Business Details
32 Years
experience
Expert Cost Lawyers in Nottingham
Established in 1994, we are a Nottingham-based firm of cost lawyers and draftsmen with over 25 years of collective experience in legal costs management. Regulated by the Costs Lawyer Standards Board, our practice specialises in between-the-parties costs and legal aid matters, serving clients across the UK and Northern Ireland. Our team of highly experienced cost draftsmen provides tailored services, including in-house support and paperless file handling, while maintaining a strong commitment to ongoing professional development. We offer comprehensive cost recovery solutions, from initial claim drafting to detailed assessment advocacy, and are a preferred supplier to the UK's largest legal aid franchised firm. Our expertise spans complex civil cases, clinical negligence, brain injury claims, and high-cost case management, supported by our involvement in the CCMS pilot scheme and digital billing systems.We prioritise approachability, offering free telephone advice and flexible service delivery to meet client needs. With a proven track record in cost budget preparation, settlement negotiations, and advocacy, we combine technical excellence with practical client-focused solutions. Our team includes specialists in VHCC cases, PI claims, and judicial review bills, ensuring comprehensive coverage of legal cost requirements. We maintain strong industry recognition through our long-standing association with the Association of Costs Lawyers and our directors' extensive advocacy experience. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through our ISO 9001-certified processes and our ability to consistently attract new clients through personal recommendation.
Services
Cost Budget Preparation
Legal Aid Costs Management
Detailed Assessment Advocacy
High-Cost Case Plans
Paperless File Handling
In-House Costing Services
Settlement Negotiations
VHCC Claims Management
CCMS Online Billing
Costs Training Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in legal cost management
- Our team includes accredited Costs Lawyers with advocacy rights
- We offer free and immediate telephone advice on cost issues
- Our service is tailored to meet specific client requirements
- We provide priority service for urgent costing work
Associations and certifications
- Costs Lawyer Standards Board
- Association of Costs Lawyers
- ISO 9001
What people say
Expertise in complex cases
Responsive communication
Tailored service approach
Competitive charges
Excellent advocacy skills
Services
Cost Budget Preparation
We prepare comprehensive cost budgets for civil litigation cases, ensuring compliance with court requirements and procedural rules. Our team provides detailed analysis and strategic planning to maximise cost recovery while maintaining proportionality. With extensive experience in both standard and complex budgeting scenarios, we help clients navigate the pre-trial cost management process effectively.
Legal Aid Costs Management
Specialist handling of legal aid costs including preparation of high-cost case plans and judicial review bills. We manage the full lifecycle of publicly funded claims, from initial preparation to final assessment. Our team maintains expertise in the specific requirements of legal aid franchising and compliance with funding authority regulations.
Detailed Assessment Advocacy
We represent clients in detailed assessment hearings and settlement negotiations, leveraging our advocacy rights and courtroom experience. Our services include drafting points of dispute, preparing replies, and presenting arguments to maximise cost recovery. With specialist knowledge of complex civil matters, we handle high-value claims and challenging cost disputes.
VHCC Claims Management
Comprehensive management of very high-cost cases including preparation of detailed bills and negotiation strategies. Our team has specialist expertise in clinical negligence, brain injury claims, and other complex litigation requiring detailed cost analysis. We provide strategic advice to maximise recovery in VHCC scenarios.
Paperless File Handling
We offer full digital handling of costs documentation, working directly with clients' paperless systems. Our team is experienced in electronic bill preparation and CCMS online billing systems. This service provides efficient, secure handling of digital files while maintaining strict compliance with procedural requirements.
People
Patrick Rabbitte
Director
Cost Lawyer with over 25 years' experience specialising in civil litigation costs. Regulated by the Costs Lawyer Standards Board and member of the Association of Costs Lawyers. Specialises in complex clinical negligence and brain injury cases, with advocacy rights and extensive hearing experience.
Amanda Dickinson
Consultant
Over 25 years' experience in legal costs, specialising in civil negotiations and VHCC cases. First-class honours graduate from Nottingham Trent University. Former director with ongoing consultancy role, bringing expertise in complex cost settlements and training.
Elaine Betts
Cost Draftsman
Experienced cost draftsman since 1996 with expertise in between-the-parties PI cases. Specialises in bill preparation, negotiations, and detailed assessments. Has extensive experience with high-cost case plans and judicial review bills, including paperless system handling.
Abi Lambton
Cost Draftsman
First-class graduate in English and Creative Writing with rapid progression to handling high-value civil matters. Combines legal expertise with strong analytical skills, specialising in complex cost documentation and digital file management systems.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in civil litigation costs, including clinical negligence, brain injury claims, and high-value personal injury cases. Our expertise also covers legal aid matters and complex VHCC claims.
Do you handle cases outside Nottingham?
Yes, we work with law firms throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, providing our specialist cost services remotely while maintaining the same high standards of service.
What is your response time for enquiries?
We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day, with immediate telephone advice available for urgent cost-related queries.
Can you handle digital/paperless files?
Yes, we have extensive experience working with paperless systems and the CCMS online billing platform, offering full digital handling of cost documentation.
Do you offer in-house services?
Yes, we provide flexible in-house costing services when required, working directly with clients' systems to manage their cost requirements on-site.
What accreditations do you hold?
We are regulated by the Costs Lawyer Standards Board and maintain ISO 9001 certification. Our team includes members of the Association of Costs Lawyers.
