Guideline Hourly Rates - What the Future Holds

Introduction

Hourly rates remain the backbone of solicitors’ charging and the Guideline Hourly Rates published by HMCTS within the Guidance to the Summary Assessment of Costs are the yardstick by which all hourly rates are measured.

These rates were not updated for almost eleven years, until new rates were published in October 2021.

This virtual classroom seminar will focus on detail of the new rates, how they were arrived at and how the courts have been approaching hourly rates now these new rates have been set.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• The background to the guideline hourly rates and the historic approach to how hourly rates are addressed by the court
• Whether it contentious or non-contentious matters makes a difference to the rates you choose
• How the new guideline hourly rates were arrived
• What the court’s view has been in applying the new rates
• Are these rates retrospective and how you should calculate and justify rates higher than the guidelines to both your client and a paying party
• Current case law addressing hourly rates
• Top tips for hourly rate management and profitability

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.