Costs lawyers have called for an urgent review of the guideline hourly rates―the baseline figures used by judges to assess the fees charged by solicitors
An Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL) poll of 72 of its members who attended its annual conference in Manchester last week found 60% in favour of urgent action while a further 26% said it would be ‘helpful’.
The rates have not changed since 2010. ACL chair Claire Green said a review was ‘vital for the solicitors’ profession… They fail to take into account the considerable increase in overheads that firms have had to swallow since 2010’.
Nearly three-quarters of costs lawyers said the electronic bill of costs has increased the costs of assessment, as users get to grips with it. A mere 5% thought judges were keen to use the new bill and only 4% reported that solicitors are getting the hang of it.
