Solicitor & Client Costs Challenges - A Practical Survival Guide

Introduction

Solicitors involved in litigation are often well-acquainted with costs assessments between parties. However, disputes over costs with their own clients, whether contentious or non-contentious, are becoming increasingly frequent.

The Legal Ombudsman consistently highlights billing and costs transparency as the primary source of complaints. With enhanced consumer protections and the growing emphasis on compliance with costs transparency obligations, solicitors face an increasingly complex landscape.

This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental requirements under the SRA Code of Conduct and common law, combined with practical advice to minimise risks, maintain client satisfaction, and confidently address costs challenges when they arise.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Delivering effective costs communication: Ensuring compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct and tailoring your approach to individual client needs
• Avoiding pitfalls in cost estimates: Understanding how to accurately forecast fees and mitigate risks
• The Solicitors Act: An overview of its application to billing and challenges in solicitor-client fee disputes
• Setting the tone with pricing: Why getting your pricing strategy right from the outset is critical to avoiding disputes
• Best practices for engagement letters: Addressing scope changes (‘mission creep’) and how to renegotiate fees where necessary
• Interim billing done right: Key principles and lessons from cases like Ivanishvili v Signature Litigation LLP and Richard Slade & Co Plc v Erlam
• Professional conduct considerations: Insights from John Poyser & Co Ltd v Spencer
• Minimising write-offs: Strategies to ensure you maintain profitability while keeping clients satisfied
• Dealing with bill challenges: Tactical approaches when clients contest their invoices, and understanding the impact of decisions such as Menzies v Oakwood Solicitors Ltd [2024]
• Preparation for costs assessment: An overview of the key case law, including Belsner v Cam Legal Services Ltd and O’Sullivan v Holmes & Hills LLP
• Negotiation strategies: Practical tips for resolving disputes amicably and efficiently

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Thursday 24th July 2025

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,700+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.