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Pattison Hardman are committed to providing high quality, expert legal cost consulting services.

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Increase in hourly rates recoverable – Update to the CARC Guidelines

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Bill of Costs

Preparation of Bill of Costs (Solicitor/Client and Party/Party) and objections.

Cost Recovery

Recovery of costs determinations providing an end-to-end service.

Expert Evidence

Preparation of Affidavits in Support of Applications for Security of Costs, Gross Lump Sum Costs Orders and Independent Assessments.

Cost Consultancy

Review of internal cost structures and advice on large scale litigation and Class Actions.

Party Party Costs Assessment

A brief rundown and definition of some of the regular costs orders encountered.

Pattison Hardman was established in 1988 and is the recognised industry leader in legal cost consulting.

Pattison Hardman’s main focus is on quality and timeliness. Our legal costs lawyers and consultants are meticulous in the review of each matter using a thorough quality control process.

Engaging an expert for a specialised task leads to better quality, with no need for rework. Preparation of Affidavits and expert evidence in support of applications for Security of Costs, Gross Lump Sum Costs Orders and Independent Assessors.

Cases & Articles
Legal costs
Ordered Costs

Increase in hourly rates recoverable – Update to the CARC Guidelines

The Cost Assessment Rules Committee (CARC) have published the first and long-awaited update to the Guideline – Costs Payable Between Parties Under Court Orders (“Ordered Costs” Or “Party Party Costs”). The Guidelines, first published in May 2016, are intended to provide guidance for Costs Assessors, in order to promote consistency and predictability in party party… Read More »Increase in hourly rates recoverable – Update to the CARC Guidelines
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Legal Costs Litigation funding
Ethics and Practice management

Shockwaves sent through UK Litigation Funding Industry

The decision of 26 July 2013 in R (on the application of PACCAR Inc and others) v Competition Appeal Tribunal and others has caused turmoil in the UK litigation Finance industry on the basis of the interpretation of what constitutes a “damages based agreement”. In Australia, such agreements are generally outlawed as falling under a “champerty… Read More »Shockwaves sent through UK Litigation Funding Industry
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Costs Agreements, Billing and Estimates
Solicitor client disputes

What is the just and fair test to extend time for taxation of costs in Victoria?

The question has been addressed again by John Dixon J in the matter of Hih Hsien Lin v WJ Legal  (Aust) Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 52 Here, the law practice issued a lump sum account to the client in 2019.  Several requests for the provision of an itemised bill were made which went unanswered.  The… Read More »What is the just and fair test to extend time for taxation of costs in Victoria?
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Judicially determined costs, Ordered Costs

When a compromise is not a compromise

Civil litigation is premised on the concept that the parties should look to resolve their disputes without the intervention of the Court and the time and costs associated with court hearing and determining the issues.  An important way to encourage the parties to settle disputes is by offers of settlement which if not accepted may… Read More »When a compromise is not a compromise
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Significant changes ahead in Victorian Legal Costs
Ordered Costs

Significant changes ahead in Victorian Legal Costs

The eagerly awaited Report on Litigious Costs by the Supreme Court of Victoria has been published today. The review, which commenced in October 2021 and was undertaken by The Hon. Justice Jack Forrest and Her Honour Kathryn Kings considered, inter alia, whether the Supreme Court Scale of Costs (Victoria) should be retained. This scale governs the recovery… Read More »Significant changes ahead in Victorian Legal Costs
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Ordered Costs

Costs Disclosure in Personal Injury Claims – The Danger of the “Welcome Pack”

The danger of the “Welcome Pack” Todorovska v Brydens Lawyers Pty Ltd A vitally important judgement for legal practitioners in the personal injury field but also law practices in generally in relation to disclosure. It is common practice among many personal injury practices, and law firms in general, to issue clients with “Welcome Packs” which… Read More »Costs Disclosure in Personal Injury Claims – The Danger of the “Welcome Pack”
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Our Expertise

Pattison Hardman provide high quality, expert legal cost consulting services. With a commitment to supporting our clients, the specialist team at Pattison Hardman provide expert advice within agreed timeframes enabling clients to focus on their core business.

When faced with a client being required to pay costs, it is a relief to know that there is a respected specialist available to review costs issues and to provide expert advice. At Pattison Hardman we stand by our expertise and service commitment with our free advice hotline.

For all your costs consulting requirements the team at Pattison Hardman are able to provide the necessary expertise and support to streamline and increase the accuracy of your time recording. Our experts provide advice on effective fee setting enabling greater return to you and your clients.

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