Subjects:

Practice & Procedure

Contents:

Part I: Understanding the cost rules about assessment and knowing where to find them

Part II: The procedure for detailed assessment by the court of a bill claiming costs between the parties (with or without a claim for costs against the CLS fund)

Part III: The procedure for detailed assessment by the court of a bill claiming costs only against the CLS fund ('LSC only' detailed assessment)

Part IV: Fixed costs, summary and other forms of assessment and 'costs only' proceedings

Appendices: Speciman worksheets, costs precedents, prescribed forms

Index

This practical book offers indispensable guidance to claimant litigators on the process of civil costs assessment. It includes valuable advice on how to use the Civil Procedure Rules and the Costs Practice Direction to expedite and maximise the recovery of costs.

The book explains in detail the procedure and documentation required, offering a step-by-step guide through each stage likely to be encountered in a typical costs recovery matter. This useful handbook:

• outlines the procedural timetable and critical dates
• suggests ways of maintaining the momentum while negotiating effectively
• details when and how to obtain default, interim and final costs certificates
• offers guidance on preparing for and attending detailed assessment hearings
• explains where to find and how to use all the necessary rules and forms

The accompanying CD-ROM contains over 100 files that are cross-referenced to the text to enable quick and easy access to:

• all the relevant rules, forms and official guidance
• customisable precedent letters to the client, the court and the opposing side
• speciman replies to typical points of disputes
• worksheets to simplify and speed up the necessary calculations

Peter Burdge was a solictor in private practice before becoming a costs draftsman, consultant and trainer.