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NLJ this week: How to escape the fixed costs regime & more

08 September 2023
Issue: 8039 / Categories: Legal News , Procedure & practice , Civil way , Costs
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Former district judge Stephen Gold takes us through ways in which to avoid the fixed recoverable costs regime, due to come into force on 1 October, in this week’s 'Civil way'.

For example, fixed costs could be avoided where non-monetary relief is sought and the lawyer can persuade the judge to use their discretion on ‘interests of justice’ grounds. He lists the types of cases where exclusions apply, for example, certain clinical negligence claims where both breach and causation have been admitted.

Gold helpfully explores various scenarios which may help lawyer and client escape the new regime. He also covers a rise in the special account rate, recent guidance from the president of the Family Division, new guidance for attorneys and deputies on vaccinations for those who lack mental capacity to consent, and more. 

Find more nuggets of Gold here.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Freeths—Ruth Clare

Freeths—Ruth Clare

National real estate team bolstered by partner hire in Manchester

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Partner appointed head of family team

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

Firm strengthens agriculture and rural affairs team with partner return

NEWS
Conveyancing lawyers have enjoyed a rapid win after campaigning against UK Finance’s decision to charge for access to the Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has launched a recruitment drive for talented early career and more senior barristers and solicitors
Regulators differed in the clarity and consistency of their post-Mazur advice and guidance, according to an interim report by the Legal Services Board (LSB)
The Solicitors Act 1974 may still underpin legal regulation, but its age is increasingly showing. Writing in NLJ this week, Victoria Morrison-Hughes of the Association of Costs Lawyers argues that the Act is ‘out of step with modern consumer law’ and actively deters fairness
A Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruling has reopened debate on the availability of ‘user damages’ in competition claims. Writing in NLJ this week, Edward Nyman of Hausfeld explains how the CAT allowed Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen’s alternative damages case against Meta to proceed, rejecting arguments that such damages are barred in competition law
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