Costs Litigation

Benjamin Williams KC is a stellar advocate who draws praise for his expertise in costs litigation and who is particularly well known for his handling of cases with technically challenging aspects to them. He frequently handles matters at the highest level, and has been active in a number of precedent-setting cases in the Court of Appeal.

George McDonald represents a range of clients in complex costs disputes, and has particular experience of handling specific costs issues relating to large group actions and complicated funding structures. He is experienced at representing clients before the Supreme Court and is a past master at handling solicitor-client disputes. McDonald is regularly instructed as sole counsel in major pieces of litigation.

Nicholas Bacon KC is a distinguished advocate in the costs litigation sphere who heads the set's costs team and boasts an enviable résumé, having led cases in the Supreme Court and appeared in numerous other significant appeals. He has represented the General Council of the Bar as intervener in a seminal case on the operation of Damages-Based Agreements.

Roger Mallalieu KC is a highly experienced silk who frequently represents parties in solicitor-client disputes, third-party costs cases and CFA compliance matters. He has vast experience of representing clients before the Court of Appeal and is frequently instructed in the most complex, high-profile cases. He is regularly called upon by insurers and solicitors' firms to provide guidance on costs matters, and is well known for advising on group litigation proceedings.

Matthew Waszak advises on a broad range of litigation funding issues and is instructed to draft bespoke CFAs and damages-based agreements. Additionally practising in personal injury cases, he is further known for his knowledge of after-the-event premiums. He appears before the SCCO, Regional Costs Judges, the County Courts and the High Court. Of late, Waszak has been seen advising or arguing costs issues in major group litigation.

Simon Teasdale has a practice that is deeply focused on costs. He demonstrates particular specialism in the areas of solicitor-client disputes, and points of principle in relation to the application of QOCS and the Fixed Costs regime in Part 45. He is often seen on high-value and complex costs matters, both led and unled.

Stephen Innes complements his professional negligence offering with a busy costs practice, and regularly appears in the SCCO, often in cases concerning points of principle of wider application. He is further known for his handling of matters concerning costs issues relating to prominent and widely covered criminal cases. He is additionally qualified as a costs mediator with CADR and accepts instructions on a direct basis.

Daniel Saoul KC is an impressive silk, previously qualified as a solicitor advocate, who frequently handles solicitor-client costs disputes and costs matters arising out of substantial commercial litigation. He also has experience of practising as an attorney in the British Virgin Islands. He has been instructed in some of the most significant costs disputes in the High Court and beyond.

Robert Marven KC is well versed in costs, CFAs, fixed-fee regimes and litigation funding (including commercial funding for significant disputes). His client roster includes public bodies, insurers and private individuals. He has good experience of representing clients before both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Ben Smiley has a vast amount of experience in costs litigation matters. He has notable expertise in high-profile solicitors' liens disputes and non-party costs orders matters, with particular experience of applications for wasted costs orders. He has appeared at various levels of court including the Supreme Court.

Pippa Manby has a busy practice in costs law, where she is highly regarded for her advocacy and advisory skills. She is instructed in inter partes disputes and solicitor-client disputes in the County Courts, High Court and Senior Courts Costs Office. Her practice covers the full range of costs work, and in particular regularly includes instructions stemming from large Commercial Court trials.