I’m a specialist costs counsel with deep experience in high-value commercial litigation, litigation funding, cross-border cost recovery, and complex solicitor-client disputes. My clients include City firms, international legal practices, and the London offices of major US firms. I act in matters where specialist costs advice isn’t just helpful – it’s essential.
Commercial Litigation Funding and Cost Recovery
I advise on the full spectrum of litigation funding arrangements in large-scale commercial disputes. That includes structuring third-party funding agreements, advising on enforceability, and helping clients optimise cost recovery while managing adverse costs risk. I regularly work on portfolio funding arrangements – often with cross-collateralisation issues – and I advise on group litigation funding, ATE insurance placement, and cost exposure across multiple jurisdictions. I understand how funding interacts with regulatory obligations, and I’ve worked with ABSs, claims aggregators, and litigation vehicles that need compliant, workable structures.
I also advise on cost recovery in international arbitration. That includes post-award enforcement, SCCO assessments, and advising on how tribunal powers should be used to secure a proper costs order. In both funded litigation and arbitration, I help clients navigate the practical and regulatory issues that can make or break the financial outcome of a case.
Solicitor-Client Disputes and Professional Standards
I have a strong practice in solicitor-client costs disputes. I act in high-value billing disputes, section 70 assessments under the Solicitors Act 1974, and professional negligence claims where the focus is on costs advice or funding strategy. I’ve acted in complex disputes involving conditional fee agreements, damages-based agreements, and retainers with international elements. I regularly advise on solicitor liens, security for costs, and challenges to retainer enforceability.
My appearance in Herbert v HH Law Ltd [2019] EWCA Civ 527 helped shape the law on success fees and ATE premium challenges in the solicitor-client context. I bring that same level of detailed legal knowledge and strategic thinking to every case, whether acting for the firm or the client.
Group Litigation and Collective Proceedings
I specialise in the costs and funding issues that arise in large-scale group litigation. That includes GLO proceedings, representative actions, and collective proceedings under the CAT regime. I advise on test case strategy, cost-sharing agreements, funding structures, and waterfall arrangements. I also advise on collective proceedings order applications, and how to manage costs efficiently across multiple claims and jurisdictions. These cases often involve tight procedural frameworks and large sums at stake – I provide the clarity and structure needed to manage that risk.
Wasted Costs and Third-Party Liability
I regularly act in wasted costs applications against legal representatives, and in third-party costs claims brought against funders, insurers, directors and other backers. These cases often involve difficult questions of causation, responsibility, and fairness. I bring careful analysis and a clear, principled approach to these high-stakes applications.
International and Cross-Border Practice
A significant part of my work has an international dimension. I advise and appear in costs proceedings in the DIFC, the Cayman Islands, and other British Overseas Territories. I also advise on Scottish costs law, cross-border enforcement of costs orders, and cost recovery in international arbitration under LCIA and ICC rules. My clients rely on me to manage the procedural and strategic costs issues that arise in multi-jurisdictional litigation.
Alternative Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Costs
I maintain a dedicated arbitration costs practice. I advise on costs recovery in international arbitration, including drafting submissions, advising on tribunal costs powers, and acting in costs-only disputes. I also appear in SCCO assessments following arbitration, ensuring that costs are properly quantified and enforced. My writing on arbitration costs, published in the Construction Law Journal in 1997, remains a cited authority.
Regulatory and Compliance Expertise
I provide regulatory advice to claims management operations, ABSs, and legal tech businesses. I advise on FCA compliance, LASPO restrictions on referral fees, and how to structure compliant claims capture and referral arrangements. I also advise on data protection and confidentiality, particularly in international litigation funding and claims aggregation. I help ensure GDPR compliance and protect privilege across borders and platforms.
Court Practice and Advocacy
I appear regularly in the Senior Courts Costs Office, the High Court (including the Commercial Court and Chancery Division), and the Court of Appeal. I have appeared in the Supreme Court on costs arguments in appellate cases. I also represent clients in international arbitration proceedings and in post-award costs assessments.
Client Base and Instructions
I act for Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms, US firms’ London offices, boutique litigation practices, institutional funders, and arbitration chambers. I also work with alternative business structures and litigation platforms. I accept instructions for advisory work, advocacy, and strategic costs planning. Conferences are available remotely, at chambers in the Temple, or at solicitors’ offices across the City.