This case deals with the costs decisions reached by Justice Fancourt following the trial of 3 of the 4 test claims in the mirror newspaper hacking litigation, Ms Sanderson, Ms Wightman & Mr Turner. The fourth being the action by the Duke of Sussex which was being considered separately.
Mr Kenig and his sister were beneficiaries of a Will. Thomas Snell & Passmore LLP (“TSP”) were instructed by the sole executor of the Will (Mr Saul Biber) to administer the estate. TSP’s initial estimate was £10,000 - £15,000 plus VAT and expenses, but they ended up charging £54,410.99 plus VAT and expenses.
In Sellers v Simpkins [2023] EWHC 3296 (SCCO) Senior Costs Judge Gordon-Saker considered the costs recoverable by a solicitor when their client terminates their CFA.
In Lifestyle Equities CV & Anor v Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club & Ors [2023] EWHC 2923 (CH) Mr Justice Mellor considered three issues relevant to costs whether a deduction should be made to the successful parties’ costs; the making of an interim payment, and whether a consequentials hearing should be included in the costs budget, or assessed separately.
Nicholas Lee of Paragon Costs Solutions and James Wibberley of Guildhall Chambers were instructed to represent the Defendant in these costs proceedings.
From 1 November 2022 to 28 April 2023, a pilot was in place for the use of electronic bills in Court of Protection (COP) claims. The trial was a marked success, resulting in the continuation of these bills being accepted by the Senior Courts Costs Office (SCCO) moving forwards.
In the matter of Briley & Ors v Leicester Partnership NHS Trust & Ors [2023] EWHC 1470 (SCCO), the recoverability of attending a pre-inquest review was considered.
In Sleaford Building Services Ltd v Isoplus Pipings Systems Ltd, the Court considered the validity of a Part 36 offer made and whether the offer was a genuine attempt to settle the claim.
Wishing you a disproportionately Happy Festive break (on the standard basis) and a Happy New Year (without prejudice save as to costs). This offer is open for acceptance for 21 days (the “relevant period”).
Simpsons (Preston) Ltd & Anor v MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd [2023] EWHC 1370 (Comm) and the variation of costs budgets when the issue is self-imposed
