The majority of those in the costs industry will be more than familiar with Tony Girling, at least by reputation.

Tony is former President of the Law Society, sat for many years as a High Court Costs Assessor and was a founder member of the Supreme Court Costs Office Practitioners Group.

He is current probably best known for his regular costs conferences through CLT and for his unrivalled knowledge of developments in the field of legal costs. He has been a giant in a costs world of pygmies.

It is therefore with no small element of regret to report his retirement from all things legal with CLT’s Assessing and Recovering Costs in 2009 Conference being his last "public appearance".

GWS wish him a happy retirement and all the best for the future.
 

A couple of tips for girls on this forum as to how to cut legal costs. Yes, apparently these tips are specifically for “girls”. Don’t ask why I was visiting this site. And, to be fair, the advice is probably spot on: How to cut legal costs. (Link to external site.)

The following letter was originally published in the Gazette:

“Dear Editor,

The existing distinction in court dress between solicitor-advocates and barristers is ridiculous.

This penalises both solicitors and – more importantly – their clients.

Obviously solicitor-advocates should be allowed to wear wigs without further delay.

However, a subtle difference in the design of the wigs may still be appropriate to enable those in the legal profession to recognise the distinction in status.

I would suggest that, rather than being made from horsehair, solicitor-advocates’ wigs should be made from nylon.

And be orange.

Simon Gibbs, barrister (non-practising)”