Background
Benjamin is a Costs Lawyer and Legal Director with over a decade of experience, specialising in high-value and complex commercial litigation. He has played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile commercial cases and was a key contributor to the phone hacking litigation, where he focused on the quantification of common costs for several years.
Before joining Kain Knight, Benjamin began his career at a prominent City-based costs firm, where he worked closely with leading commercial and media law practices.
Current Role & Responsibilities
Benjamin advises on a broad range of costs issues, primarily within the commercial sector. He represents both receiving and paying parties and is adept at preparing detailed Bills of Costs, Points of Dispute, Points of Reply, Costs Schedules and Budgets, as well as Budget variations. Known for his strategic insight, he is a skilled negotiator who consistently aims to secure optimal outcomes for his clients, the majority of whom are London-based commercial law firms.
Since joining Kain Knight, Benjamin’s work highlights include:
Bill of Costs Preparation: Drafted a bespoke Electronic Bill of Costs to address complex issues regarding pre-judgment interest and the division of costs, in support of a claim exceeding £8 million.
Costs Analysis and Schedules: Conducted detailed analysis and quantification of a substantial costs claim exceeding £100 million, relating to an underlying dispute pleaded at several billion pounds.
Fully Contested Detailed Assessment: Prepared bespoke High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court Electronic Bills of Costs, involving multiple currencies and advanced functionality, totalling over £6 million. The matter included the preparation of detailed Points of Reply, negotiation, quantum advice, and culminated in a fully contested multi-week Detailed Assessment.
Solicitors Act Assessment: Instructed by a Litigant in Person in relation to a costs claim exceeding £1 million. Following comprehensive document review, prepared 200 pages of objections supported by detailed annexes. After prolonged proceedings and multiple hearings, the matter settled favourably, including recovery of the client’s costs of assessment.
Preparation of Points of Dispute: Produced 116 pages of detailed Points of Dispute (with annexes), provided quantum advice, and assisted in negotiations relating to a £4 million claim. This resulted in a reduction of approximately 40% (£1.5 million).
Tribunal Costs: Following a successful defence at the Tribunal, prepared a niche costs claim which settled at 110% above the initial offer, including recovery of both interest and costs of assessment.
Education & Qualifications
Benjamin qualified as a Costs Lawyer through the Association of Costs Lawyers in May 2018, after completing his LLB at Nottingham Law School in 2014.
Interests
Outside of work, Benjamin is a keen sports enthusiast with a passion for football, golf, tennis and padel.
