The appellant law firm appealed an order directing the assessment of all its accounts to the respondent, refusing to impose a solicitor's lien on a personal loan made to the respondent, and awarding solicitor and client costs.
The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal in part, finding no 'special circumstances' under s. 4(1) of the Solicitors Act to justify assessing accounts paid without objection more than six years prior.
However, the Court upheld the refusal to grant a charging order under s. 34(1) for a personal loan, as such orders must relate to legal services.
The costs award was also affirmed.