We Are Specialists
Years Of Experience
Fully-Qualified
Proven Expertise In Legal Costs
With over 25 years of experience, our team has built a reputation for reliability and excellence in the management of legal costs. We have collaborated with some of the UK’s largest legal aid franchised firms, handling both inter-parties and publicly funded matters. Each case is approached with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accurate cost recovery and consistent professional standards. Our commitment to precision ensures clients receive a dependable and effective service, reflecting decades of experience and a proven track record in delivering successful outcomes across a wide range of legal cost matters.
Specialist Costs Lawyers
Our costs lawyers combine deep legal knowledge with practical experience to deliver exceptional results. Leveraging modern technology, including paperless file systems and CCMS online billing, we maintain compliance with evolving regulations while streamlining processes. Attention to detail ensures all documents are professionally presented and accurate. From start to finish, clients benefit from seamless service underpinned by technical expertise and a commitment to achieving the elite possible outcome in every case.
Experienced Cost Draftsmen
Our costs draftsmen provide vital support through precise and well-structured cost documentation. We handle inter partes and publicly funded matters with accuracy, contributing to efficient and effective cost recovery. Draftsmen ensure all billing and cost calculations are meticulous and compliant. Our work underpins the smooth operation of the team, supporting the timely and professional delivery of documents. Each draftsman is dedicated to providing accurate, client-focused service, helping maintain the firm’s strong reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and excellence in legal cost management. Discover more about our story and the people behind the work by reading about our team.
Meet Tim Russell-Smith
Tim founded TRS Legal Costs Ltd after over 25 years as a Law Costs Draftsman. A Fellow of the ALCD, he has grown the firm from a sole practice. Tim’s leadership ensures quality and expertise across every client matter.
Meet Hannah Bevan
Hannah is an experienced Cost Lawyer with a strong focus on legal aid. She initially began her legal career in 2005 as a secretary in the family department of a local solicitors firm later working towards and qualifying as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Hannah has worked in numerous family departments, as well as civil litigation departments, for a number of years carrying out all aspects of family work including both private law and public law cases. Hannah joined TRS Legal Costs in 2015 having already gained a wealth of experience in legally aided work prior to this and qualified as a Cost Lawyer in 2020. With over 20 years of experience in dealing with the legal aid agency, she has developed extensive expertise in this area and in particular loves working on family and immigration/asylum cases.
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As co-director, Hannah is also responsible for the day to day management of the firm and head up the High Cost Case team.
Meet Gareth Lewis
Gareth Lewis is a highly experienced Law Costs Draftsman with over 30 years’ experience in drafting bills of costs in relation to all fields of civil litigation.
Specialising in drafting high value bills of costs and dealing with complex costs assessments, Gareth has prepared bills of costs for assessment in the County Court, High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and Crown Court. His expertise spans Legal Aid recovery, solicitor/client disputes, and Precedent H budgeting. Known for his precision, strategic insight, and collaborative approach, Gareth combines technical mastery with a pragmatic understanding of procedural rules and economic viability
Meet Natasha Andrzejuk-Smith
Natasha qualified as a Solicitor in 2011, having completed her law degree at the University of Gloucestershire followed by the Legal Practice Course at the University of the West of England. She undertook her training contract with a local firm, gaining valuable experience in the Family Department where she assisted on both private and legally aided matters. During this time, she worked closely with Hannah Bevan—now also part of TRS Legal Costs Ltd—and developed a particular interest in public child care proceedings.
After qualification, Natasha moved into the firm’s Conveyancing Department and was appointed Head of Residential Conveyancing in 2014. In February 2016, she joined TRS Legal Costs Ltd, bringing with her a wealth of expertise. Since then, she has developed her career in legal costs, with a focus on family and high-cost case matters. As a senior member of the TRS team, Natasha also assists Hannah in overseeing the day-to-day administration of the firm.
Meet Petra He
Petra, a law graduate, previously headed a civil and legal aid department in London. Skilled in Legal Aid billing, HCCPs, and criminal legal aid, she joined TRS in 2021. Petra brings strong technical knowledge to legal costs matters. She ensures accuracy and efficiency in every assignment she handles.
Meet Alex Stowell
Alex has been working as a Law Costs Draftsman for well over 30 years, supporting both independent practitioners and leading solicitors. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for being reliable, adaptable, and easy to work with.
Alex has a wealth of experience across all areas of civil costs, from navigating the complexities of the legal aid system to handling high-value commercial cases. His work has taken him to every level of the courts, including the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
Clients and colleagues value Alex for his clear, down-to-earth communication and his ability to explain complex issues simply. He is tactful yet determined, always efficient, and committed to achieving the best results. Whether working with practitioners, court officials, or clients, Alex brings a calm, approachable style that puts people at ease.
Meet Senior Costs Draftsman
Chris is a seasoned costs professional with over 20 years’ experience at managing the cost department of a busy City Centre firm of Solicitors. His role spanned both strategic cost management and office compliance, where he contributed to regulatory oversight, internal and external audits, and the implementation of firm-wide policies and procedures.
At TRS, he covers the full spectrum of civil and family cost matters, from routine Legal Aid claims to complex, high-value litigation bill of costs involving national media interest and national government departments. Chris also regularly prepares and manages High Cost Case Plans for both family and civil proceedings, ensuring alignment with Legal Aid Agency requirements and supporting effective cost control throughout the life of each case.
Meet Amy Toomer
Amy, a Fellow of CILEx since 2016, began her career in real estate law before joining TRS in 2022. She brings strong residential legal expertise to the team. Amy is developing her career further within legal costs. She focuses on accuracy, efficiency, and client-focused service.
Meet Esme Phillips
Esme joined TRS in 2013 with 28 years’ private sector experience. She supports management and business development, improving quality and performance across the firm. Esme plays a key role in operational excellence and leadership. She helps ensure the firm runs efficiently and delivers results.
Speak With A Specialist Today
Connect with experienced legal costs specialists. Call today for practical support in managing your cost issues.
