Disputes between solicitors and clients are rarely just about arithmetic.
They are about trust, authority, consent and money. What was agreed? What was explained? What was charged? What was deducted? And is it now too late to do anything about it?
These disputes may involve bills, retainers, CFAs, DBAs, success fees, deductions from damages, ATE premiums, estimates, interim bills, final bills and assessments under the Solicitors Act 1974.
I advise and appear for both solicitors and clients in solicitor-client costs disputes.
Acting for solicitors
Solicitors are entitled to be paid for their work. That proposition can be lost when a client challenges the bill after the event. Some challenges are good. Some are bad. Some are arguable but not worth the cost of fighting. The first task is to tell the difference.
I advise solicitors on defending assessments, responding to challenges to CFAs and success fees, disputes about deductions from damages, bills, payment, informed consent and wider retainer risk.
Acting for clients
Clients are entitled to clear information about costs. Not every high bill is legally wrong. Not every complaint is worth pursuing. But where there is a proper point, the law gives clients important rights.
I advise clients on whether a bill can be challenged, whether assessment is still available, whether deductions were authorised, and whether the likely saving justifies the cost and risk of the dispute.
What to send
Please send the client care letter, retainer, CFA or DBA, terms of business, costs estimates, bills, settlement statements, deductions statements, ATE or funding documents, relevant correspondence, any application for assessment, and a short note explaining the issue.
If there is a hearing date, assessment date, limitation issue or deadline, identify it at the start.