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United Kingdom

Jalla v Shell: Yonge v Toynbee applied—solicitors’ lack of authority in group claims; wasted and non-party costs, funding disclosure (England and Wales)

Published on: 21 March 2024

Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert
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Article summary

Group litigation—solicitors’ lack of authority to act may result in wasted costs and non-party costs orders (Jalla & Chujor v Shell International Trading & Shipping Ltd) Jalla and others v Royal Dutch Shell and others [2024] EWHC 578 (TCC)

What are the practical implications of this case?

Practitioners handling group actions should note the risks now facing the claimants’ solicitors after the court’s earlier finding that they lacked authority to issue the individual claims. Relying on the long‑established Yonge v Toynbee [1910] 1 KB 215, the court confirms that solicitors who warrant authority for persons named on a claim form may become liable for wasted costs and non‑party costs orders if that authority is later absent. The ruling emphasises the need for a careful, timely process to obtain actual authority from every named claimant before proceedings are started. It stands as a clear warning that in group litigation, failure to verify authority at the outset can bring significant costs exposure upon the lawyers involved. The decision also matters to those who use DBAs and/or participate in litigation funding, highlighting the importance of rigorous compliance and records concerning authority and funding in collective claims...

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