Lawyers for Media Standards ("LMS") have today written to Jack Straw MP following the
publication of the Response to the Consultation entitled "Controlling Costs in Defamation
Proceedings: Reducing Conditional Fee Agreement Success Fees". As set out In this document the
decision has been taken to implement the proposal to reduce the maximum success fee in defamation
cases to 10%. LMS believes that this decision is unlawful and that it will effectively bring an end
to conditional fee agreements in defamation leaving only the rich able to bring proceedings.
LMS have called for the implementation of this decision to be suspended so that a proper
consultation can take place. If the implementation is not suspended LMS will begin proceedings for
Judicial Review. LMS are represented by Steven Heffer and Dominic Crossley of Collyer Bristow and
counsel Hugh Tomlinson QC and Mathew Purchase of Matrix Chambers
A full copy of the letter is available, please click here