header-logo header-logo

01 September 2025
Issue: 8129 / Categories: Legal News , Costs , Profession
printer mail-detail

Rise of the costs lawyers

Costs lawyers could become judges and would be recognised as higher fee earners in the guideline hourly rates, under proposals set out by their professional body

The Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL) business plan, drafted by ACL chair David Bailey-Vella, reveals work is ongoing to push for eligibility for judicial roles, and not just for costs roles. The ACL also argues its members’ expertise deserves grade A rather than grade B status in the rates, which are used to assess court costs.

The business plan, launched last week, reports that more than 10% of members have signed up to use the ‘Fellow’ title, available since April. The ACL now intends to apply for a Royal Charter, giving members the right to call themselves Chartered Costs Lawyers.

Bailey-Vella says: ‘The Costs Lawyer profession is going from strength to strength and we have reached a place where there needs to be greater recognition of this.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

EIP—Stuart Malcolm

EIP—Stuart Malcolm

EIP strengthens Commercial practice with a new partner

Ellisons—Francesca Brown

Ellisons—Francesca Brown

Ellisons welcomes Francesca Brown to Family team

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires

NEWS
A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications
A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
back-to-top-scroll