Simon Gibbs from a costs negotiation firm advocates a £100 fixed fine for law firms that pay referral fees (see [2004] Gazette, 8 July, 16).

Given the widespread practice of law costs negotiators being paid on the basis of the percentage reduction in costs, and the courts subsequently ruling that this was an unlawful practice, is Mr Gibbs advocating a similar system of fines for his own industry?


David Wingate, Wingate Gregory Evans, Manchester