Kevin Latham

Profile

Kevin is an experienced costs and personal injury practitioner with a busy nationwide practice. Having specialised in costs litigation throughout his career at the bar, Kevin has been highly sought after to provide business advice in light of the recent reforms to civil litigation. He is regularly instructed to advise and represent paying and receiving parties in all aspects of inter-partes costs litigation involving complex matters of law and fact. Whilst maintaining a strong personal injury practice, Kevin’s trial skills are an asset in solicitor/own client disputes and matters requiring robust cross-examination such as wasted and third party costs orders. Kevin’s advisory services are sought after with clients impressed by his thorough yet clear advice both in writing and in conference. Kevin’s experience as a law costs draftsman and at a national firm of Solicitors prior to pupillage enable him to provide first class service in cases where an appreciation of the ‘bigger picture’ is required. Kevin is frequently instructed in cases involving high value claims for costs in commercial claims, fatal accident claims and multiple party actions. He regularly appears in the SCCO, as well as the County and High Court, and is experienced in the Court of Appeal.

Kevin is an experienced costs mediator and CADR Panel member.

Year of Call: 2007

Areas of Expertise

Costs & Litigation Funding

Significant Reported Cases

Harrison v University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust – Court of Appeal Judgment Pending

(How to conduct a detailed assessment where there is a Costs Management Order);

Bird v Acorn Group Ltd [2016] EWCA Civ 1096

(Applicability of Fixed Costs in cases listed for a disposal hearing);

Sutherland v Khan – 2016 – DJ Besford – Hull County Court

(Costs consequences of a Defendant accepting a Claimant’s Part 36 offer out of time);

Epsom College v Pierse Contracting Southern Ltd [2011] EWCA Civ 1449

(The effect and application of Part 36);

WXY v Various Defendants [2012] EWHC 496

(Significant costs claim following a defamation action);

Mobile Doctors Limited v Johal & Your Lawyers Ltd [2014] EWCA Civ 1452

(Complex claim arising out of arrangements between Solicitor and Medico-Legal Agency);

Bassi & Ors v Bassi [2014] EWCA Civ 62

(Examines the extent to which a Costs Judge may use the trial Judge’s judgment to aid interpretation of the costs order subsequently made);

Download Costs & Litigation Funding Profile

Occupational Disease

Kevin’s experience of asbestos related claims (including mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques/thickening/effusion) and Noise Induced Hearing Loss claims is substantial. Kevin regularly deals with the substantial costs claims which follow matters of this nature and his understanding of how steps within the substantive litigation can significantly affect costs recovery enhance his ability to provide practical and clear advice to his professional clients as well as his lay clients at all stages of the litigation process. Clients are impressed by his command of the subject matter and his ability to explain complex legal points in clear terms which they can understand.

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Serious Injury

Kevin’s personal injury practice is focused predominantly on medium to high value serious injury claims. His costs knowledge often enables him to bring a ‘big picture’ approach to the litigation and he frequently provides technical and tactical advices at an early stage. Clients appreciate his straightforward but warm demeanour and professional clients are impressed with his strategic approach.

As a keen motorcyclist outside of chambers, Kevin is often able to bring a level of experience and first hand knowledge to claims involving motorcycle accidents.

Download Serious Injury Profile

Memberships

PIBA

Northern Circuit

Publications

"Following Protocol" Personal Injury Law Journal P.I.L.J. (2010) No.86 June Pages 9-14 (An article highlighting the salient factors of the new RTA Protocol).

Recommendations

Chambers UK 2021

"A personable guy who's very down to earth. He exudes confidence, knows what he's talking about and is always well prepared." "An excellent advocate who provides clarity and gets to the heart of a problem quickly." "Kevin has a lot of costs experience in personal injury cases. Very good technically, he's a great choice for higher-value cases with complex arguments attached to them."

Legal 500, 2020

"Kevin is never flustered by anything that is thrown at him and is able to argue his point in the clearest manner. He commands the respect of all of his opponents and the judiciary and has earned a reputation as a leading costs junior through a high number of excellent results."

"He has excellent client care skills"

Chambers UK 2020

"Extremely knowledgeable, professional and thorough, he always ensures he makes contact before and after a hearing to discuss tactics and relay information." "Kevin is very amenable and is able to build a natural rapport with both his opponents and the judge. He does not overcomplicate when explaining issues and can cut right to the heart of a matter."

Chambers UK 2018

"Kevin is a very measured and thoughtful advocate with a concise and crisp delivery who provides excellent advice on all costs matters, most particularly in the field of fixed costs."

Legal 500 2018

‘His knowledge of costs is laudable.’

Chambers UK 2017

"He really fought the client's corner, worked hard and went the extra mile. He is a bright and competent lawyer."

"A strong, sharp advocate with excellent technical knowledge."

Chambers UK 2016

"He's an exceptional talent and a barrister with a very good style. Costs can be quite boring but he makes it come alive."

"His client care skills are just first-class. He's an engaging person who's good fun as well as very professional."

Chambers & Partners UK 2015

"Very able, very calm and very measured, and never takes any bad points - he's just a pleasure to deal with"

"Very quick to digest the issues”

Northern Bar – Costs Litigation - Band 2