header-logo header-logo

08 April 2022 / Laura Rees
Issue: 7974 / Categories: Features , Profession , Costs
printer mail-detail

Costs: Could being frugal end up costly?

77731
Laura Rees discusses the perils of being economical with budget information
  • A look at the recent case of ST v ZY whereby the claimant’s solicitors came under fire for seeking recovery of costs.
  • The importance of discussing budgets with clients.

The recent decision in ST v ZY [2022] EWHC B5 (Costs), All ER (D) 95 (Feb) by Senior Costs Judge Gordon-Saker is another decision where claimant solicitors faced criticism for seeking to recover a shortfall in the costs from their client when they had not supplied sufficient information.

The case proceeded on behalf of the claimant (a minor), the claimant’s mother and the claimant’s three siblings. The case brought by the mother and her three other children was discontinued but continued for the claimant. The claimant’s solicitor, Irwin Mitchell, wrote to their client at the conclusion of the claim seeking to recover a shortfall of the costs totalling £53,719. The costs budget had been exceeded by over £31,000 and the 1% and 2% costs recoverable in respect

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Walkers—Muriel Marseille

Walkers—Muriel Marseille

Ashurst's Chief Risk Officer joins Walkers

Excello Law—John Osborne

Excello Law—John Osborne

Northern family lawyer John Osborne joins Excello

mfg Solicitors—Rebecca Rogers, Kennedy Langley & Victoria Griffiths

mfg Solicitors—Rebecca Rogers, Kennedy Langley & Victoria Griffiths

Trio of promotions announced at Kidderminster law firm mfg Solicitors

NEWS
A sole director can conspire with their own company for the purposes of the tort of unlawful means conspiracy, the High Court has ruled in a judgment with potentially wide implications for business disputes
The Court of Appeal has reinforced that domicile depends on intention rather than residence alone, in a significant post-Brexit ruling on cross-border financial remedy claims
The Chancery Division's long history comes to an end this autumn as it is reborn as the Business and Property Division, prompting questions over whether the shake-up is really necessary
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to show that failing to disclose regulatory issues can attract harsher consequences than the original misconduct itself
Rejecting a generous settlement can prove an expensive mistake, as two recent high-profile cases demonstrate
back-to-top-scroll