Costs

There is no “pay as you go” principle which overrides the general rule that the court should reserve the costs where an interim injunction is granted, appeal judges have ruled.

Last week recommended changes to the guideline hourly rates – which it admitted were “modest” – have generated a lukewarm response from the profession.

There should be a “modest” increases in the guideline hourly rates – ranging from 7% to 35% – with the highest band for heavyweight commercial work rather than any work carried out by a City law firm.

Costs lawyers have weathered the Covid-19 well, with more than a third reporting that they are busier than ever, but some finding that solicitors are paying bills more slowly.

The Forum of Complex Injury Solicitors has urged the working group reviewing the guideline hourly rates to recognise the need for higher rates for the type of work its members undertake.

The guideline hourly rates should be increased to take account of inflation while they are being reviewed, meaning an increase of 35%, the High Court ruled this week.

Making one of the four enhanced awards of beating a part 36 offer does not “in any way” undermine or lessen entitlement to the others, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

Claimant lawyers have attacked motor insurers for failing to pass on to consumers £367m in savings they have seen because of the impact of Covid-19 in reducing injury claims.

The Court of Appeal has refused permission to appeal Swift v Carpenter, its recent decision on accommodation claims, and awarded the claimant her costs.

Specialist costs lawyers in the South-West have joined forces with barristers to launch an ADR service aimed at costs, while another costs lawyer has launched an automated budget drafting service.