29 Jul 2011
RE DAVID JOHN KENNEDY AND OTHERS
- Citation
- RE DAVID JOHN KENNEDY AND OTHERS
- Court
- Court of Final Appeal
- Case number
- FAMV33/2008
The taxing master properly exercised discretion: indemnity basis gives the receiving party the benefit of doubt but does not permit recovery of costs which are unreasonably incurred or unreasonably excessive. The 1997 guideline rates remain a relevant starting point; rates and time claims were adjusted item by item by reference to role, seniority, actual work done, and case features. Specific increases were allowed in limited respects (e.g. partner Wadham's rate raised to HK$4,500; Johnson's rate marginally increased for FACV), certain counsel fees allowed in full (junior counsel and London s…