Our approach begins with a grounded view of prospects. We assess the retainer documentation, the bills served, the work undertaken and the statutory framework that applies to solicitor and client assessments. This allows us to provide early advice on whether assessment is proportionate, the likely range of outcomes and the best route to resolution.

When acting for clients, we focus on identifying where charges may be excessive, unclear or unsupported by the work genuinely required. We then advance arguments that are clear, tightly reasoned and rooted in the relevant principles of reasonableness. We also ensure that clients understand the procedural steps, time limits and costs implications at each stage and decisions are made with confidence.

When acting for solicitors, we defend bills by presenting the costs transparently and in full context, addressing both points of principle and item-level challenges. We structure responses so that any key themes such as scope of work, value, complexity or proportionality are dealt with first, followed by targeted replies to specific objections. Throughout, we aim to keep disputes focused, resolve matters efficiently where possible and ensure the assessment process is handled with care and professionalism.

Solicitor and client costs disputes require specialists who understand both the statutory route and the practical realities on each side. Our team is experienced in representing clients who need clarity and protection and solicitors who need their bills defended fairly and persuasively.

We provide pragmatic advice, realistic outcome assessments and clear strategy from the outset. Clients value our ability to explain complex costs issues in straightforward terms and guide them through unfamiliar procedures. Solicitors value our precise drafting, calm judgment and ability to defend bills in a way that withstands scrutiny.

Whether you are challenging a solicitor’s bill or responding to a client’s dispute, we manage the process efficiently, keep costs proportionate and focus on achieving the right outcome.

Clients are often unfamiliar with the procedure for solicitor and client costs assessments, therefore before commencing any work we take the time to explain the procedure, as well as the risks and costs involved.

There are time limits surrounding solicitor and client costs assessments and so we urge clients to contact us to discuss their situation as soon as possible.

Our specialist costs lawyers will review the bills that have been rendered by the solicitor, help clients to understand the work done, consider the reasonableness of the costs claimed and provide clients with advice.

If it is appropriate to proceed, we will make an application for assessment of the bills. Utilising our knowledge and experience in this area of costs, we advance the strongest arguments to support your case.

We are often able to obtain significant reductions to the solicitor’s costs for our clients, and where the costs are reduced by 20% or more, our clients are generally able to recover their costs of the assessment procedure.

We guide our clients throughout the entire process and provide estimates of our fees at every stage.

We are often instructed by solicitors to prepare compliant and accurate breakdowns of costs in respect of the bills to be assessed. We are also able to advise on appropriate court directions for the assessment of the costs to ensure effective case management.

Following service of the breakdown of costs, we consider any points of dispute served by clients and provide solicitors with thorough advice on the merits of the issues raised and the reasonableness of any offers of settlement.

Our costs lawyers are skilled in drafting robust replies to points of dispute. Utilising our expertise in technical costs issues and knowledge of the relevant authorities, we ensure that we advance all possible arguments to justify the costs claimed.