I attended a detailed Assessment Hearing on the 16th July 2002 at the Cheltenham County Court before District Judge Exton (the Judgement on which the Judge and my client have consented to be published). The Judgement relates to two fundamental costs issues. Success fee The case was settled pre- proceedings for damages of £3,500.00. Profit Costs were calculated at £2563.20, which included a Success fee of 100%. District Judge Exton allowed 40% for the success fee due to, " the overwhelming factor that the Claimant was a minor." Additional Liabilities District Judge Exton also allowed a single letter written by the Claimant’s Solicitor to the relevant AEI Insurance Company, Amicus Legal Ltd. District Judge Exton allowed this routine letter on the basis that, "Without insurance with a CFA this Claimant would have been deprived of access to the courts" " The system is encouraged in this country both politically and with the support of the CPR. Accordingly work done in setting up this agreement should, subject to the time being spent being reasonable, be recoverable." Mark J Hardcastle LEGAL BUDGETS LIMITED Source: LawZONE, Date: 18th September 2002, Hits: 135