A costs lawyer is in a unique position in the legal profession. We are provided with access to solicitors’ files in many different types of litigation and “relive” the proceeding from start to finish. I regard it as a privilege when I am chosen to be given access to a lawyer’s file and trusted to prepare a document that accurately and comprehensively reflects the often very extensive and difficult work undertaken, particularly when the litigation is complex and hard fought.

A costs lawyer providing advice as a professional expert is in a particularly unique position. We are being asked to give expert advice on costs law and are bound by our professional obligations both as an expert and as a practicing lawyer with reference to the Civil Procedure Act 2010. Our duty to the Court is thereby twofold and I take these obligations very seriously in the provision of expert evidence.

I have encountered many different lawyers in the course of my 30 years plus as a costs lawyer and believe I have a good understanding of their expectations when engaging me and aim to provide services that give value, maintain the standard of excellence that the lawyer expects of their own work and assists in the timely and cost effective resolution of legal costs issues.