Costs Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) is delighted to announce the appointment of recently retired Master Victoria McCloud of the Kings Bench Division as a Panel Member
With her extensive experience in the legal field, Master McCloud will offer her services in mediations, expert determinations, and early neutral evaluations, with a particular focus on costs disputes and related alternative dispute resolution (ADR) matters.
Master McCloud’s career spans several decades, marked by notable achievements and contributions to the legal profession.
She served as a Master of the Queen’s Bench Division (later, King’s Bench Division) from 2010 to 2024, earning the distinction of being the youngest Master ever appointed. Prior to her appointment, she sat as a Deputy Costs Judge in the Senior Courts Costs Office (SCCO) from 2006 to 2010, honing her expertise in cost disputes.
Recognised for her legal acumen, Master McCloud made significant contributions to the evolution of legal practice, notably as counsel in the landmark case of Thai Trading v Taylor in 1998. This case played a pivotal role in legalising the use of Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs) without success fees in non-personal injury cases, leading to the regulation of the CFA sector.
Master McCloud’s dedication to the legal profession extends beyond her courtroom accomplishments. She has served as a former Nominated Judicial Officeholder for Whistleblowing and was approved to sit on the panel of the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office. Additionally, she contributed her expertise to various committees and publications, including the Civil Justice Committee subcommittee on Pre-Action Protocols and the Equal Treatment Bench Book.
Commenting on her appointment, Master McCloud said, “I am honoured to join CADR as a panel member and to continue my commitment to promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. With the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective resolution of disputes, I look forward to leveraging my experience to assist parties in reaching mutually beneficial outcomes.”
Michael Kain, CEO of CADR, expressed his enthusiasm for Master McCloud’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Victoria to the CADR panel. Her wealth of experience and expertise in costs disputes and alternative dispute resolution will be invaluable to our organisation and the clients we serve. We look forward to working closely with her to enhance further our offerings and continue to provide optimal dispute resolution services.”
In her new role, Master McCloud will offer her services not only in costs disputes but also in other connected matters, including budgeting disputes, High Court private cost management disputes, and substantive civil disputes. She intends to sit part-time in retirement, ensuring that her wealth of knowledge and expertise continues to benefit the legal community.
