Costs Litigation | UK Bar

4 New Square Chambers has expert practitioners at both silk and junior level. Its members handle the leading costs matters of the day, as evidenced by their involvement in Belsner v Cam Legal, which was dubbed 'the costs case of the decade'. Members were also involved in the massive SKAT Litigation, the largest ever case to come before the Commercial Court. Individuals often handle group litigation costs matters, inter partes cases and solicitor-client disputes, and routinely appear before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Further capabilities include the drafting of conditional and contingency fee agreements. A source remarks: "4 New Square Chambers has many of the leading costs KCs in the country and many brilliant junior barristers." Another interviewee adds that the set is "exceptionally strong - it is becoming a one-stop shop across the entire spectrum of civil costs disputes."

Home to a number of leading lights in the costs litigation field, Hailsham Chambers handles the full range of costs cases covering such matters as changes in funding, Part 36 offers, proportionality and non-party costs orders. Recent work undertaken by members of the set includes the case of Various Claimants v Howard Kennedy, in which the numerous claimants and former clients of the aforementioned firm sought assessment of their invoices and John Poyser & Co v Spencer, a case related to solicitor misconduct. An instructing solicitor remarks that Hailsham is "a fantastic set with niche disciplines. It has crossover professional discipline and costs expertise, making it a major attraction."

The barristers at 39 Essex Chambers receive plaudits for the depth of their knowledge in costs matters. Members here act in solicitor-client disputes, and are experts in detailed cost assessments involving group action litigation, clinical negligence and personal injury claims. Members have recently advised on costs issues in high-profile cases such as UK Trucks Claim Limited v Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which involved an appeal by PACCAR to the Supreme Court. An instructing solicitor comments: "I am impressed with the effort and professionalism shown by all at the set and the efficient way they turn around work."

Kings Chambers' members are regulars in the appeal courts and its barristers have particular expertise in class action hearings, non-party cost orders, retainer drafting and solicitor–own client disputes, as well as a host of other costs-related areas. They also have significant experience of acting as mediators in complex cost mediations. Recent worked carried out by barristers at the set includes EXN v East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, an important High Court decision on relief from sanction where a claimant failed to give notice of his CFA. An interviewee comments: "Its breadth and depth of knowledge is outstanding." Another source remarks: "Kings Chambers is aware of the challenges the market faces and demonstrates a clear commercial awareness when it comes to dealing with clients."