Viorel Micula & Ors v Romania

Viorel Micula & Ors v Romania

Given the exceptional complexity, value, and international ramifications of the dispute, substantially higher hourly rates than guideline rates are justified for fee earners involved in the High Court proceedings.

Parties
Claimant: Viorel Micula; Claimant: Ioan Micula; Claimant: SC European Food SA; Claimant: SC Starmill SRL; Claimant: SC Multipack SRL; Defendant: Romania
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Costs Assessment / Judgment
Outcome
Maximum recoverable hourly rates set for each grade of fee earner; bill preparation rate determined.
Legal Topics
Hourly Rates, Costs Assessment, Guideline Rates, Multi Jurisdictional Litigation
Commercial Law International Arbitration Costs Law Hourly Rates Costs Assessment Guideline Rates Multi Jurisdictional Litigation

Case Brief

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Parties

Viorel Micula

Claimant

Ioan Micula

Claimant

SC European Food SA

Claimant

SC Starmill SRL

Claimant

SC Multipack SRL

Claimant

Romania

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Costs Assessment / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Appropriate hourly rates for fee earners in substantial international commercial litigation
  2. 2 Relevance of guideline rates versus case-specific factors
  3. 3 Complexity and value of the dispute as influencing costs

Ratio Decidendi

Given the exceptional complexity, value, and international ramifications of the dispute, substantially higher hourly rates than guideline rates are justified for fee earners involved in the High Court proceedings.

Court Disposition

Maximum recoverable hourly rates set for each grade of fee earner; bill preparation rate determined.

Orders

  • Grade A fee earners allowed £700 per hour.
  • Grade B fee earners allowed £500 per hour.