Change Is in the Air after Jackson Report; James Gordon, Partner in Wragge & Co LLP's Dispute Resolution Group Looks at Lord Justice Jackson's Final Report on Civil Litigation Costs

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Byline: James Gordon

Anyone involved in civil litigation needs to be aware of Lord Justice Jackson's recent report on civil litigation costs. If implemented, the proposals could result in widespread reform in the way litigation is paid for. The report affects almost every area of civil litigation, particularly personal injury matters as well as high-value commercial litigation.

Recommendations made in the report that will affect commercial claims include: Lawyers should be able to enter into contingency fee agreements (where the lawyer is paid out of the settlement sum or damages awarded, usually as a percentage of that amount) with clients. Safeguards will be built …