Tougher line on excessive solicitor costs
Move to curb solicitors giving instructions to sign off a bill with higher hourly rates than the retainer would allow.
The Law Gazette has reported on 13th November that Master Jennifer James warned cost lawyers can expect harsher treatment from courts if they go along with solicitors’ demands to increase costs. The Master was speaking at the Association of Costs Lawyers annual conference.
The Master was reported to have stated: ‘Do not take any instructions you know you shouldn’t, if [costs inflation] comes to light that is a very serious disciplinary matter for the solicitor. When backed into a corner the kind of solicitor who will ask you to do something unethical is the kind who will point the finger when something goes wrong.
We welcome this move and are proud to abide by the Solicitor Regulatory Authority Transparency Rules. The rules aim to ensure clients have accurate and relevant information about a solicitor or firm when they are considering purchasing legal services. This can help members of the public make informed choices about the legal market, what to expect and what is on offer.
Law Gazette Article on tougher line to be taken on inflated costs bills.