The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - The Bar > London Bar > Costs

'Quite simply the number one costs set', 4 New Square is the 'first place to look for competent costs counsel'. Its members are often instructed in high-profile cases, including those in the appellate courts. In recent examples, Robert Marven QC acted for the successful claimant in Plevin v Paragon Personal Finance Ltd, a Supreme Court appeal that considered LASPO transitional provisions, and Roger Mallalieu represented the successful claimant in Tuson v Murphy, a Court of Appeal case concerning a costs penalty on a dishonest claimant which had accepted a Part 36 offer. In a 14-day hearing in the Central London County Court, Pippa Manby acted for costs draftsmen in Jagjit Bamrah v (1) Gempride Limited and (2) Lawlords of London Limited, an appeal relating to a misconduct application made against a solicitor.  

Hailsham Chambers is 'one of the foremost costs sets'; it has 'built a formidable team that has strength in depth' and 'the barristers are all technically gifted and approachable'. Alexander Hutton QC acted for the defendant NHS Trusts in Kai Surrey v Barnet & Chase Farm NHS Trust and others, a closely followed Court of Appeal case where legal aid had been changed to a conditional fee agreement (CFA) and after the event insurance (ATE) before recoverability was abolished from 1 April 2013. Elsewhere, Alice Nash successfully represented the claimant in Aviva Wiser v Lester Wilson where the defendant sought an unusual costs order. 

Well-regarded set 39 Essex Chambers has broad expertise in costs litigation. Among Vikram Sachdeva QC's recent caseload was his work in Jolyon Maugham QC v Uber London Ltd, where he was instructed to obtain a Protective Costs Order against Uber, while Judith Ayling advised on costs issues and likely costs recovery in two high-value personal injury claims.

Temple Garden Chambers is recognised for costs litigation, an area in which a number of its barristers have strong practices. Simon Browne QC acted in Frost & Ors v MGN, a Supreme Court challenge by Mirror Group Newspapers to the payment of additional liabilities. In Wedlake Bell LLP v Lord Magan of Castletown, Shaman Kapoor represented the defendant in resisting a claim for recovery of costs; the case centred on the retainer and a dispute as to whether the defendant was the claimant’s client.