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Back in the day a reduction of 50% was considered to be the threshold for 'conspicuous overcharging'.

In this case at least one bill was reduced by 91%, another by 83.5%

The J makes it clear that the £400 per hour was charged for all fee earners in matters with no apparent complexity.

It makes clear that those involved in the handling of the cases did not know as to the hourly rates which were charged and the quantum of the bills.

Para 34(5) is damning and para 6 nails the lid down.

Ordinarily I raise at least one eyebrow as to the quantum of the SRA's costs, but given the facts in this matter I am forced to conclude that an eye-watering bill has a certain equity to it.