About Core Costs

Core Costs is built on senior expertise, collaboration and genuine client care. Every instruction is led by a Director-level Costs Lawyer with substantial leadership experience, ensuring consistent strategic oversight from outset to conclusion.

All three Directors are active decision-makers, directly involved in the day-to-day conduct of matters. This removes layers of delegation, enables faster turnaround times and provides clear, accountable advice at every stage of the process.

We combine technical precision with a constructive, commercially focused approach to costs disputes. Recognised for our attention to detail and strong professional relationships, we work collaboratively with parties to achieve fair, efficient and effective outcomes for our clients.

Meet Our Team

Marc Harris

Co-Founding Partner / Costs Lawyer

Marc is a highly experienced Costs Lawyer with over 14 years' dedicated practice in costs law. He commenced his career in 2011, qualified in 2017, and progressed into senior leadership roles before establishing himself as a sole practitioner and co-founding Core Costs alongside two highly experienced Costs Lawyers.

Marc advises across all areas of costs law and is frequently instructed on complex matters spanning commercial litigation, dispute resolution, data protection, banking, intellectual property, housing, industrial disease, and group litigation, among others.

He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work. Marc approaches matters logically and strategically, adapting to clients' needs while remaining commercially minded. Clients consistently commend his accessibility and the reliability of his work.

Away from practice, Marc enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the countryside with his dogs, travelling, and snowboarding. He also has a competitive streak - particularly when laser tag is involved.

Richie YOUNG

Co-Founding Partner / Costs Lawyer

Richie is an established Costs Lawyer and ACL Fellow, known for delivering strategic, results-driven advice on complex and high-value claims. He began his career in 2012, qualified in 2017, and became a Fellow in 2025.

Before co-founding Core Costs, Richie was Head of the negotiations team at a national law firm, where he developed expertise in settlement strategy, client management, and commercial decision-making. He supports law firms across various areas of law, combining technical precision with practical insight. Richie also shares regular updates on LinkedIn, keeping practitioners informed on key developments in the evolving costs landscape.

Away from practice, Richie is a keen golfer and enjoys both playing and following the game. He is a passionate NBA fan and proudly supports the Denver Nuggets, rarely missing a game during the season. Above all, Richie values the time he spends with his family, and balancing a demanding career with family life remains his greatest priority outside of work.

James Sherwood

Co-Founding Partner / Costs Lawyer

James is a skilled Costs Lawyer and co-founder of Core Costs, recognised for his calm, client-focused, and commercially minded approach. After completing his law degree in 2010, he began specialising in legal costs in 2013 and has since developed extensive expertise across high-value bills, costs budgeting, detailed assessments, negotiations, and audit work.

James advises law firms across a broad range of practice areas, combining strong technical knowledge with clear, practical advice tailored to each client’s commercial objectives. He is particularly effective in resolving disputes efficiently and strategically, frequently securing favourable outcomes without the need for costly and lengthy court proceedings.

Known for his reliability, accessibility, and attention to detail, James approaches every matter with precision and professionalism, whether handling routine instructions or navigating complex, high-value disputes. His adaptable and pragmatic style has earned the trust of clients alike, making him a dependable choice for costs advice and strategic support.

Outside of practice, James enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.