Tip of the month!
December 9, 2020
Listing time for FAS purposes: only claim time from when the matter is listed, FAS times must agree with the listed start time. The Advocate’s attendance note should support the FAS claim.
Solicitor struck off for settling costs claim without obtaining client’s instructions
December 9, 2020
The client, who had asked to be involved in every decision relating to costs, was not consulted prior to the solicitor settling a £2.3m costs claim. The solicitor argued that a clause in the CFA entitled him to act unilaterally, the however in its’ ruling “The tribunal found the respondent’s interpretation to be incredible……”For more information click here
Insurers facing significant costs bill in Swift v Carpenter fight
December 9, 2020
Insurers made an unsuccessful attempt in the Court of Appeal to stop a seriously injured woman from claiming extra compensation for accommodation. For more information click here
Solicitor struck off after being called dishonest by judge
December 9, 2020
A Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard that the solicitor had been found to falsely represented hourly rates in bills of cost and falsely claimed for costs on the basis that a senior fee earner had carried out the work. There were several other allegations of misconduct and the tribunal said this was a “client’s worst nightmare”. For more information click here
Tip of the Month!
October 27, 2020
Advocacy: try to keep advocacy in-house. It is the most cost effective area of LA family work and should be exercised as much as possible to create added value within the cost limitation of the certificate. Get bolt-ons authorised, does the final hearing qualify as a final hearing? If Counsel are instructed part way through inform them of the bundle payments already claimed.
