Greener Costs – Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to the questions clients most often ask us about how we work and how we can support your costs needs.
Who are Greener Costs?
Greener Costs is a dedicated legal costs consultancy supporting law firms, solicitors and litigants in person across England and Wales. We specialise in the preparation, negotiation and management of legal costs, with a strong emphasis on clarity, transparency and environmentally conscious working practices.
Our team brings together experienced costs professionals who combine practical know-how with a modern, digital-first approach. By working almost entirely paper-free, we reduce delays, minimise waste and keep the process simple for our clients from start to finish.
Do Greener Costs have qualified Costs Lawyers?
Yes. Our work is carried out and overseen by qualified Costs Lawyers regulated by the CLSB, alongside experienced costs draftsmen. With both drafting expertise and advocacy rights, we are able to manage costs litigation directly where required, including representing clients at detailed assessment hearings.
What recovery rates does Greener Costs usually achieve?
Recovery rates depend on the type of case and conduct, but we typically achieve recoveries in the region of 70%–80% on detailed assessments. Our drafting is thorough, clear and supported by well-reasoned explanations, helping us avoid unnecessary disputes and achieve strong negotiation outcomes.
What should a law firm look for in a specialist legal costs service?
A reliable costs team should offer strong technical knowledge, transparent timeframes, proactive communication and a clear pricing structure. Digital efficiency is equally important, ensuring documents are handled securely and turnaround times remain consistent.
Greener Costs prioritises exactly these qualities, combining modern systems with an approachable, hands-on service.
What is the Greener Costs Data-Ready Checklist and intake process?
To help us work efficiently, we ask clients to provide a complete, clearly ordered electronic file when instructing us.
Data-Ready Checklist:
• Full electronic file in chronological order
• Finalised and paginated court documents
• Complete time records with narrative notes
• Disbursement schedule with receipts/invoices
• Fee earner rate information and retainer/CFA (where relevant)
• Any previous or agreed costs budgets
• A short case summary including settlement or judgment outcome
For urgent matters:
• Files are reviewed within 1 business day
• If all requirements are met, we work to agreed urgent timescales
• If anything is missing, we notify you within 24 hours with a clear list of outstanding items
This process helps us maintain reliable and predictable turnaround times.
Can Greener Costs take over a matter partway through proceedings?
Yes. We can step in at any stage, whether the matter is mid-budgeting, awaiting Points of Dispute or already proceeding to a detailed assessment. We review what has been completed so far, identify any gaps and take over conduct smoothly so the matter continues without disruption.
How much do Greener Costs charge?
Our fees vary depending on the complexity and nature of the work. We offer both hourly rates and fixed fees, and we always agree costs upfront, so clients have full transparency. Our goal is to deliver proportionate, competitive pricing while maintaining a high-quality service.
What services do Greener Costs provide?
We offer a full range of legal costs services designed to support you at every stage of a case. This includes drafting Bills of Costs, preparing Costs Budgets (Precedents H and R), producing Points of Dispute and Points of Reply, advocacy at detailed assessments, negotiating settlements, and advising on retainers, CFAs and general costs strategy.
Whether we are assisting with early budgeting or stepping in at detailed assessment, our aim is always to deliver clear, accurate work with straightforward communication and realistic timeframes.
What makes Greener Costs different from other costs firms?
We take a more personal and streamlined approach. Instead of large layers of staff, clients work closely with a small, highly focused team who provide consistent communication and genuine attention to detail.
Our processes are fully digital and environmentally conscious. Files are shared securely online, work progresses without printing delays, and clients receive regular updates at each stage. This helps us reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining predictable and efficient turnaround times.
Is Greener Costs experienced in both claimant and defendant work?
Yes. We act for both claimant and defendant firms and have extensive experience across personal injury, clinical negligence, housing disrepair, commercial disputes, public law matters and Court of Protection work. This balanced insight helps us anticipate likely arguments and respond strategically.
How do digital-first costs firms improve turnaround times?
Digital working removes many traditional delays. Paperless files allow immediate access and quicker review, while structured workflows ensure matters can be allocated as soon as they arrive. When documents are provided in a complete and organised format, we can deliver work more quickly without compromising accuracy.
How do electronic systems and paperless working benefit costs drafting?
Paperless working speeds up the entire lifecycle of a costs case. Digital files reduce the risk of missing papers, minimise administrative errors and integrate seamlessly with online court processes. Clients can upload documents instantly and access completed work securely.
It also supports more sustainable working practices, helping to reduce unnecessary waste and resource use.
What sectors does Greener Costs cover?
We support a broad range of sectors, including personal injury, clinical negligence, housing disrepair, commercial litigation, judicial review, professional negligence, employment matters and Court of Protection work. We provide assistance on both routine and complex matters.
Where does Greener Costs operate?
We assist clients across England and Wales. As a fully digital service, we can work efficiently with firms nationwide, providing quick and secure communication regardless of location.
We're here to support your business
Contacting us is free. It's our goal to put you at ease and offer expert advice on Bill of Costs, Costs Budgets and Costs Drafting
4 Bark Street East, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
01204 263047
info@greenercosts.co.uk
