Having spent some time with a number of solicitors at the excellent White Paper Conference at the delightful Gray's Inn, it was apparent to many attending that it was great to learn about changes in case law, Jackson effects, new best practices etc, but it would also be good to learn some of the basics about costs, case management and things that really should have been covered when learning to become a lawyer.
So, empowered by this I am setting forth on my quest and building on my well-received ebook - to educate the legal profession. It never ceases to amaze me that there are solicitors out there who do not know what a client care letter is, how they are going to be paid for their services, how to put a file together. What effect does failure to obtain an order directing that costs are to be assessed 'forthwith' have?
I would be bold and suggest that it would be better for all to not be embarrassed and accept we do not know everything. I will put my hand up and accept that there are areas of law that I do not fully understand, namely that relating to legal aid (which is why I employ an expert in the field to cover my minor inadequacies).
I recently received points of dispute claiming that my bill of costs was not in the correct format and that a success fee was not recoverable on the costs of preparing the bill. Needless to say, the solicitor in question will be receiving the benefit of my wisdom, when he is referred to CPR Costs Practice Direction where the format of a bill is explained, and KU v Liverpool City Council, in which the Court of Appeal explained that the CFA covers the case until the conclusion, and that includes the Detailed Assessment hearing.
In order to assist my quest, I would be eternally grateful if anyone could forward details of what is covered / not covered when they undertook the LPC course and / or what details solicitors believe they should know about costs, but do not. A copy of the ebook to all respondents.
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