Rising Stars

Firms in the Spotlight Costs lawyers

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP

Ronald Fletcher Baker has an established track record of success in even the most complex cases. Litigation and Dispute Resolution has been a focus of the firm since its inception in 1948, and our highly experienced team is widely recognised for its skill in this area. The firm deals with a broad range of commercial …

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Costs lawyers in London

Keoghs LLP

Keoghs LLP continues to be well regarded for its ‘considerable strength and depth, particularly in group litigation cases and historical abuse claims’. The firm also works closely with the Civil Justice Council and Ministry of Justice to influence Costs Reforms. Practice head Howard Dean is a key contact, as is ‘knowledgeable and an astute’ Ben Petrecz who leads in high value catastrophic injury claims. Joining in April 2022 from DWF, Stephen Dawson brings additional expertise to commercial disputes, personal injury and solicitor and client matters. Paul Edwards is an expert in the costs arising out of abuse claims.

Practice head(s):

Howard Dean; Ben Petrecz; Stephen Dawson; Paul Edwards


Testimonials

‘Keoghs is a predominantly defence insurance firm in mainstream common law, and the costs team speciality is to be viewed from this perspective. They are leaders in this field. The costs team deals with all levels of costs and is active in costs reform, with representation by partners on various civil procedure committees.’

‘Howard Dean heads the team and has a great wealth of experience which he applies with great effect. He has been instrumental in taking two groundbreaking cases to the Court of Appeal in the last year. Another lawyer in the costs worth a mention is Ben Petrecz. He is knowledgeable and an astute costs lawyer.’

‘Ben Petrecz is simply the most accomplished costs lawyer I have met. He politely wipes the floor with his opponents whether on the corridor or in court, slicing huge sums off claimants’ inflated costs budgets. His ‘take down’ approach, while uncompromising, is delivered with such gentlemanly and reasonable panache that the opposition marvel as he runs rings around them.’

Key clients

Ageas


Allianz


Aviva


AXA


Amlin


Chubb


Covea


Direct Line


Esure


First central


Hastings


LV=


RSA


Sainsbury’s


Zurich


Chelsea Football Club


Newcastle United Football Club


Work highlights


  • Instructed by NHS Resolution to pursue ‘Test case’ litigation to obtain authority in the Court of Appeal to the information that must be provided in a bill of costs.
  • Dealing with over 4,500 Noise Induced Hearing Loss claims brought on behalf of members of the armed forces. Instructed to revisit the position on costs, both strategically and on a claim-by-claim basis.
  • Representing a Defendant in a Court of Appeal case, in relation to a claim for damages for personal injury to which the fixed costs regime applies.

Masters Legal Costs Services LLP

With a strong presence in London and the Caribbean, clients praise Masters Legal Costs Services LLP‘s ‘unparalleled quality of service and product‘ across all aspects of costs law, from recovery and opposition of costs through to funding advice and consultancy services. Based in the Cayman Islands office, managing partner Philip Daval-Bowden works alongside his experienced London team which includes David Platnauer and Nico Myburgh, who specialise in complex, high quantum costs claims. Natalie Swales is the specialist in management and budgeting issues.

Practice head(s):

Philip Daval-Bowden; David Platnauer; Nico Myburgh; Natalie Swales


Testimonials

‘Masters is one of the leading costs firms in the country. They have high quality and high value costs work across a range of practice areas. They have an excellent team and over the last few years have taken their reputation higher in this sector due to the knowledge of costs law and the ability of their partners and staff.’

‘Masters’ quality of service and product is unparalleled. That’s why they are seen as the ‘go to’ firm in this area.’

‘Absolutely top-notch team with fantastic costs lawyers. They are truly expert, and we trust them as an extension of our team. Thank you Masters!

‘Philip Daval-Bowden is the senior partner and one of the most able costs lawyers in the country. I have witnessed him defeat leading costs counsel in the courts with his advocacy. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of his cases.’

‘Also worthy of mention is Nico Myburgh a partner at Masters for his hard and work and industry knowledge.’

