I note the letters of 9 December regarding Mitchell. I also struggle to see the justice in such a relatively minor error having such major consequences for the solicitors concerned. I sympathise with them. There but for the grace of God go all of us.
However, I take issue with John Hall’s contention that individual claimants could suffer. How, exactly? It would be a brave solicitor who sought the shortfall in his costs against a client in these circumstances. When presented with such a bill, clients in Mr Mitchell’s position would argue that they are not going to lose out because of the solicitor’s default. They would be right, too.
James Pinder, partner, DWF, Preston
