Solicitors fear Jackson costs war
Nearly one in two costs lawyers doubt whether the judiciary will implement the strict regulations on budgeting and costs management required under the Jackson reforms.
Three out of five costs lawyers surveyed by costs firm Kain Knight in early July thought budgeting would not control costs effectively.
Nearly three quarters feared the Jackson reforms could trigger a costs war, while 90% felt the courts would not cope with the expected increase in small claims and litigation.
More than half predict an end to hourly billing, and think it will be replaced by fixed cost litigation.