Wills & Trusts Law Reports | Summer 2024 #195The claimant and his sister were beneficiaries of the will of their mother. The defendant, a solicitors’ firm, was instructed by the sole executor to administer the estate. The defendant’s original costs estimate was £10,000-£15,000 plus VAT, but its invoices totalled £54,410.99 plus VAT and expenses. The claimant challenged the fees charged and applied for an assessment under s71(3) Solicitors Act 1973, which a costs judge ordered. The defendant appealed on grounds restricted to Tim Martin Interiors Ltd v Akin Gump LLP [2011], namely, that it was not open to a benefici...
Elliot Kay reports on a recent case that confirms you have to send a bill of costs to your client, even in fixed costs cases ‘Rule 17.2 expressly required a bill to be delivered or written notification to be given “first”, ie before the defendant took payment for its fees, and that had not happened.’ …
Continue reading "Bills of costs: Show your working out"
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