MRN Solicitors Appoints New Head of Court of Protection Costs Department

MRN Solicitors, a leading provider of expert legal costs services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bridie Sanderson as the new Head of the Court of Protection Costs Department. This strategic appointment underscores the organisation’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in providing exceptional legal support for clients navigating the complexities of the Court of…

New Year – New Rates!

Avi Dolties Master of the rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos has announced a 3.65% increase to hourly rates in line with inflation. This has now come into effect from the 1 January 2025. The rates are as follows: Grade Fee earner London 1 London 2 London 3 National 1 National 2 A Solicitors and legal executives…

October 2024 CPRC minutes

Avi Dolties Litigant in Person Costs – CPR 46.5(4) sets out how the costs will be calculated, and this is either by reference to: proven financial loss, or the amount for the time reasonably spent on doing the work at a fixed rate, currently £19 per hour. Consideration is being given whether to increase the…

Statute Bills, Solicitor’s Act Invoices, whatever you call them, it seems Solicitors are still getting them wrong. What do you need to do to make sure you are getting them right?

Kathryn Regan What do you need to do to make sure you are getting them right? Make sure you’re entitled to raise them Make sure your invoice includes everything it is supposed to Is it really that simple? Based on the wealth of Solicitor Act case law over the last few years in particular, apparently…

What is the effect of the new Fixed Recoverable Costs (FRC) regime on enforcement costs clauses in commercial contracts? Is there any relevance to the contracting out of FRC?

Louise Satterthwaite What does an enforcement clause deal with? An enforcement clause outlines how the contracting parties’ obligations, duties or responsibilities will be enforced under the contract.  They also indicate the repercussions of a failure to fulfil the contract. Prior to October 2023 parties to commercial disputes would often rely on the costs provision included…

Proportionality. What does this mean, does anybody know? Judging by the recent case law, the Judiciary seem to have their eye on it and are not afraid to flex their proverbial muscles.

Matthew Waring Proportionality in relation to costs has evolved, the latest overhaul (or reform if you will) came in 2013 with Rupert Jackson’s report. However, many will recall the pre-Jackson Reforms “Lownds” test where necessity trumped proportionality. However, roles are reversed now and the Court’s approach to applying the current test was somewhat of a…