‘Their knowledge in the area of costs lawyers is better than any we as a firm have come across before. They are extremely reasonable in fees, always deliver high quality work and always on time – we have never been let down by their advice – would happily recommend them on to any clients or other firms.’

‘Phil Daval-Bowden – simply superb. He would not be out of place at the bar given his ability to structure and present compelling legal arguments. He has the legal principles at his fingertips.’

‘David Platnauer – an excellent practitioner with sound skills and interpersonal skills. Easy to deal with, and no task is too small/too large for David to handle.’

Key clients

Claimant Group in the Mobile Telephone Voicemail Interception Litigation


Claimant Group in the Mirror Newspapers Hacking Litigation


Schillings


Hamlins LLP


Hogan Lovells


Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner


Minter Ellison


Taylor Wessing


Anthony Gold


Campbells LLP


Addleshaw Goddard LLP


Work highlights


  • Advised claimants represented by Thomson Heath (MNHL) and Hamlins LLP (MTVIL) on a novel and ground-breaking template of costs budgeting, costs recovery by detailed assessment, and mediation and expert costs advice (including in relation to ATE insurance) in contentious phone hacking litigation.
  • Advised Hogan Lovells in substantial bill of costs (approximately £50m+ but requiring the analysis of legal fees of over £75m) currently in preparation. Underlying proceedings concerned high profile litigation arising from the defendants’ breaches of duty to its former client, a natural resources group with extensive mining operations, resulting in substantial loss and damage, which is still to be quantified.
  • Instructed by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in a high value, commercial litigation dealing with multi-jurisdictional issues, including a Freezing Order in France, as a result of the banking crisis in Lebanon. Masters assisted with preparation of a substantial Bill of Costs (£3m+), as well as preparation of evidence in the French proceedings, and assisted with service of the Bill of Costs under a Notice of Commencement on the Defendant banks.

Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP

The in-house team at Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP works exclusively on costs litigation arising out of its serious injury caseload, relating to personal injury or clinical negligence claims. Team head Sam Hayman, ably assisted by senior associate Tom Jenkinson, routinely represents clients in the High Court and Supreme Court Costs Office. Associate Sarah Holden is a ‘talented advocate and one to watch in the future‘ for costs budgets and bills of costs.

Practice head(s):

Sam Hayman


Other key lawyers:

Tom Jenkinson; Sarah Holden


Testimonials

‘Well known and highly regarded for fighting difficult and complex legal points to the appellate Courts. Leading lights in shaping the law in respect of the recent costs reforms to the personal injury market.’

‘Sam Hayman and Tom Jenkinson – well known for their role in many of the recent leading appellate cases.’

‘BBK are leaders in their field. They are at the very forefront of the development of the law of costs – never afraid to fight a point of principle to the highest appellate levels.’

‘Tom Jenkinson is an absolute pleasure to deal with. Sarah Holden is a talented advocate and one to watch in the future. She is a cut above.’

‘They are very much on the cutting edge of costs litigation. They are willing to take on the toughest cases and most novel points.’

‘Tom Jenkinson and Sam Hayman stand out. They know the sector inside out.’

Work highlights


  • Resisted the defendant’s attempt to circumvent Qualified One-way Costs Shifting (QOCS) by seeking a non-party costs order against the firm in relation to the defendant’s costs of assessment and subsequent applications and appeals.
  • Resisted a Defendant’s application to apply costs budgeting to a child’s case, where the child has sustained a severe brain injury and their current prognosis is uncertain.

Civil and Commercial Costs Lawyers Ltd

Displaying ‘real strength and depth in costs workCivil and Commercial Costs Lawyers Ltd runs heavyweight commercial litigation from receipt of instructions through to a final hearing. Benefiting from its strong relationship with City firms, the Tom Mason-led boutique continues to receive instructions on analysing disclosure in relation to privilege, preparing witness evidence and advising on the involvement of expert witnesses. Bristol based director and head of advocacy, Ben Nethercott is also ‘highly knowledgeable in all matters costs-related.’

Practice head(s):

Tom Mason


Other key lawyers:

Ben Nethercott


Testimonials

‘Real strength and depth in costs work – great on detail as well as strategy.’

