Thu 18 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Having waited most of the evening for the Apple servers to respond, have to say the new OS does seem slicker and faster. The iTunes store seems to be overloaded so I can’t update the apps yet but even so ….
If it wasn’t already, the iPhone is now a serious business tool - not just a toy
Wed 03 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Looking at ways to get our natural listing back to where it was
Tue 02 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
This time using the “add new” method rather than QuickPress
Tue 02 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Just upgraded our blogging tool to the latest version. Few teething problems but we’re getting there
Mon 01 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Can this be true? I hope he can be coaxed out for special occasions. I might sulk for a while now and not attend costs conferences. Think of the money we’ll save though
Sat 30 May

Posted by
Andy Ellis
We have taken a year or so off from blogging but we’ve been very busy building things to blog about. So watch this space!
Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Tony Girling concludes by peering into his crystal ball for signs of the impact on costs professionals of the recent consultation paper on the claims process; especially the expansion of fixed and predictable costs. Andy also gets to ask the question he always wants to ask at costs conferences - and receives some reassurance.

TG12 - The Future for Costs:
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Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
In PodCost 2 Alex Hutton sounded a warning about the enforceability of discounted rate CFAs that also contain a success fee. As predicted, Tony Girling fights his corner on the efficacy of such agreements - provided they are drafted properly!
Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Whilst it has been fairly quiet in recent months on funding issues, Tony Girling has spotted that there is a growing interest since Arkin v Borchard Lines in the hedging of litigation risk through third party funding

TG10 - Third Party Funding:
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Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
The new Code renders mandatory what was previously exhortatory. Tony Girling takes a hard look at the implications.
In a related discussion Tony considers whether paying parties on detailed assessment will look to reprise the arguments in Garbutt v Edwards.
The trio of PodCost recordings on costs information concludes with a warning against assuming that sophisticated clients can be left to request costs updates. Tony highlights the recent decision of Master Rogers in Mastercigars v Withers (transcript available on Lawtel)

TG7 - Costs Information:
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TG8 - Garbutt reprised?:
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TG9 - Mastercigars v Withers:
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Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Rule 9 of the new Code deals with referral fees - including the disclosure to the client of the amount of the fees. Tony Girling discusses the new requirements and how they might be perceived by clients.
Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Conflict of interests has been largely redefined (and to an extent relaxed) within Rule 3 of the new Code. Tony Girling explains the changes and the requirements for the construction and maintenance of “information barriers” under Rule 4.

TG5 - Conflict of Interests and Confidentiality:
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Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Tony Girling discusses client care requirements of the new Code. These include the need to set out your understanding of the client’s objectives at the outset and the various options available to achive those objectives - easier perhaps with contemplated litigation than with non-contentious work.
Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Rule 5 of the new Code deals with business management. Who is qualified to supervise? Tony Girling has the answers

TG3 - Supervision and Management:
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Tue 19 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
The new Code comes into force on 1 July 2007. Tony Girling explains the background, the new terminology and key changes to existing practice.

TG2 - Solicitors Code of Conduct:
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Mon 18 Jun

Posted by
Andy Ellis
With the new Solicitors’ Code of Conduct about to come into force, what better time to interview Tony Girling, former President of the Law Society, and widely respected trainer and commentator on law firm management, client care issues, costs and funding.
Andy caught up with Tony at the Cafe Royal on Monday 18th June 2007. PodCost 3 takes the form of essential guidance on the new code.
Tue 22 May

Posted by
Andy Ellis
Andy thanks Alex Hutton and looks forward to Podcost 3 in June 2007 with Tony Girling (especially now he has learned how to upload the darn things!)
Tue 22 May

Posted by
Andy Ellis
CFAs and CCFAs incorporating discounted rates when you lose and success fees when you win are said to represent a good deal for the client and the solicitor.
Alex Hutton and Andy Ellis discuss how success fees might be calculated and what could go wrong if success fees are too high

Discussing Discount Rate CFAs:
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