2026 Costs Conference

Matthew Smith deals with all civil costs disputes and is one of only a few barristers successfully to have completed the Costs Lawyer’s qualification course. He is an associate member of the Association of Costs Lawyers. Matthew is also an experienced costs mediator and CADR Panel member.

James Miller is one of very few barristers to have tripled qualified as a barrister, solicitor and costs lawyer.  He is frequently instructed in high value and complex detailed assessment hearings before Regional Costs Judges and Costs Judges in the Senior Court Costs Office. James deals with test cases, appeals and all aspects of Costs and Case Management.  He is a recognised expert in Fixed Recoverable Costs cases and regularly deals with disputes relating to misconduct and wasted costs.

Darren Malone is a specialist costs and litigation funding barrister who has a wealth of experience of costs law. Prior to joining 18 St John Street Chambers, Darren was an advocate and technical costs specialist within a leading National law firm having worked in the costs arena since 2012 on behalf of Claimants and Defendants, gaining significant experience which has only bolstered his practice. Darren has extensive experience in drafting upon cost related matters and advises on an array of costs issues arising within the areas of law of Personal Injury, Real Estate, Wills & Trusts, Family, Commercial Litigation and Military claims. Darren takes on cases of varying value and complexity having dealt with matters for clients in the UK and abroad, especially surrounding foreign jurisdictional accidents. Darren has also been heavily involved at every level of the judicial system relating to costs, including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He has vast experience of instructions upon Detailed Assessments and Costs and Case Management before Regional Costs Judges, the Senior Courts Costs Office and the Kings Bench Division.

Lucy Bill is a member of the 3PB Costs Team, specialising in civil and commercial costs disputes. Lucy readily accepts instructions across all aspects of costs litigation, including detailed costs assessments in the SCCO, costs and case management conferences, allocation hearings, wasted costs applications, costs budgeting and drafting points of dispute and replies. Lucy delivers a practical and detail-oriented approach and frequently advises on issues relating to proportionality, retainers, and CFA/enforceability disputes.