‘Ben Nethercott is very user-friendly, responsive, and highly knowledgeable in all matters costs-related. He is very experienced and commercial in his approach.’

‘Ben Nethercott – very experienced, good strategist, commercial as well as great attention to detail.’

Key clients

Brett Wilson LLP


Howell Jones Solicitors


First4lawyers


Fieldfisher LLP


TWM Solicitors


Harcus Parker & Harbour Litigation Funding


TLT LLP


CDS Mayfair


Work highlights


  • Instructed by First4Lawyers, who set up a law firm following the implementation of the Civil Liability Act. Prepared detailed advice in relation to various funding models, including a Damages Based Agreement, Conditional Fee Agreements, and a hybrid option.
  • Instructed by Howell Jones Solicitors to oppose the bill of costs, which was made in favour of the opponent. Prepared points of dispute and requested disclosure of the retainer documentation. The retainer documentation was disclosed and a supplementary point of dispute was raised in relation to the indemnity principle.
  • Instructed by Brett Wilson LLP (claimant’s counsel) to attend a hearing for summary assessment to determine the appropriate costs following an injunction application.

Clarion

One of the UK’s largest specialists in cost management and Court of Protection costs litigation, Clarion is highly regarded for its ‘second to none expertise and exemplary quality of work.’ In Leeds, Andrew McAulay is highly experienced in assessment proceedings, solicitor/own client assessments and litigation funding, particularly in relation to Conditional Fee Agreements. Director Stephanie Kaye leads the Court of Protection costs offering. Fellow director Joanne Chase is recommended for high value bills of costs claims.

Practice head(s):

Andrew McAulay; Stephanie Kaye; Joanne Chase


Testimonials

 ‘All members of the team are very approachable, and they are very swift in their responses. The work that has been done for my team has been of good quality, and the team are always happy to discuss any questions that we may have.’

‘Clarion are leaders in the field for court of protection costs matters. Their expertise is second to none and the quality of their work is exemplary.’

‘The team has a broad range of experience. If you have a costs issue, you can find a solution there. I think they are well regarded in the industry.’

‘Lead partner Andrew McAulay is excellent. He provides strong leadership to his team and is very knowledgeable. I trust his judgment.’

‘I have liaised with Stephanie Kaye the most and I have found her lovely to speak with and very knowledgeable. Stephanie will answer any queries that the team have and nothing is too much trouble.’

‘Always available to deal with any costs issue, whether simple or complex.’

‘Stephanie Kaye always has time to help out. Incredibly knowledgeable, and a lovely person to work with. Andrew McAulay is a lovely guy. Andrew goes above and beyond to help our clients. Fantastic approach.’

‘I have worked regularly with the costs team. All members of the team are very approachable and they are very swift in their responses. The work that has been done for my team has been of good quality and the team are always happy to discuss any questions that we may have.’

Key clients

Freeths


Aughton Ainsworth


Babbe LLP


Taylor Emmet LLP


Amber Valley Borough Council


Higgs LLP


Walker Morris LLP


Hodge Jones & Allen


Anthony Gold


Bolt Burdon


Work highlights


  • Instructed by Amber Valley Borough Council which faced with an unexpected and large claim for costs of £200k. We successfully managed to reduce the claim to circa £100k, saving the council significant monies which they have been able to reinvest into public services.
  • Instructed by Aughton Ainsworth in a Prepared Points of Dispute on a complex insolvency matter where the bill of costs totalled over £2.3 million. Formulated a strategy to avoid a draconian sanction of the client being ordered to pay the bill of costs in full.
  • Advised Babbe LLP on a claim for costs arising from the Royal Court of Guernsey. The claim had many complex issues and amounted to circa. £196,000. Our advice achieved a stellar result for the client with them reaching settlement at £80,000.

Clyde & Co

Following its July 2022 merger with BLM, Clyde & Co practice now boasts a casualty costs, Scottish costs and commercial costs team covering arbitration and high-profile commercial disputes. Lead partner Paul Wainwright combines technical excellence with great people skills and incisive commercial acumen.’ Wainwright acts on audits, group litigation order’s, costs management, freezing injunctions and security for cost applications.

