ABOUT US
Maximising profit and efficiency
The last few years have provided a significant challenge to the legal profession following implementation in April 2013 of the Jackson reforms. These reforms were put in place specifically to control and reduce the costs of the litigation.
The reforms which have been implemented impact on the way claims are funded and new regulations are in place in relation to Conditional Fee Agreements and Damages Based Agreements. Further reforms have affected the amount of costs recoverable between a Solicitor and client and also between the parties
in litigation. There has been a significant amount of satellite litigation arising out of the reforms. We have been able to provide our clients with guidance in this difficult environment.
The profession has been adjusting to the extension of fixed recoverable costs and a new electronic Bill of Costs.
Sue Smith
With a background in the Banking and Finance sector, and following a short career break to raise her family, Sue has been involved in the Legal Costs indus- try since 2002. In search of a fresh challenge she founded Alpha Costs and has continued to grow and develop the business since then.
Sue has in-depth experience in all aspects of the costs process. Through her friendly, approachable but tenacious negotiating skills she strives to secure the highest level of profit costs, whilst keeping the client’s best interest at the forefront at all times.
Sue continues to be the ‘face’ of Alpha Costs, being the main liaison point between new and existing clients, excelling at building and maintaining strong relationships.
Phil Jones
Phil graduated from Hull University with LLB Hons in Law. He entered the world of legal costs at the point of its expansion following the Access to Justice Act 1999 and the Conditional Fee Agreement Regulations 2000. He has been the Senior Costs Draftsman at Alpha Costs since its foundation.
Phil prides himself on his attention to detail. In the ever-evolving world of costs, Phil has adapted to many developments and always keeps himself and his clients up to date with the latest changes in legislation. His technical knowledge is second to none and he is always on hand to lend his expertise.
Phil specialises in all aspects of the drafting process including; Bills (in particular, electronic Bills of Costs), budgets, Points of Dispute/Points of Reply etc. He has vast experience in all aspects of costs litigation and has advised and represented clients in cases ranging from disputes involving the small claims track to high profile cases in the High Court of Justice. He has been instructed on high value claims involving challenges to the validity of retainer documentation which arose from satellite litigation following the implementation of the Jackson reforms.
Sue and Phil have worked together for 15 years and look forward to continuing to provide an excellent service in the future to both existing and new clients.
Our Primary Services
Drafting Bills
All aspects of negotiation throughout the cost recovery process
Preparation of Statement of Costs for Summary Assessment
Preparation of Part 8 Proceedings
Regular updates on all your files
Preparation of Points of Dispute/Replies
Attendance at Detailed Assessment
Preparation of Schedule of Costs
Advice on costs issues
FREE courier service
Contact us today
We are on hand to help.
Industry News
Underspend on a Phase in Relation to Budgets
The case of Utting v City College Norwich (2020) EWHC B20 (Costs) rejected the argument that underspend amounted to a good reason to depart from a budget. CPR 3.18 provides that “in any case where a Costs Management Order has been made, when assessing costs on the...
The Cap on Recoverable Costs of Budgeting
The case of Marbrow v Sharpes Garden Services Ltd (2020) EWHC B26 (Costs) considered the issue of whether the cap on recoverable costs of the budgeting process are inclusive, or exclusive of VAT. It was held that the limits stated in the rules are exclusive of VAT....
Misconduct in Detailed Assessment
It is worth taking into account the case of Farmer v The Chief Constable of Lancashire (2019) EWHC B18 (Costs). This was a case in which a Bill was originally drafted at £174,565.79 which included a success fee in Parts 2 and 3 of the Bill in the sum of £28,088.41. It...