Costs Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) is delighted to have 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 mediation, expert determinations, and early neutral evaluations, with a particular focus on cost disputes and related alternative dispute resolution (ADR) matters.

Master McCloud's career spans several decades, which have been 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 distinction as 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.