Solicitor and Own Client Costs
We have the expertise to deal with the full range of solicitor and own client costs disputes in cases of any value, including applications under Section 71 of the Solicitors’ Act 1974.
Our work in this area goes well beyond the straight assessment of costs, as solicitor and own client costs disputes are often a significant feature of professional negliegence actions involving solicitors. We can deal with all aspects of such litigation.
We are regularly instructed at the outset of the solicitor/client relationship to advise on funding issues. Getting things right at the outset of the solicitor/client relationship is key to avoiding disputes developing later.
In many cases the solicitor or client may wish to terminate a retainer before the conclusion of a case and the consequences of doing so inappropriately can be severe for both solicitor and client. A solicitor who terminates a retainer unlawfully can be left unable to recover their professional fees. A client who decides to terminate a retainer can find themselves having to fight on two fronts as they face the prospect of carrying on their own case whilst also being sued by their former solicitors for unpaid fees. We can give pre-emptive advice to both solicitors and client.
We are always happy to discuss prospective instructions without obligation.
