Minkin provides a reminder of the importance of accurate costs estimates, notes Shelley Cumbers
Solicitors were reminded of the importance of providing accurate costs estimates following the Court of Appeal decision in Cawdery Kaye Fireman & Taylor v Gary Minkin [2012] EWCA Civ 546, [2012] All ER (D) 35 (May). The earlier High Court judgment in 2011 addressed the issue of whether, during the course of litigation, solicitors can refuse to continue working unless a client pays outstanding costs, or money on account, paying attention to the retainer and whether any previous estimate has been exceeded. While the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision by allowing solicitors to suspend work for clients who have not paid their bill in accordance with agreed terms, the case is a reminder on the ever important issue of costs.
The facts in Minkin
On 26 June 2009 Gary Minkin instructed Cawdery Kaye Fireman & Taylor (CKFT) to represent him at a final hearing on
