hotel. Places are limited so please book early!
Family Case Costs axed at Summary Assessment
Proportionality also applies to costs in this family case from Barrister Gordon Exall writing on K v K where costs were summarily assessed by from £38, 813 to £3737
Interim Payments - Please Sir Could I Have Some More?
Explore what happened to this request for an interim costs payment and a second bite of the interim payments cherry.
Costs Budgets – A Watchful Eye
“The above case is a prime example of how costs can unexpectedly increase over and above what was originally envisaged when a Costs Budget was first drafted. In this example £80,000 was initially allowed by the Court for a full trial. A year and a half later, it was envisaged that nearly £200,000 would be necessary for a split liability trial only.” What happened next could be a useful lesson to us all courtesy of Victoria Square Chambers.
And finally..
John M Hayes offers a full costing service from Costs Lawyers and Costs Draftsman operating out of ten managed regional sites across the UK. We combine national presence with local knowledge and are confident our thirty years in the industry means we have “earned our stripes” and will bring added value to your organization. Call us to discuss your costing needs now on 0370 300 3780 or e-mail info@johnmhayes.co.uk, we look forward to your call.
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