In a recent wave of public commentary, concerns over spiralling legal fees, particularly those charged by elite, city law firms, have reignited longstanding debates around transparency, proportionality and access to justice in the UK legal sector.

In the legal profession, pressure often runs high. Deadlines are tight, expectations are demanding and the stakes are rarely low. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of legal costs. Cost lawyers and draftsmen work within fast paced, high pressure environments where precision is paramount, outcomes are scrutinised and the ripple effects of error can be significant. Against this backdrop, it is understandable why mental health amongst those involved in cost law should be a priority.

Cost budgeting has firmly embedded itself in civil litigation and by mid 2025 it’s safe to say it’s an essential. With the fixed recoverable costs expansion now in full swing and pre-action budgeting becoming routinely scrutinised, errors in cost planning can be costly; both in court and for clients. To help you guide this everchanging terrain, we’ve identified five key pitfalls to avoid, based on lessons learned through Court commentary and real world cases such as Kapoor v Johal [2024]. At County Cost Consultants, we’ve supported countless clients through this exact process, so here’s what you need to watch.

In 2025, legal costs remain one of the most closely scrutinised areas of litigation and the courts are making that crystal clear. With a wave of recent judicial commentary and decisions surrounding costs assessments, budgets and bill drafting, the expectations placed on law firms and cost professionals have never been higher.

When most people think of legal proceedings, they immediately picture solicitors and barristers standing at the forefront of courtroom battles. Yet, there is a vital area of legal practice that often goes unnoticed, the world of costs lawyers and draftsmen. In 2025, as the conversation around legal costs and client transparency intensifies, their role is more crucial than ever. These specialists ensure that the financial elements of litigation are expertly handled, making legal processes smoother, fairer and far less stressful for clients.

The recent announcement by the UK government regarding proposed increases to legal aid fees has been widely acknowledged as a long overdue response to growing concerns about the underfunding of the justice system. Welcomed by The Law Society of England and Wales, this development marks the most substantial rate adjustment in nearly 30 years. It represents a potentially meaningful step toward reinforcing the role of legal aid in ensuring access to justice for all, regardless of financial means.

As we move into spring, March has brought a renewed sense of momentum at County Cost Consultants. With a strong focus on learning and recognition, the past month has offered opportunities for growth across the team; both individually and collectively. Here’s a look at what’s been happening behind the scenes.

As we continue to commemorate our 25th anniversary, County Cost Consultants reflects on a quarter century of dedication to providing exceptional cost law services. Our journey from a modest beginning in 2000 to becoming a leading name in the industry is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

The introduction of abated advocacy fees marks a significant shift in cost recovery practices, particularly within the realms of Fast Track and Intermediate Track cases. With the implementation of these new provisions, law firms and cost lawyers, including those at County Cost Consultants, must adapt to ensure that clients’ cost recoveries remain maximised while adhering to the latest rules. 

Cost recovery in the UK continues to transform in response to landmark judicial decisions. In 2024, several pivotal cases have shaped the approach to cost recovery, significantly impacting the work of cost lawyers and the way legal costs are assessed and awarded. These judgments highlight the importance of understanding the nuances of cost law, and for cost lawyers, staying up to date with the latest rulings is essential to ensure they can effectively advise and represent their clients. 

In lengthy litigation, cases often take months or even years to reach a final resolution. During this time, parties involved in the legal battle face significant financial strain as legal costs accumulate.

Appealing a legal case is a challenging process, in terms of legality, financially and time consumption. Appeals often involve substantial additional work, from reviewing previous case materials to constructing new legal arguments.