Rebecca Lidster

Costs lawyer

Services

Rebecca is an experienced costs lawyer, predominantly dealing with the recovery of claimants’ costs, with a focus on medical negligence claims, but also in family, employment and personal injury matters.

She also drafts, varies and negotiates budgets, and carries out advocacy at costs and case management conferences (CCMCs), as well as assisting instructing solicitors with keeping budgeted costs within the amount set by the court. Rebecca provides advice on informal queries on all costs issues, from retainers to Part 36. She also regularly defends claims for costs in housing disrepair and travel claims, including drafting points of dispute and reporting to client insurers.

With 20 years of expertise in negotiating costs on behalf of both paying and receiving parties, I bring a deep understanding of cost management and assessment to every case. My expertise ensures that every case is approached with strategic insight and a commitment to achieving optimal results.

Rebecca Lidster, Costs lawyer

Rebecca’s career in costs began in 2005, dealing with claims on unsuccessful cases for an ATE insurer. Since then, she has worked at both claimant and defendant firms, giving her excellent experience on both sides of the line and insight into how either party’s lawyers may approach costs. She continues to expand her knowledge in the field and qualified as a costs lawyer in September 2025.

Recent work highlights

QOWCs protection

Successfully arguing that qualified one way cost shifting protection applied to costs of detailed assessment proceedings in the reported case of Challis v Bradpiece [2024] EWHC 1124 (SCCO).

Halving opponent’s costs

Achieving a 52% reduction in an opponent’s costs on behalf of a lay client in a family law matter, and agreeing payments in instalments in accordance with his financial means.

Large recovery on profit costs

Achieving a 97% overall recovery corresponding to a 93% recovery on profit costs, on a bill with a value exceeding £420,000.