This is often an area of Costs Law which is overlooked until the day that a client wishes to challenge their solicitor’s legal fees. It is important to note some key facts regarding Solicitor & Client disputes:
- The relevant Act is the Solicitors Act 1974 (Part III).
- A paying party has an automatic right to an assessment before the expiration of one month from the delivery of a solicitor’s bill or invoice.
- If the bill has been paid, judgment obtained or 12 months has passed since the bill was delivered, the Court should make no order for costs to be assessed, except in special circumstances.
- If the solicitor’s fees are assessed and such costs are reduced by one fifth or more, then the solicitor will pay the costs of the assessment, otherwise the client will pay the costs. If the solicitor made the application and the party chargeable does not attend then this rule may not apply and the Judge has discretion to make such order as they may think fit.
If you require any assistance or advice on challenging or defending costs between solicitor and client then we are on hand to help.