Advocacy in Action Why More Cost Lawyers Are Stepping into the Courtroom

In recent years, there has been a quiet but powerful shift in the cost law profession. Cost lawyers are no longer solely behind the scenes, drafting bills and negotiating points of dispute. Many are stepping into the courtroom, taking on advocacy roles that were once preserved for barristers and solicitors. As we move through 2025, this growing trend is reshaping how legal costs are presented and resolved. It’s a development that speaks to both the evolving expectations of the legal sector and the capabilities of cost professionals.

At County Cost Consultants, this transformation is both observed and embodied. Our advocacy team continues to expand and we are proud to see team members like Ariane and James now confidently representing clients in courtrooms across the country. Their transition from expert cost drafting to skilled oral advocacy is a testament to the profession evolving and our firm’s dedication to supporting that change.

The Rise of In House Advocacy in Cost Law

Traditionally, costs hearings were the domain of instructed counsel, especially where complexity or high value was involved. However, the role of the cost lawyer has changed significantly since the introduction of formal regulation through the Costs Lawyer Standards Board (CLSB). With rights of audience, rights to conduct litigation and the ability to administer oaths, fully qualified cost lawyers are now perfectly positioned to offer a complete service, from preparing a bill to arguing its validity in court.

There are several driving factors behind this shift:

• For cost efficiency purposes, instructing a single professional to handle both drafting and advocacy can reduce duplication and client expense

• In regards to consistency, the cost lawyer who drafted the bill knows the case inside out and is often best placed to defend it during detailed or provisional assessment

• Many clients now prefer to look for streamlined services. Knowing that their representative has handled the matter from inception to hearing builds trust and rapport.

County’s Growing Advocacy Presence

At County, we’ve always focused on adapting to the needs of our clients and 2025 has marked another year of progress. Our growing advocacy team have demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, dedication to client outcomes and the composure required in high pressure hearing environments.

This past month, Ariane attended her first CCMC (Costs and Case Management Conference) and secured a successful outcome for a key client. From preparing detailed cost budgets to standing confidently before the judge, her performance captured the very essence of what modern day advocacy in cost law can look like.

Advocacy isn’t merely a skill, it’s a discipline, one that requires training, mentorship and experience. Through in house coaching, peer to peer feedback and structured development, County is building an advocacy team that meets the standard and raises it.

Why In House Advocacy Matters

The legal sector is under increasing scrutiny to provide value for money and efficiency without compromising on professionalism. As judicial commentary continues to spotlight the importance of clear, well presented costs submissions, the need for technically proficient and articulate advocates has never been more apparent.

Cost lawyers bring something particularly unique to the courtroom:

• Their specialist knowledge as they live and breathe the technicalities of the CPR, Precedent H forms, Points of Dispute, and proportionality arguments

• Their focused advocacy, unlike general counsel, allows cost lawyers to exclusively hone in on the details and nuances of cost recovery

• Many have handled hundreds of files, which translates to practical, not just theoretical, expertise when arguing costs

For firms and clients alike, the benefit is twofold; cost effective representation and continuity from the beginning of the case to its final billing stage.

County’s Vision for the Future

As we look to the remainder of 2025 and beyond, County Cost is committed to expanding our advocacy offering while maintaining the quality and personal service we are known for. We currently only offer a limited number of advocacy slots to ensure we provide the highest level of representation.

Whether it’s attending detailed assessments, defending budgets at CCMCs or negotiating costs settlements, our advocacy team operates with one goal which is to deliver results that reflect our client’s investment in the legal process.

The Quiet Power of Specialism

In many ways, advocacy by cost lawyers is still a relatively under recognised field. Yet it holds enormous potential for those looking for precision, expertise and a genuine understanding of the costs process. At County, we believe that this niche area of law deserves attention and our results speak for themselves.

We continue to support commercial law firms, personal injury specialists, clinical negligence teams and public sector bodies with advocacy services that are grounded in strategy, executed with clarity and delivered with confidence.

If you’re interested in our advocacy services or have a case that could benefit from a seamless drafting to advocacy approach, get in touch with us at www.countycosts.co.uk or email info@countycosts.co.uk.