COSTS LAW REPORTS CONFERENCE

This was a sold out event last tuesday and proves that the law of costs is very hot territory. The speech delivered by Sir Rupert was illuminating.
With the retirement of Ramsey J who will take on the responsibility of steering future costs reform? One likely candidate is Mr Justice Stewart who , in his previous incarnation as designated civil Judge in Liverpool and then Manchester , had much exposure to serious issues .

CFAS in the Appeal,Court

What happens to an old CFA if the client loses capacity ?
BLANKLEY is listed for 2 days starting on November 10th . Thank you Alex Hutton QC for the info.

THE SENIOR COSTS JUDGE

Today our greatest Costs Judge stood down. After more than 30 years Peter Hurst retired. He is not going away . The word is that he will be be back as a costs mediator / arbitrator . Form a queue now . A lovely, decent and modest man. 

COVENTRY LISTED !

February 9-11 th!
Thank you Nick Bacon QC.

LAURA WILKIN R.I.P.

I am so sad to report that Laura died on Wednesday . She was for years head of know how at Weightmans and was heavily involved with the Civil Justice Council. She was always upbeat and never had a bad word to say about anyone . 

COVENTRY - ANOTHER TWIST !

Given the enormity of the potential issue here it is conceivable that extra Judges will be drafted in to consider the Article 6 argument . We could see 2 or even 4 taken on board.
This is all the more remarkable given that the substantive appeal has been resolved by the initial panel of 5 .
Do look at the blog of my great friend Kerry Underwood  who , despite being in Berlin , is working and producing peerless prose . 

LORD SUMPTION

Contrary to what I supposed , Lord Sumption has never acted under a conditional fee arrangement and so there is no question of him being ineligible to sit if COVENTRY is pursued . My thanks to Ben Wilson at the Supreme Court for the correction.