Solicitors Act 1974 s 68 applications (England and Wales): delivery of statute bills and client papers—jurisdiction, CPR procedure, court orders, liens, and case law

Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note explains when and why delivery of a bill is required, how to seek delivery, and the types of orders the court may grant. It also highlights examples of instances where the court has, and has not, exercised its discretion under section 68 of the Solicitors Act 1974 (SA 1974), together with the effect of delivery of a statute bill and delivery up of the client’s papers. Note, the Solicitors Act 1974 (SA 1974) is referred to as SA 1974 in this Practice Note...

Delivery of a bill

When and why this is sought

Delivery of a bill is commonly pursued by a client or other chargeable party in two situations:

the solicitor wishes to retain monies on account without providing an adequate bill
the client believes the solicitor’s request for an interim payment on account is unduly high

The court’s jurisdiction

The High Court holds an inherent jurisdiction to require a solicitor to deliver a bill of costs, a jurisdiction expanded by SA 1974, s 68. The charges must relate to legal work. In addition, the court may direct delivery up of any documents in the possession, custody or power of the solicitor...

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Simon Teasdale

4 New Square

Simon Teasdale has a specialist costs law practice, which sits alongside a broader commercial practice including professional liability and international arbitration work.In addition to being a ‘go to’ junior for Silks in all costs and funding-related litigation, he regularly appears as sole counsel in complex and high-value cases in the High Court and Senior Courts Costs Office.Simon is ranked as a “Rising Star” in costs law by the Legal 500.“Simon’s written and oral submissions are very polished. An exceptionally talented advocate with razor sharp insight leading straight to the core of the issue. He could be a future star.” – Legal 500, 2023“Simon is incredibly user friendly, combined with an expertise in costs litigation that is far beyond his call” – Legal 500, 2022...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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