What is a CCMC?

A Case Management Conference (CMC) takes place before a case goes to trial so that directions can be set. A Costs and Case Management Conference (CCMC) deals with the directions in the case, as well as costs within the case. At a CCMC hearing, Costs Budgets will be assessed if an agreement has not been reached between parties.

What Should Take Place Before a CCMC?

Before a Costs and Case Management Conference takes place, parties to the case should prepare their Costs Budgets. A Costs Budget will determine the amount of recoverable costs the receiving party expects to receive at the outset of litigation.

A statement of truth should also be completed by all parties to verify the Precedent H Costs Budget. Your Costs Budget should reflect the directions and length of trial which you are seeking. More information on what should be included within a costs budget can be found on our FAQs page.

Negotiation of your Costs Budget should also take place in the form of the exchange of Cost Budget Discussion Reports atleast 7 days prior to a CCMC. Costs Budget Discussion Reports are also known as the Precedent R and should set out which phases within the other party’s Budget are agreed, and those which are not, alongside reasons for the contested phases.

A Precedent R should be filed at least 7 days before a CCMC. If it is not filed within this time, the other side’s Budget will be assumed to remain uncontested and the full budget will be approved, albeit there are no sanctions detailed in the CPR for late filing of a Precedent R.

Parties to a case should engage in Cost Budget negotiations prior to the date of the CCMC and if the Budgets cannot be agreed, they should proceed to the CCMC stage to have the Budgets assessed and agreed by the Court.

It is important to note that there can be a substantial delay between drafting the Budget and receiving a notice hearing, which is why we would always recommend making sure Budgets are within 1 month of being up to date.  There are no rules preventing a party from filing an updated Costs Budget, so long as they have complied with the original directions.

How do costs draftsmen assist with Costs Management Conferences?

Costs draftsmen play a key role in preparing for and supporting solicitors at Costs Management Conferences (CMCs). They ensure that the costs budgets (Precedent H) are accurate, reasonable, and fully justified before being submitted to the court.

Their assistance typically includes:

• Preparing or reviewing Precedent H budgets to ensure all phases reflect the necessary and proportionate work expected in the case.

• Drafting and analysing Precedent R (Budget Discussion Reports) to identify any areas of dispute and provide reasoned arguments to support or challenge costs.

• Advising solicitors on case strategy and budget presentation to maximise cost recovery or minimise exposure to the opponent’s costs.

• Attending the CMC (where required) to assist counsel or the solicitor in addressing the court on costs-related issues and defending the reasonableness of the proposed budget. A costs lawyer can also represent clients at costs hearings. 

By ensuring that all documentation is compliant with the Civil Procedure Rules and well-prepared, costs draftsmen help achieve fair and proportionate budget outcomes at the CMC.

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