Practice head(s):

Paul Wainwright


Testimonials

‘The team at Clyde and Co costs department recruits and trains its members to a high standard. I have worked closely with them in litigated costs cases and can attest to the skill and competence which marks the team over and above others.’

‘Market-leading costs lawyers in both insurance-backed defendant work (such as personal injury) and across a spread of commercial work. Headed by the brilliant Paul Wainwright.’

‘Paul Wainwright – combines technical excellence with great people skills and incisive commercial acumen.’

Key clients

Zurich


Aviva


QBE


Birmingham City Council


Allianz


LV insurance


Pro-Global


Ageas


Travellers


Tata Steel


DLG


Tesco


NHSR


Hastings


AXA


RSA


Work highlights


  • Acted for Pro-Global in winning a 62,5% saving in a contested major case against a prominent firm of Solicitors.
  • Instructed on behalf of a number of legacy re-insurers on an Application for Non-Party Costs Order against a high-profile solicitor.
  • Represented Tata Steel in the British Steel GLO. The costs team dealt with all costs management in this high-profile litigation, assisted in drafting the settlement scheme and are instructed to deal with the assessment of the common costs. The total claim for costs will be over £15m.

Keith Bintley Limited

Keith Bintley Limited represents both claimants and defendants in commercial work, insurance cases, catastrophic injuries, matrimonial costs claims and contentious trusts and probate costs. The group works with numerous highly-regarded law firms, and are praised for their 'superb' attention to detail. The department is headed by ‘outstanding‘ co-heads Keith Bintley and ‘the incredibly knowledgeable‘ John Ivory, who have nearly 60 years of experience in the practice area between them.

Practice head(s):

Keith Bintley; John Ivory


Testimonials

‘An excellent team with a truly impressive turnaround for long and complex cases. They are very thorough in respect of the preparation of their bills.’

‘Keith Bintley and his team have an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of asbestos disease litigation, which is invaluable when preparing bills and negotiating costs or pursuing detailed assessment of costs.’

‘Keith and his team are outstanding when it comes to bill preparation. Their attention to detail is superb, and they are highly acclaimed negotiators, able to make points succinctly and achieve good results in terms of bill recovery. Keith Bintley in particular is extremely proactive and pushes defendants to the very limit in negotiations. He is an experienced advocate and so is able to deal with most detailed assessment hearings himself.’

Key clients

Howard Kennedy


Mills & Reeve


Farrer & Co


Signature Litigation


Temple Legal Protection


Francis Wilks & Jones


Keystone Law


Mishcon de Reya


Rix and Kay


McDermott Will & Emery


Leigh Day


Fieldfisher


Withers


Kingsley Napley LLP

Kingsley Napley LLP‘s practice is led by ‘first-class and a leader in his field‘, Michael Tyler, who works with insurers, strategic planning, and costs budgeting of High Court matters. He routinely advises on litigation funding arrangements and client retainers, and is often instructed to handle costs submissions and claims for costs/reviews of costs.

Practice head(s):

Michael Tyler


Testimonials

‘Michael Tyler leads a team of costs lawyers who are both excellent at what they do and extremely personable. They are always a joy to work with.’

‘The costs lawyers get on top of the facts and nuances of the case quickly and are able to advise on the available legal arguments to secure the best result for the client.’

‘Michael Tyler – partner. Excellent and highly efficient lawyer. Able to assimilate large amounts of complex facts and identify the key legal arguments. Calm and logical approach. Extremely knowledgeable.’

‘Michael Tyler – simply first-class and a leader in his field. ‘

‘Michael Tyler is one of the best costs lawyers in the business, with an acute eye for detail and an excellent black letter lawyer.’

‘Michael Tyler is very personable and technically strong.’

‘Friendly team who work hard to meet the needs of their clients.’

‘Really good, friendly and highly competent team at all levels.’

Work highlights


  • Acting in ground-breaking costs cases such as in relation to arbitral awards.
  • Advising in international arbitrations on applications security for costs.
  • Advising in privacy proceedings for high net worth individuals.

