I refer to your report regarding the Association of Law Costs Draftsmen and its disciplinary decisions (see [2006] Gazette, 26 January, 1).

On the basis of your report, I do not see how the actions of the association can be condoned.


It is of note that association chairman John Hocking makes the usual association comments about costs draftsmen who are not members. However, the fact remains that under the Civil Procedure Rules if a costs draftsman is a member of the Academy of Experts, that is sufficient to have a right of audience and to be paid a proper professional fee.


Davenport Lyons is currently advertising in the association's journal for costs draftsmen to start an in-house costs department and we now know why. The firm's reaction is rather extreme, although I can understand the sentiment.


AAJ Procter AALCD, London