DEDUCTING COSTS FROM THE CLIENT’S DAMAGES: THE LAW AND PRACTICE: WEBINAR 24th APRIL 2026

Recent cases have shown that the issues relating to to deducting costs from the client’s damages remain controversial and highly contested.   This webinar examines the regulatory framework and case law governing the deduction of legal costs from a client’s damages in personal injury claims. It provides a detailed analysis of when such deductions are permitted, the safeguards in place to protect clients, and the procedural steps practitioners must follow to ensure compliance.  It also examines the case law in detail to highlight where things can go wrong and the practical steps practitioners must take to protect their clients – and themselves.  Booking details are available here.

“I suspect the solicitors genuinely considered that the client would not in fact be responsible for costs not recovered from the other side, because they were anticipating that the success fee would account for the maximum they could by law recover. However, that misplaced confidence is no reason to depart from the golden rule that the client should be kept informed.” (St. James v Wilkin Chapman LLP [2024] EWHC 1716 (KB). Mr Justice Constable).

THE WEBINAR

The webinar  considers the justification of success fees, the circumstances in which court approval is required, and the information that must be provided to clients. Drawing on key judgments, including decisions handed down in 2025, the webinar highlights areas that have proven particularly problematic and which have resulted in litigation and solicitor–own client disputes. It also looks closely at the Legal Ombudsman’s guidance on the Good Costs Service and the practical steps lawyers must take to comply.

Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand when a deduction from a client’s damages may lawfully be made
• Identify the protections in place for clients in personal injury claims
• Recognise what information must be clearly explained to the client regarding costs and deductions
• Understand the steps required where court approval for a deduction is necessary
• Assess how a success fee can be properly justified and evidenced
• Identify common pitfalls and areas where problems frequently arise
• Learn from recent case law, including judgments from 2025, where deductions have been challenged
• Understand the Legal Ombudsman’s guidance on the Good Costs Service and how to comply with it in practice
• Reduce the risk of solicitor–own client disputes by adopting best practice throughout the life of the claim

Testimonials

“A really good and understandable presentation of an area that I have never fully grasped!”