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How to serve a CPR-compliant bill of costs? The High Court considers (Barking v AKC)

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Published on: 06 October 2021

Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert

Article summary

Dispute Resolution analysis: This case involved an application by the defendant (the appellant) for an order that the claimant’s bill of costs be struck out and the claimant be required to serve an amended and CPR-compliant bill. The High Court allowed the defendant’s appeal deciding that the claimant’s bill had not been properly certified and was not CPR-compliant. Unless signed by the client, the bill must be signed by a solicitor and the signatory must be identified. The court further held that each fee earner included in the bill must be named and details provided as to their status, experience and/or professional qualifications, including post qualification experience. The case is essential reading for any legal professional seeking to recover costs. A bill which fails to meet the requirements of the CPR, as interpreted in this case, is liable to be struck out. Written by John Meehan, costs barrister at Kenworthy’s Chambers.

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