Overview

This webinar examines the crucial role of the fee earner in maximising the recovery of legal costs. Many litigators have limited experience of detailed assessments and may be unaware of the challenges that can arise during the process. The session explores not only what happens at a detailed assessment, but also the practical steps fee earners should take from the very outset of a case to place their client in the strongest possible position for costs recovery.

Using examples from reported cases, the webinar highlights how shortcomings in case management, time recording, and documentation can lead to costs being disallowed or significantly reduced. Particular focus is given to how the fee earner’s conduct of the litigation is scrutinised, sometimes in considerable detail, during the assessment process.

Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand what happens during a detailed assessment of costs
• Identify common pitfalls and where things can go wrong on assessment
• Appreciate the importance of accurate time records and detailed attendance notes
• Recognise what factors a costs judge considers when assessing costs
• Understand what costs judges look for when scrutinising a receiving party’s bill
• Apply practical strategies from the start of a case to maximise recoverable costs and withstand judicial scrutiny