R v Barts Health NHS Trust [2022] EWHC B3 (Costs)
R v Barts Health NHS Trust [2022] EWHC B3 (Costs)
55. I therefore conclude that the solicitors not only had the requisite skill, effort, and specialised knowledge and responsibility appropriate for this grave case but also demonstrated it in their dealings with counsel and other solicitors. There is no warrant in my view for there to be a reduction in the hourly rates claimed simply on the basis that counsel was also involved in dealing with matters. The issue on assessment will be whether there was too much involvement of counsel as the defendant contends. To the extent that the defendant is correct then either the solicitors’ charges or counsel’s fees will be reduced. But that does not mean that the hourly rates claimed by the solicitors should be reduced in any event.