Costs lawyers are in demand following the Jackson shake-up, but there is no room for complacency, says Sue Nash
More than a year on and the impact of the Jackson reforms on litigation in England and Wales is starting to push law firms into making significant changes to their working practices. Most firms continue to work on large caseloads taken on prior to their 1 April 2013 introduction, and while we have not quite seen the “big bang” predicted by many, what is evident is the significant evolution happening in the way cases are run.
The Association of Costs Lawyers’ (ACL) annual survey of members gives a real insight into the world of post-Jackson litigation and the consequences of the new budgetary regime.
Most striking for costs lawyers has been the significant rise in demand for their specialist skills. Some 59% of those surveyed said the reforms have led them to expand their practices, with half taking on new staff as a result.
