Amanda Johnston

I am a highly experienced Costs Lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience providing specialist legal costs services to solicitors, law firms, insurers, and litigation teams across a broad range of civil litigation matters, including complex and high-value medical negligence claims.

After obtaining an Honours Law Degree and completing the Legal Practice Course in 1999, I specialised in costs law at the outset of my legal career and qualified as a Costs Lawyer in 2017. I combine extensive technical expertise with strong commercial awareness, helping clients maximise cost recovery when acting for receiving parties and effectively limit cost exposure when acting for paying parties.

I advise on all aspects of legal costs practice, including the drafting of Bills of Costs, Points of Dispute and Replies, detailed and provisional assessment proceedings, costs budgeting and costs management, negotiations, interim payment applications, and advocacy. I regularly prepare both traditional and electronic bills, simplified costs budgets, and electronic N260 Statements of Costs for proceedings in the Senior Courts and specialist jurisdictions, including the Rolls Building.

My experience acting for both receiving and paying parties provides a valuable strategic perspective when negotiating, challenging, and resolving costs disputes. I have particular expertise in complex, high-value, and sensitive litigation and previously acted in the high-profile News UK phone-hacking litigation, overseeing costs matters relating to Rebekah Brooks, Andy Coulson, and other current and former newspaper employees.

Known for my pragmatic, commercially focused approach, I work closely with litigation solicitors and legal practices to deliver accurate, efficient, and cost-effective support tailored to each case’s demands. My detailed understanding of court procedures, costs practice, and litigation strategy enables me to provide practical advice and responsive support in fast-moving and demanding matters.

Services include:

• Drafting Bills of Costs
• Points of Dispute and Replies
• Costs Budgeting and Costs Management
• Detailed and Provisional Assessment Proceedings
• Negotiations and Costs Settlements
• Interim Payment Applications
• Electronic Bills and N260 Statements of Costs
• Advocacy and Costs Hearings

I am committed to providing a professional, responsive, and results-driven service to solicitors, insurers, and litigation professionals nationwide.