By Sandra Boateng, Commercial Dispute Resolution Solicitor, Ralli Solicitors LLP
The High Court decision in the now-infamous “Wagatha Christie” libel case continues to generate discussion, not just in the tabloids, but in legal circles too. Most recently, the long-running legal saga has (hopefully) reached its final chapter. Following a private agreement, Rebekah Vardy will pay Coleen Rooney £1.19 million in legal costs. In addition, the court has ordered Vardy to pay a further £212,266 in “assessment costs” – the costs Rooney incurred in preparing for and attending the detailed assessment of her costs before the court.
The case has attracted widespread attention, but the dispute over costs is equally deserving of analysis. Why? Because it serves as a warning, both for high-net-worth individuals and ordinary litigants, about the risks of litigation and the consequences of failing to beat the other side’s case.
This final settlement, reported on 6th May 2025, brings to a close a case that began in 2019 and has since become a masterclass in the risks and realities of litigation, particularly when public image and reputational harm are at stake.
So, what lessons can be learnt?
1. Litigation can be a long and expensive road
The Vardy v Rooney case lasted over five years from the initial social media post to the final cost settlement. Despite Vardy’s attempts to challenge the costs Rooney sought (some £1.8 million in total), the parties ended up settling on a figure not too far north of what Rooney spent — £1.19 million.
The issue, however, arose when Rooney asked for a further £315,000 in assessment costs, which are the costs she incurred during the detailed assessment of her costs. The parties were not able to agree on that figure, and Costs Judge Mark Whalan ordered Vardy to pay an additional £212,266 to Rooney, making the total of Vardy’s liability in costs over £1.4 million.
Given the circumstances of the case and the media attention it attracted, litigation has become a prolonged and expensive process. Was it all really worth it?
2. Courts scrutinise costs but will uphold fair claims
At the detailed assessment hearing before Costs Judge Whalan, the court heard that Rooney’s overall legal costs had been settled at £1.19 million, inclusive of VAT and interest. Rooney’s total legal bill had in fact reached £1,833,906.89. The court then considered the summary assessment of the additional costs Rooney incurred preparing for the detailed assessment, which totalled more than £212,000 following the half-day hearing.
During the hearing, Vardy’s legal team argued that the £345 hourly rate charged by Rooney’s solicitor, Paul Lunt, was too high and should be reduced to £280 per hour to fall within the guideline hourly rates. However, Costs Judge Whalan allowed the higher rate, stating that this was “not a guideline hourly rates case” given the scale and complexity of the litigation.
The judge also scrutinised the hours claimed — including over 650 hours by solicitors and more than 300 hours by junior counsel — describing them as potentially “eyebrow-raising”, but ultimately “justified and proportionate” in light of the work required. Much of that work had been driven by the conduct of the case, including issues with disclosure and attempts to retrieve missing communications.
This shows that while the court will examine costs carefully, it will uphold claims that are properly and necessarily incurred, especially where one party’s conduct has made the litigation more costly to resolve.
3. Conduct and credibility matter just as much as the law
The earlier trial judgment had already made clear that Vardy’s credibility was significantly damaged by inconsistencies in her evidence and the loss of key material, including WhatsApp messages. This played a key role in the overall outcome and also influenced how the court viewed her liability for costs.
In civil litigation, conduct throughout the case – from pre-action behaviour through to disclosure and evidence – can directly affect both the result and the financial consequences that follow.
4. Alternative dispute resolution should not be overlooked
Legal costs are often an afterthought until it’s too late. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons is this: could this have been resolved earlier and more privately? The damage to both parties' reputations was immense, and the final settlement still leaves Vardy with a considerable bill.
At Ralli Solicitors LLP, our Dispute Resolution team always considers mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options first. Often, early dialogue can spare clients years of litigation, spiralling costs and public exposure. However, where litigation is unavoidable, we provide clear, strategic advice on the likely outcomes, including cost exposure at every stage.
The “Wagatha Christie” case serves as a high-profile reminder that litigation is not just about being “right” — it’s about evidence, conduct, and preparation. And if you get it wrong, the costs consequences can be substantial.
Now that the case has finally concluded, it stands as a cautionary tale for anyone entering litigation - whether high-profile or not. The financial and emotional toll of a court battle is rarely straightforward or limited to legal arguments. The outcome of this case highlights the importance of sound legal advice, early strategy, and keeping proportionality at the heart of any claim.
If you’re involved in a legal dispute or considering bringing a claim, speak to one of our specialist solicitors in the Dispute Resolution team at Ralli Solicitors LLP. Call us on 0161 615 0660 or email enquiries@ralli.co.uk.