Harmans

Harmans‘ sector expertise encompasses clinical negligence, personal injury, defamation, and commercial as well as group actions. As a costs lawyer of over 30 years, Matthew Harman ‘carries years of valuable experience and knows how to run a case to assessment and get the right result.’ Sara Gould and Mathew Knight are instructed on high value clinical negligence, as well as large-scale group actions. Steve Jones focuses on cost recovery in clinical negligence and personal injury cases.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Harman; Sara Gould; Steve Jones


Other key lawyers:

Mathew Knight


Testimonials

‘An excellent firm of specialist costs lawyers, led by Matthew Harman. Very experienced and in my view the leading firm of costs lawyers for many years. Detailed and thorough bill drafting with very good advocacy at hearings and advice on costs offers, etc. Nothing is ever too much trouble.’

‘Matt Harman – my go-to costs draftsman, he carries years of valuable experience and knows how to run a case to assessment and get the right result. Incredibly intelligent and savvy on costs arguments. He knows defendants inside out and gets results.’

‘Matthew Harman is the costs lawyer who prepares my bills, and I have worked with him for many years. More recently, Steve Jones has helped with the advocacy at hearings and in relation to budgets and has been excellent. Matthew is extremely experienced and knowledgeable, and knows how to deal with and negotiation very complex and detailed bills.’

Horwich Farrelly

Horwich Farrelly focuses on insurance, judicial review, personal injury, clinical negligence and commercial litigation costs. Based in Manchester, Paul McCarthyis a stand-out market leader’, and is supported by associate partner Ashleigh Beaver, who specialises in high value insurance work, as well as associates Callum Hugo and Claire Holloway, both of whom have key strength in personal injury matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul McCarthy; Ashleigh Beaver; Callum Hugo; Claire Holloway


Testimonials

‘The costs team at Horwich Farrelly are very approachable and supportive, providing not only costs handling but advice, training and strategic guidance to their Insurer clients. They take an early collaborative approach to costs, which is essential later in the process to keep costs at a reasonable level. Their advice is excellent, and they have a commercial eye which is refreshing.’

‘Paul McCarthy, is a stand-out market leader with a strategic approach tailored to achieving excellent commercial outcomes. Dealing with costs on the most complex, multi-million pound catastrophic injury cases, he adopts an approach that is highly detailed and forensic.’

‘An excellent team who work together under great leadership.’

Key clients

Government Legal Department


EUI Limited


Aviva Insurance


Hastings Insurance


Tesco Underwriting Limited


Liverpool Victoria


Markerstudy


Direct Commercial


Admiral law


AXA


Ageas


First Central


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Work highlights


  • Advised LV= on a novel point of law regarding the application of the indemnity principle in matters funded by criminal legal aid arising from committal proceedings.
  • Advised Beyond Corporate on a 7-figure commercial contractual dispute regarding the development of a recycling machine.
  • Advised Tesco Underwriting on the costs issues arising from a £23,000,000 traumatic brain and spinal injury claim.

Irwin Mitchell

Steven Green is the lead partner at Irwin Mitchell‘s Sheffield-based costs practice, holding 29 years’ experience and involvement in all areas of costs law. He is well known for his handling of high value claims arising from catastrophic personal injury and medical negligence cases, but also in commercial and solicitor/own client disputes.

Practice head(s):

Steven Green


Testimonials

‘The best costs team in the country. Professional, innovative and always prepared to go the extra mile.’

‘Steven Green – as partner in charge of the national Costs team, Steven is forward-thinking, intelligent and himself an excellent advocate.’

‘An excellent team with a complex and varied workload.’

Work highlights


  • Represented over 200 clients in a large group action for injuries suffered as a result of industrial diseases contracted whilst working for British Steel. Advised in relation to costs budgeting resulting in the approval of a budget worth over £2,000,000.00 and subsequently prepared and negotiated on a substantial claim for costs.
  • Advised over 80 clients in relation to the cost budgeting issues arising from litigation following the terrorist attacks which took place in Tunisia in June 2015, resulting in the approval of a Costs Budget of over £8,000,000.00.
  • Representing a client in a claim under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights following the death of a family member. Preparing a detailed Bill of Costs and pursuing the claim to a Detailed Assessment in the Senior Courts Costs Office, recovering over 90% of the costs claimed.

