With effect from 1st April 2010, the guideline hourly rates for solicitors' charges have been increased. The new rates are set out here where you can also see a list of past hourly rates.  Thus, the top rate for a City of London Grade A solicitor will now be £409 per hour. It had been £402 from 1st January 2009 and £396 from 1st January 2008, prior to which the rate was £380.

These are the rates that a claimant's solicitor would expect to be awarded at detailed assessment. Insurers and compensators will of course be aware that the rates charged by their own panel solicitors are much lower. The Jackson Report on costs did not attempt to deal with charging rates.