Legal Cost: Navigating the Complexities of Bills of Costs
CPD Hours: 2
Price: R450.00
Legal Cost: Navigating the Complexities of Bills of Costs
Presenters : Dwight Snyman
Overview
Legal costs are often complex, especially the discretionary nature of cost awards in litigation. Courts use these awards to ensure fairness and accountability during legal proceedings. It's crucial for practitioners to understand how courts exercise this discretion, as it helps in advising clients, managing expectations, and preparing them for the financial implications of litigation.
The webinar will also cover key factors influencing cost orders, including party conduct, case complexity, and fairness.
Join Adv. Dwight Synman as he guides on how to use cost awards strategically in negotiations and settlements, improving litigation strategies and client management.
Learning objectives
Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:
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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the key types of costs orders available in South African courts and the implications for litigants and legal practitioners.
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Learn the factors influencing a court’s decision on costs and how judicial discretion can lead to different outcomes depending on case-specific factors.
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Understand how legal costs impact litigation strategy, including the decision to settle, pursue interlocutory applications, or proceed to trial.
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Be equipped with knowledge of the process of taxation of costs and how to draft bills of costs that comply with court rules and avoid unnecessary reductions.
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Understand how courts approach legal costs differently in constitutional and public interest cases.
Content
The webinar will cover the following topics:
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Introduction to legal costs.
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General rule: Costs follow the result.
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Types of costs orders.
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Judicial discretion in costs awards.
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Taxation of costs.
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Costs in interlocutory applications.
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Costs orders in specific contexts.
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Cost implications for settlement and tender offers.
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Wasted costs and unnecessary litigation.
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Costs in the Magistrates’ Court vs. High Court
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Costs orders in appeals.
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Ethical considerations in costs.