30 Aug 2022
Leave to withdraw was granted because the sole reason advanced—non-payment of fees—constituted good cause under the Client Care Rules, counsel had given reasonable notice and had regard to fiduciary duties under r 4.2.3, and the administration of justice did not weigh heavily against withdrawal because judgment had been entered and only costs remained to be determined.
24 Oct 2017
Costs awarded to plaintiff: preparation of submissions assessed on a 2C scale, other attendances on a 2B scale, with a 15% uplift overall because the defendants unnecessarily increased time and expense by pursuing largely meritless strike out arguments and an ill-conceived separate trial application; references to client care rules were inappropriate but did not materially affect costs assessment.
10 Aug 2017
Recusal refused: the remarks attributed to the Judge were grounded in findings and evidence set out in an earlier judgment and in the context of the case; an extant complaint to the Judicial Conduct Commissioner does not automatically disqualify a Judge; there is no logical and sufficient connection between the identified matters and a reasonable apprehension that the Judge would not decide the non-party costs application impartially, and the Judge retains an open mind to evidence at the upcoming non-party costs hearing.
30 Apr 2013
Court found a solicitor–client relationship existed; Kenton Chambers breached professional obligations (failed to inform client of fixture and material developments, failed to supervise junior solicitor, and withdrew without reasonable notice or proper compliance with High Court Rules) in a way that caused the plaintiff to be unrepresented and suffer foreseeable loss (fees to set aside the judgment); plaintiff awarded damages (reduced for mitigation and set-offs) and modest general damages; exemplary damages refused.