Christina Michalos for 5RB

Christina Michalos, Barrister, 5RB Chambers
 
In what circumstances were you able to obtain a pro bono cost order? 
In a defamation case involving Facebook posts:
(Howell v Braithwaite)
 
 “My client, the defendant, thought she had been blocked from posting a photograph of a white reggae singer on a group page devoted to black culture. She had queried this with the page owner via a Facebook post. He had extrapolated from this an allegation of racism against him…The matter spiralled. The page owner brought defamation proceedings against her.  I appeared at two hearings; the first was the initial instruction to have judgment in default set aside and the second was a strike out application. The case was struck out because it was held there was no defamation.”
 
How did you hear about pro bono cost orders?
From the Bar Pro Bono Unit Newsletter.
 
How easy was the process?
“I was successful at both hearings and applied for a pro bono costs order after each hearing. At the hearing when judgment in default was set aside, I obtained an order for Defendant’s costs in the case summarily assessed. This meant the Access to Justice Foundation would benefit if ultimately the Defendant won the whole case… There was no difficulty at all in obtaining a pro bono costs order and it was quite straightforward to persuade the Judge it was appropriate in that case. CPR 46.7 is all you need... The personal sense of satisfaction is an added bonus!”
 
How much money did you raise from the pro bono cost order?
£2,400