Aaron Hurst Payments on account are a routine feature of the solicitor/client relationship. Solicitors are typically entitled to seek payments on account of their fees under the terms of their retainer, which usually includes an express provision to this effect. In addition to the retainer, the relationship between a solicitor and their client is underpinned…
Louise Satterthwaite The importance of the provisions of Part 36 offers has been a prevalent issue in the legal field in general for a long time, particularly given the consequences that can arise from ‘beating’ a compliant Part 36 offer. Most recently issues have been determined by the Courts in relation to the application of…
Kathryn Regan MRN’s ‘how to’ guide on getting your success fee deduction right Prompted by the recent decision in SJ (a minor suing by his mother and Litigation Friend AJ) –v- DGJ Tanner t/a Sopley Farm [2025] EWCC 17, which highlighted that Solicitors are struggling with this issue, here’s MRN’s ‘how to’ guide on getting…
Bridie Sanderson In April 2024, we saw an increase to the fixed fees following the amendments made to the PD19b. The fixed fees remain the same and are as follows: Work carried out Current Fixed Costs (2024) Application work £1,204 +VAT 1st General Management year £2,116 +VAT 2nd and subsequent General Management years £1,672 +VAT…
Holly Archbold In Barry & Anor v Barry [2025] EWHC 819 (KB), the High Court delivered the first judicial commentary on what constitutes “oppressive behaviour” in the misuse of cost management in litigation and crucially, how such conduct can affect cost management and cost recovery. This is the first time we’ve seen the courts lay…
Avi Dolties Today the 183rd Practice Direction Update was announced which introduces PD 51ZG3 (Pilot Scheme for Certain High Court QCOCS Cases). This is the final of a suite of three pilot Practice Directions to trial simplified cost budgeting in certain claims. This third pilot is pilot scheme which applies to claims issued on or…
Bridie Sanderson Following the continued updates from the SCCO, they have most recently advised as of 10 March 2025 the following turnaround on matters. The Cost Officers are currently working on bills of costs for which supporting papers were received by them around the middle of April 2024. There is still a delay between the…
Avi Dolties Agrofirma Oniks LLC & Anor v ABH Ukraine Ltd & Ors [2025] EWHC 300 (Comm) This case concerns a dispute arising from Loan Participation Notes, in which the Claimants, Agrofirma Oniks LLC and Agro UG V LLC—both agribusinesses—are clients of the fourth defendant, PJSC Sense Bank (formerly PJSC Alfa Bank Ukraine). A pivotal…
Bridie Sanderson In April 2025, the MOJ will increase the Court and Tribunal fees (subject to Parliamentary approval) to account for changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The income generated from these uplifts will help support the efficient and effective running of the HMCTS. There is a total of 171 fees to be increased…
Louise Satterthwaite & Sarah Picken There have been a number of interesting cases handed down this year affecting all areas of litigation. Here are some of the key cases that have been handed down affecting costs orders and assessment. As many personal injury litigators will be aware, Qualified one way costs shifting, also known as…