EJW Builders Limited & Anor v Audrey Elizabeth Marshall & Ors

EJW Builders Limited & Anor v Audrey Elizabeth Marshall & Ors

The court assessed pro bono costs at £117,000, applying London band 2 guideline rates, reducing excessive attendances and document work, and exercising discretion under section 194 Legal Services Act 2007 to reflect legislative purposes and err on the side of caution.

Parties
Claimant: EJW Builders Limited; Claimant: Eammon Joseph Wynne; Defendant: Audrey Elizabeth Marshall; Defendant: Edward Joseph Marshall; Defendant: Paul Wood; Defendant: Neil Vinnicombe
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil / Costs Assessment Following Trial Judgment
Outcome
Costs assessed and ordered to be paid to Access to Justice Foundation.
Legal Topics
Pro Bono Costs Orders, Costs Assessment, Guideline Hourly Rates, Legal Services Act 2007, CPR 46.7
Civil Procedure Costs Pro Bono Costs Orders Costs Assessment Guideline Hourly Rates Legal Services Act 2007 CPR 46.7

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Parties

EJW Builders Limited

Claimant

Eammon Joseph Wynne

Claimant

Audrey Elizabeth Marshall

Defendant

Edward Joseph Marshall

Defendant

Paul Wood

Defendant

Neil Vinnicombe

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Costs Assessment Following Trial Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Appropriate assessment of pro bono costs under section 194 Legal Services Act 2007
  2. 2 Application of guideline hourly rates for solicitors and counsel
  3. 3 Reasonableness of instructing London solicitors versus local solicitors

Ratio Decidendi

The court assessed pro bono costs at £117,000, applying London band 2 guideline rates, reducing excessive attendances and document work, and exercising discretion under section 194 Legal Services Act 2007 to reflect legislative purposes and err on the side of caution.

Court Disposition

Costs assessed and ordered to be paid to Access to Justice Foundation.

Orders

  • Claimants to pay £117,000 to Access to Justice Foundation within 14 days of assessment.