It is rare you might describe a Court of Appeal hearing on the nuances of the Solicitors Act 1974 as box office, but for lawyers glued to their YouTube feed of Belsner v CAM on Tuesday, it was time to reach for the popcorn.
It helped that the cast list was from the top drawer, with master of the rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos flanked by Sir Julian Flaux, chancellor of the high court, and the razor-sharp Lord Justice Arnold.
Proceedings got off to an unusually concordant start, as everyone agreed Court 71 was on the warm side. Vos said wigs and masks could come off to make counsel feel more comfortable. He also revealed the existence of a hidden dial below his bench which could adjust the temperature in the room. (‘It’s the first time in 13 months as master of the rolls that I’ve been able to use it,’ Vos said excitedly).
The warm atmosphere became a little more frosty as submissions began, with Benjamin Williams’ opening lasting less than a minute before Vos interjected with his thoughts on the fairness of solicitor fees.
Williams was finally allowed to get into his stride, but Vos eventually broke his flow by asking bluntly: ‘Can I ask what is your point?’ A lengthy explanation followed, only for Vos to ask: ‘So what?’
The biggest disagreement may well have come when Williams disputed the respondent’s suggestion that this was a test case. If that was so, Vos asked, why was the might of the Court of Appeal hearing a costs claim worth around £350?
Williams, sensing this was an argument going nowhere, said: ‘I don’t want to dance on the head of a pin,’ to which Vos replied: ‘It’s a jolly expensive pin. It’s a bloody great nail.’
Submissions continue today and will finish at 4.15pm (‘not a minute later’, the master of the rolls added). We already have the popcorn ready.
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