February 2025 Newsletter
As we continue to commemorate our 25th anniversary, County Cost Consultants reflects on a quarter century of dedication to providing exceptional cost law services. Our journey from a modest beginning in 2000 to becoming a leading name in the industry is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
Costs Lawyers and the Judiciary
In a significant development for the legal profession, cost lawyers in the UK are expected to gain eligibility for judicial appointments in 2025. This long awaited change marks a pivotal moment for the cost law industry, recognising the expertise and specialised knowledge that costs lawyers bring to legal proceedings. As the demand for fair and efficient cost management grows, the introduction of cost lawyers into judicial roles is set to enhance the legal industry, both for practitioners and clients.
Celebrating 25 Years of County Cost Consultants
This January, County Cost Consultants proudly celebrates 25 years of growth, innovation, and excellence in the cost law industry. From its modest beginnings in 2000 to becoming a trusted name in cost consultancy across the UK and beyond, this milestone is a celebration of time, dedication, vision, and resilience, qualities that have defined County’s quarter of a century journey.
Abated Advocacy Fees and UK Cost Recovery in 2024
The introduction of abated advocacy fees marks a significant shift in cost recovery practices, particularly within the realms of Fast Track and Intermediate Track cases. With the implementation of these new provisions, law firms and cost lawyers, including those at County Cost Consultants, must adapt to ensure that clients’ cost recoveries remain maximised while adhering to the latest rules.
Case Two: K. Weston - and - Watford Community Housing Trust
In March 2020, a large housing association committed a data breach when mistakenly, personal data on 3000 tenants was attached to a standard email detailing impacts from the pandemic on residents. Working with a firm representing over 100 victims of the breach, County Cost chose to economically and efficiently select 16 cases to run for assessment which ultimately spearheaded the success of the recovery of costs for the remaining cases.
With perseverance and acute critical thinking, the County Cost team recovered costs for the multiple individuals due to the successful execution of their detailed arguments in relation to cost laws surrounding data breach cases.
New Case Law in Legal Cost Recovery: Key Judgments of 2024
Cost recovery in the UK continues to transform in response to landmark judicial decisions. In 2024, several pivotal cases have shaped the approach to cost recovery, significantly impacting the work of cost lawyers and the way legal costs are assessed and awarded. These judgments highlight the importance of understanding the nuances of cost law, and for cost lawyers, staying up to date with the latest rulings is essential to ensure they can effectively advise and represent their clients.
What Is The Importance of Interim Costs Orders in Complex Litigation?
In lengthy litigation, cases often take months or even years to reach a final resolution. During this time, parties involved in the legal battle face significant financial strain as legal costs accumulate.
Appealing a Case? Here’s How to Deal with the Costs and Minimise Risks
Appealing a legal case is a challenging process, in terms of legality, financially and time consumption. Appeals often involve substantial additional work, from reviewing previous case materials to constructing new legal arguments.
The Ins & Outs of Civil Procedure Rules (CPR)
The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) serve as the backbone of the litigation process in the UK. Introduced in 1999 to simplify and modernise civil justice, these rules aim to ensure cases are dealt with justly and at proportionate costs.
All About Costs Capping Orders
In the world of cost law, controlling the rising costs of litigation remains a top priority for both legal professionals and their clients. One of the key tools employed to achieve this is the Costs Capping Order (CCO). Though often overlooked, CCOs have become a pivotal mechanism in managing financial risks associated with litigation, especially in high stakes cases.
Understanding the Emotional Ramifications of Legal Proceedings
Legal proceedings, whether civil, commercial, or personal, are often emotionally taxing for those involved. Beyond the complexity of the law and the technicalities of the courtroom, the individuals at the heart of these cases often face an emotional burden that is seldom addressed.
The State of Cost Law in the UK; August 2024
As we move through the second half of 2024, the niche sector of cost law in the UK is experiencing significant shifts, driven by regulatory updates, emerging case law, and ongoing economic pressures.
Expert Witness Costs in Litigation
In the realm of litigation, expert witnesses play a key role in providing specialised knowledge and opinions that can make or break a case.
Cost Law: Why Experience and Expertise Are Crucial
Cost law is a highly specialised and niche area of the legal sector, primarily concerned with the determination and recovery of legal costs. Unlike more mainstream areas of law such as criminal, family, or corporate law, cost law operates within a unique framework that requires a deep understanding of not only legal principles but also the intricacies of litigation funding, cost assessments, and detailed negotiations.
Legal Cost Trends; Litigation and Insurance
Legal cost funding in the UK is becoming more advantageous to clients, driven by the increasing adoption of litigation finance and legal cost insurance.
Let’s Talk Alternative Dispute Resolution
In recent years, legal disputes in the UK have been undergoing a significant transformation. One of the most notable trends is the growing emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation and neutral evaluation
Introducing County Cost's Exciting New Seminar Service
County Cost Consultants is thrilled to announce the launch of our new seminar service, a testament to our commitment to prioritising our clients' needs and enhancing their understanding of cost law.
Let’s Talk Alternative Dispute Resolution
In recent years, legal disputes in the UK have been undergoing a significant transformation. One of the most notable trends is the growing emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation and neutral evaluation.
Data Protection Reforms and Their Implications for Cost Law in the UK
Data protection continues to be a genuine concern in today’s digital era, with recent reforms set to reshape the legal industry significantly. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, anticipated to become law in 2024, aims to streamline the UK GDPR regime, striking a balance between reducing regulatory burdens and maintaining airtight data protection standards.