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It is the very fact that the profession is in uproar about the requirement for a costs regime that confirms the need for it. Why does the legal fraternity consider itself above the need to provide a reasonable estimate of what the cost of a matter will be and then to stick by it?

The reference to the tradesman and his quoting of the kitchen is valid but has been misconstrued. Yes, the tradesman comes to your house, asks questions, takes measurements and then proceeds to make an educated and informed estimate on the cost of the job. He does this with reference to his last 10 jobs, which provide him with the experience on what may transpire during the course of the job.

What is the difference between what a lawyer does and why the tradesman does? Hasn't the lawyer been provided with the background to the mater? Don't you talk to the client? You also have the benefit of experiences past?

It is time that the legal profession woke up to the fact that they operate in a competitive environment and savvy consumers demand, and should receive, accurate quotations for work that they are engaging the professional for. Those practitioners who do start moving with the times will be the ones who end up with a solid client basis at the expense of those who remain fixed on the past.