Costs Litigation
"Accessible, responsive and with good clerking to boot," 39 Essex Street excels in the costs arena. Its barristers are celebrated for their "meticulous research and total comprehension of the primary sources of costs law." Amongst their number stands Jeremy Morgan QC, AKA 'Mr Costs'. A member of the panel for the Jackson Review, the most prominent review of costs law since Lord Woolf's Civil Procedure Rules, he is seen by clients to be "without a doubt the leader of the pack" and "someone who thoroughly grasps the ever-changing costs landscape." He recently appeared in the Court of Appeal case of C v W, a Court of Appeal test case looking at levels of success fees. Possessing the "ability to liven up a dull case," Benjamin Williams "takes something that has been argued previously and brings a freshness of approach." Described by clients as "mesmerising," he is often seen in the Court of Appeal, handling cases such as Tankard v John Fredericks Plastics. The Tankard matter also showcased the skills of Robert Marven. Commercially minded Marven is "incredibly bright and has intricate knowledge of his subject matter." Similarly blessed, the calm and objective Judith Ayling is continuing to build on her costs reputation through Court of Appeal cases such as Peakman v Linbrooke Services Limited. Solicitors applaud her, as she "makes the client feel at ease through her ability to speak in layman's terms." Caroline Truscott maintains her reputation as a lawyer with a bright future in this field. She devotes up to 70% of her practice to this area and is "the embodiment of reliability" when it comes to detailed costs assessments and CFA challenges. Truscott is joined in the tables this year by fellow rising star Vikram Sachdeva. "A fighter who is at his best in the toughest battles," the proactive Sachdeva has special expertise in criminal costs and is regularly instructed by the Lord Chancellor.