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Rise of the costs lawyers

01 September 2025
Issue: 8129 / Categories: Legal News , Costs , Profession
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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

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

NEWS
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Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School highlights a turbulent end to 2025 in the civil courts, from the looming appeal in Mazur to judicial frustration with ever-expanding bundles, in his final NLJ 'The insider' column of the year
Antonia Glover of Quinn Emanuel outlines sweeping transparency reforms following the work of the Transparency and Open Justice Board in this week's NLJ
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