Kain Knight

Kain Knight is adept at handling large scale costs disputes in the commercial, insurance, Court of Protection, clinical negligence and serious injury sphere. London based Matthew Kain, Chris Butler, Francis Kendall along with Manchester’s Nick McDonnell are recommended for contentious and non-contentious costs issues.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Kain


Other key lawyers:

Chris Butler; Francis Kendall; Nick McDonnell


Testimonials

‘Exceptional service standards coupled with deep industry knowledge.’

‘Nick McDonnell – a titan of the costs litigation world with an enviable client list.’

‘Kain Knight are one of the go-to teams of costs lawyers. They act on many of the highest profile costs disputes, ranging from high value multi-party commercial litigation to points of principle that frequently arise in mass market low value claims.’

Key clients

Enable Law


Trowers & Hamlins LLP


Enyo Law


Joseph Hage Aaronson LLP


Withers LLP


Alston & Bird


Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP No


CAM Legal Services Ltd


Hilary Meredith Solicitors


Ralli Solicitors


Minster Law


Sheldon Davidson Solicitors


Irwin Mitchel


Work highlights


  • Prepared Bill of Costs for generic costs arising from a clinical negligence group action involving over 200 women who were subject to negligent gynaecological treatment.
  • Worked with an international law firm in preparation of costs documents for hearings and applications relating to a Worldwide freezing order (WFO) on assets of over $40m.
  • Prepare Bill of Costs and negotiate settlement in a tax group litigation relating to Closure Notice applications and associated appeals.

KE Costs Lawyers

KE Costs Lawyers is a Liverpool boutique civil and commercial legal costs practice co-founded by Tom Mullin, covering costs drafting the full spectrum of bills, negotiation, advocacy and business support. Mullin and fellow director, Jon Powell are the go-to for preparation of Bills of Costs, points of dispute and costs management hearings.

Practice head(s):

Tom Mullin


Other key lawyers:

Jon Powell


Testimonials

‘The team regularly delivery high costs settlements on our cases. Their bills are always accurate and detailed, and they have offered a faultless service from start to finish and should be commended on their work.’

‘The level of service they all offer individually is outstanding. They offer clear and pragmatic advice and excellent results.’

‘Jon Powell – an excellent costs draftsman.’

‘An excellent team with professional and technical ability yet approachable and personable, which makes for a good working relationship.’

‘KE Costs are an efficient workforce who provide a very safe pair of hands with all matters costs related. They provide an excellent service, seeing an improvement on costs recovery over and above other costs firms I have used previously. They provide clear and succinct advice, which is all the more important as this area of law has become so specialised. I trust the advice and I am clearly listened to and guided through the costing process.’

‘The practice has experienced cost draftsmen, they work with the lawyers to ensure the bill of costs minimises any points of dispute and maximum costs are recovered. They are extremely helpful and always ready and willing to assist, complying with urgent time limits and unusual cost issues.’

‘Strong and extremely capable team of costs draftsmen and negotiators. Very knowledgeable in the field. Their main strength compared to other firms is their ability to communicate and keep us updated on the progress of the work.’

‘They are very user-friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile!’

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP specialises in dealing with the costs arising from high value and complex clinical negligence litigation, complementing its national personal injury group. Principal associate and national head of costs Andy Sinclair and his team are routinely instructed to attend CCMCs, and to prepare Costs Budgets and Bills of Costs.

Practice head(s):

Andy Sinclair


Testimonials

‘Andy Sinclair is outstanding – quick, reliable and authoritative.’

‘An impressive team who understand the intricacies of costs law and run claims to an exceptionally high standard.’

‘Andrew Sinclair is an exceptional costs lawyer with an impressive clarity of thought and appreciation of the big picture.’

‘Andy Sinclair is an expert in the field.’