An evening with ARAG: An overview of the Fixed Recoverable Costs and it's practical implications

The IIB has teamed up with one of Bristol's leading legal expenses insurers to deliver an exciting seminar and Networking event.

Nick Lee from Paragon Costs will provide a 45-minute presentation in relation to the Fixed Recoverable Costs being introduced in October 2023. This presentation will provide an overview of the key changes and identify the likely tension areas. Nick will also provide an update on any other key developments from the costs world. You will learn the essence of the changes, gain an understanding of the challenges ahead and be better informed to make decisions in the best interest of your insured clients.

Ben Parkinson-King will follow the presentation with an introduction to ARAG and will explore the implications of the Fixed Recoverable Costs.

Following the hour long seminar, ARAG and the IIB will be hosting a networking event where drinks and canapes will be provided.

This is great opportunity to ask questions and meet the speakers.

Nick began his career in costs in 2001. In 2011, Nick created Paragon Costs Solutions which now has offices in London and Bristol. Clients have included many top 100 law firms, niche commercial practices, local authorities, insurers and international banks.

Advocacy, technical support, business development and client management are his primary responsibilities. Known for always being commercial and practical, colleagues and clients appreciate how thoroughly Nick assesses the merits in any claims, before giving his experienced and realistic advice.

Nick was President of Bristol Law Society (2018/19). He currently sits on the UWE Law advisory board, Bristol City Council’s Economic advisory board, is an Enterprise Advisor through WECA and a Trustee for Quartet Community Foundation.

Nick is a frequent public speaker having arranged and spoken at numerous costs seminars. He is a member of Lexis PSL’s Dispute Resolution Expert Panel. He has also written articles for numerous publications.

Reported Cases:

Bocacina Ltd v Boca Cafes Ltd [2014] EWHC 26 (IPEC)

Reed v Woodward Property Developments Ltd & Anor [2023] EWHC 36 (SCCO) (12 January 2023)

Ben’s career began in 2007 working in the unofficial home of legal expenses, Bristol. Following in his father’s footsteps he looked after large Corporate clients in the before-the-event sales division of DAS, many of which were well known household brands.

With an eye on career progression, Ben moved to a more broker-oriented role at ARAG, widening his skillset and gaining a well-rounded understanding of the insurance market.

Ben was appointed Broker Account Manager in 2019, focussing on Business development and forging long-term strategic partnerships with brokers, MGAs and associations in the south-west, Wales and midlands.

In 2022, he achieved Diploma in Insurance certification and continues to study towards the Advanced Diploma level. His passions are aligned to those of ARAG and its leadership team, to ensure that customers can receive access to justice regardless of whether they can afford it.

Outside of work Ben is an avid football fan – both real and fantasy, plays golf badly and is (closely) watching his little boy Theo grow up – he turns 1 in September

• Join us from 17:15 to enjoy a drink on arrival
• light food options will be available
• Seminar will begin at 17:30 and will conclude at 18:30. The event will continue after the seminar ends to give the opportunity to network.
• Walking distance to the train station
• Nearest parking is NCP on Nelson Street, Bristol BS1 2LE. The hotel offers 20% discount for parking