Browne Jacobson lawyer appointed Costs Judge

A seasoned lawyer from Browne Jacobson, Sarah Erwin-Jones, has been appointed as a salaried Costs Judge in England and Wales. With over thirty years of expertise in tackling social care professional negligence cases, she brings a wealth of experience to the judiciary. The appointment was confirmed when The King signed a royal warrant, with Erwin-Jones set to transition from her role as a partner in the UK and Ireland law firm’s redress, abuse, and assault claims unit on 1 August.

Costs judges play a crucial role in the legal system, functioning as specialist, full-time officers primarily based in the Senior Courts Costs Office. Their main duty involves resolving disputes related to legal fees and conducting detailed assessments to determine costs payable after court cases. Erwin-Jones has a strong background in a variety of complex legal issues, which will serve her well in her new position. She has been with Browne Jacobson since 1994, operating from their Nottingham office, and will relinquish her firm duties upon her appointment, transitioning to Costs Judge Erwin-Jones.

Jonathan Tardif, Senior Partner at Browne Jacobson, praised her dedication, stating that “Sarah exemplifies everything we aspire to be as a firm at the forefront of society’s biggest issues.” He added that her approach to challenging and sensitive cases combines “intellectual rigour, genuine compassion and an absolute commitment to doing right by the people involved.” He expressed pride in her recognition by the profession, noting that her presence in the judiciary will significantly benefit the bench and those who bring disputes to court.

Erwin-Jones has gained recognition in the legal community as a standout expert in child and adult abuse claims and safeguarding advice, as noted by the Legal 500 since 2015. Her expertise extends to social care, sports, and faith organisations, alongside various charities. Furthermore, she has engaged in public inquiries and represented clients in notable cases, including the personal injury claim resulting from the tragic death of Victoria Climbié, and participated in high-profile group actions, including appeals to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Upon receiving the appointment, Sarah remarked, “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as a Costs Judge. Having had the privilege of serving as a Deputy Costs Judge since 2013, this experience has only deepened my appreciation for this area of law.” She is particularly keen on addressing litigation in a way that is compassionate towards complainants while remaining proportionate to clients' needs. Emphasising her commitment to managing litigation costs effectively, she reflected, “I am proud of the difference that careful, principled litigation can make to the lives of those involved.”

As Erwin-Jones prepares for this new chapter in her career, she expresses deep gratitude for the support she has received from Browne Jacobson throughout her journey exceeding thirty years, and she eagerly anticipates applying her dedication to fairness and proportionality in her upcoming role as Costs Judge.