The Hidden Engine Behind Legal Services in London: Why Costs Lawyers Matter

Behind every well-run legal case, especially in complex litigation, there’s usually a costs lawyer working quietly behind the scenes. This is a vital but lesser known part of the legal system, which is becoming increasingly important. At Knapp Richardson, we’ve been at the forefront of this specialist field since 1984. Based just a short walk…

Behind every well-run legal case, especially in complex litigation, there’s usually a costs lawyer working quietly behind the scenes. This is a vital but lesser known part of the legal system, which is becoming increasingly important.

At Knapp Richardson, we’ve been at the forefront of this specialist field since 1984. Based just a short walk from the High Court and Senior Court Costs Office, our firm has built a reputation as one of London’s most respected teams of costs lawyers and law costs draftsmen. 

We are specialists when it comes to every facet of legal costs And in doing so, we provide a foundation upon which successful legal strategies are built.

Why Costs Lawyers Are Central to Legal Services, Even If You Don’t See Us

Our Costs Lawyers are focused upon costs recovery, budgeting and risk analysis in all types of litigation. In high-value disputes, arbitration or group actions, costs can determine whether a case is viable, or whether a ‘win’ is worth the price of pursuing it. That’s where a specialist costs lawyer comes in.

We work for law firms, accountants, receivers, legal teams and government departments, often from the earliest stages of proceedings. Our role is not just to reconcile  numbers at the end of a case. We evaluate costs from the outset, offering advice on funding strategies, preparing budgets, and supporting firms through all negotiations and ultimately the detailed assessment process.

Without this work, even the best legal teams risk running into procedural pitfalls, losing recoverable costs, or walking away from cases they could have pursued with a better understanding of cost dynamics.

A Trusted Partner to London’s Legal Elite

Our client base includes top City law firms and legal departments of national and international organisations. Whether we’re advising on a moderate personal injury matter or a six-figure international arbitration, we provide the same high level of diligence, discretion and strategic insight.

Over the past 40 years, we’ve played a key role in a number of high-profile, reported cases in London and other jurisdictions. We’ve worked alongside clients in the US, BVI, Europe, Dubai, and the Channel Islands, helping them manage complex multi-jurisdictional cost issues. While we are proud of our track record, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to being an integral part of our clients’ teams: not just consultants who step in at the end.

The Knapp Richardson Difference: Expertise and Technology

Every matter we undertake is given individual attention. Our staff are all highly trained, not just in legal costs, but in the use of the latest technology. This allows us to analyse and present data in ways that help our clients make better decisions, more accurately and with greater confidence and speed. .

We combine this technical capability with traditional values: diligence, attention to detail, and hard-earned expertise. Our focus is always on delivering a bespoke, comprehensive and streamlined service, no matter how complex the case.

We are also committed to staying ahead of the curve. Whether it’s the latest changes to the Civil Procedure Rules or new tools for budgeting and data reviews, we’re continuously investing in technology and training to make sure our clients receive the most up-to-date support possible.

Where We Add Value

We assist at every stage of proceedings, including:

• Early stage case analysis. We help law firms assess the risk of costs arising and how to potentially recover them at the early stage of the proceedings
• Budgeting and cost management. Our work includes preparing Precedent H Costs budgets, preparing the Precedent R, and briefing notes for counsel for the CMC, managing updates, and advising on budgetary strategy.
• Bill drafting and negotiations. We regularly prepare detailed bills of costs, or if opposing comprehensive Points of Dispute/Replies, and guiding negotiation strategies throughout
• Detailed assessments, supporting firms through the assessment process from the bill through to the final hearing. .
• International cost claims – advising on cross-border litigation and arbitration costs issues.

Each step of the way, our role is to make litigation more predictable, strategic and cost-effective for the lawyers we support.

Beyond the Numbers: Strategy and Support
Cost law is not just about maths. A well-drafted bill of costs is as much a legal argument as it is a spreadsheet. Our team understands that, and we use that insight to help law firms build stronger cost claims, avoid common pitfalls, and gain leverage in settlement negotiations.

Our experienced team is able to solve and advise upon issues promptly. Whether it’s a last-minute funding query or support during negotiations, we are here when clients need us: with practical, clear, professional and decisive guidance.

The legal services landscape in London is vast and varied. But within that landscape, specialist roles like costs lawyers are not just helpful, they’re essential. At Knapp Richardson, we don’t try to be everything to everyone. We focus on one thing: costs law. And we do it with unrivalled  experience,, , care, and commitment.

If your law firm is navigating high-stakes litigation, or legal departments needing clarity on costs, our work provides the strategic backbone that enables smarter decisions and better outcomes. That’s why, for over four decades, we’ve been the trusted name in legal costs services in London.

For more about our legal services in London, simply get in touch today.