Who can sign a Bill or Statement of Costs?
A Bill or Statement of Costs must be signed. This requirement is contained at CPR 47 PD 5.21 in the case of a bill, or CPR 44 PD 9.5(3) for…
Author: Matthew Rose
Avoiding Challenges to your Costs IV: Time Recording
Time spent time recording is time well-spent. Time recording can sometimes seem onerous, particularly when in the midst of tackling some complex and urgent legal problem. However, good time recording…
Part 36 – Important changes to Interest
From 1 April 2021 a key change to Part 36 means that additional interest will not be payable where the Part 36 offer is accepted after the relevant period unless…
Avoiding Challenges to your Costs III: Talking about Money
Discussing fees with a client is often one of the most stressful parts of a solicitor’s job. Social taboos around talking about money run deep; studies have consistently shown that…
Avoiding Challenges to your Costs II: What is an Invoice
Until an invoice is delivered in accordance with the Act, a solicitor does not have any right to take client money. Doing so could (and probably would) be a breach…
Avoiding Challenges to your Costs I: Invoicing Clients
Recently we have seen a steady rise in cases brought by former clients against firms seeking refunds of their legal fees. These claims often stemmed from problems with the invoice…
Pre-Trial Checklist: filing a costs estimate
The note at the top of the Listing Questionnaire states “if no costs management order has been made you must attach estimates of costs incurred to date, and of your…
Guideline Hourly Rates: CJC Recommendations
The CJC has announced its recommendations for guideline hourly rates. Matthew Rose considers the impact on solicitors practicing outside London