Why a career in costs?
I completed my Law Degree in 1996. After a summer of football watching England eventually fail on penalties in the Semi-Finals once again I returned home to Sutton Coldfield whereupon I saw an advert for the role as a Costs Draftsman in the local newspaper (Yes this was pre-internet!). I applied and 20 years later I am still here - hopefully therefore I am doing something right and here’s to the next 20!
How do you make a difference?
Whilst being competent in all aspects of legal costs, I specialise in high value commercial litigation, catastrophic personal injury matters and predominantly clinical negligence claims.
The Jackson reforms have had many detractors, however, I believe that this has enabled Costs Professionals to become all the more involved in litigation and to work more closely with our clients. This has proven to be mutually beneficial and has allowed me to form very close working relationships with my own clients. I am therefore able to provide a greater service from case inception to conclusion, affording my clients a high degree of trust and to allow them to focus on the litigation itself in the firm belief that any costs issues will be dealt with absolute competence.
My advice is based upon 20 years’ experience handling many complex and difficult matters, with an aptitude to conduct litigation without compromise. This advice allows clients to make an assessment at an early stage as to the merits of any claim for costs and proceed accordingly. I can undertake all aspects of costing combined with strong advocacy skills. This gives clients the comfort of knowing that costs will be dealt with the utmost diligence and professionalism to secure the very best result.
As Costs Professionals, we can take on the very difficult burden of dealing with the fundamental issue of legal costs. The law of costs has itself evolved into a very wide-ranging niche area of the law that often requires specialist involvement. If a client can form a close working relationship with a Costs Professional, this can be invaluable.
How has the role of a Costs Professional changed during your time with John M Hayes?
My role has changes considerably over the past 20 years from hand writing my bills, to now utilising the very latest computer software to prepare complex multifaceted budgets and bills. The law of costs has grown greatly, as is evidenced by the size of the latest ‘Cook on Costs’ compared to its first edition!
I now work much more closely with my clients which I enjoy. When I started we only received instructions at the conclusion of a claim whereas now I am often instructed at case inception and retain my involvement throughout. Costs budgeting has certainly placed a new emphasis on my role and has required a greater understanding of the facts of a particular claim to appreciate the very nature of a dispute and allow me to draw on my experience to determine the costs that will be involved.
Describe a typical day?
After drinking copious amounts of coffee, my day still largely consists of the costing of files for clients that includes budget preparation. That is one aspect of my day that has not really changed over the years although I have had to learn how to type! I handle a large case load of files at any one time and often I am engaged on negotiations and advice to clients upon offers, strategy and form filling. Thrown into the mix is the preparation and attendance at CCMC’s, interlocutory telephone hearings and attendances at Detailed Assessment Hearings.
Then I go home to continue the negotiations with my young son!
And what of the future?
At various stages throughout my career the many reforms and changes have resulted in commentators stating that this will bring an end to Costs Professionals, yet we continue to grow as a profession and have a greater involvement in modern day litigation. I can only see our role becoming greater as costs work becomes all the more specialised and as the emphasis on working closely with our clients becomes all the more important to maximise the recovery of their costs when concerted efforts are made to curb the same.
What is the best advice you can share to upcoming costs professionals?
Throughout my career we have, both myself and as a profession, learnt to adapt. As long as you are willing to work hard, to listen, learn and change as the law of costs evolves to achieve the best results for your clients, then I believe that you will succeed.
Best advice on life?
“Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there” - Will Rogers
Martin Wright answered questions by Kate Oliver. Contact Martin direct by e-mail: martin.wright@johnmhayes.co.uk or telephone 0121 643 0001