QFC 008/2020 issued on 17 May 2021, [2021] QIC (C) 3
John and Wiedeman LLC v Integrated Intelligence Services and Trading LLC
This case involved costs where a law firm had represented itself. The firm was not prevented from charging its normal professional fees. There had been a jurisdictional challenge and time had needed to be spent getting evidence has there was no formal engagement letter in place.
Background
This costs assessment arose as a result of the judgment of the First Instance Circuit of the Court, dated 6 April 2021 and reported at [2021] QIC (F) 10. The case concerned the non-payment of legal fees by the Defendant to the Claimant. Having considered the matter on the papers, i.e. without an oral hearing, the Court gave judgment for the Claimant for the sum claimed, USD 38,775.00 plus interest. That sum had since been paid. The Court also awarded the Claimant reasonable costs, to be assessed by the Registrar if not agreed. The parties were unable to reach agreement and so the matter was referred for assessment.
On 21 and 26 April 2021, the Claimant filed its submissions in support of the assessment; the Defendant filed brief submissions in response on 5 May 2021.