The case involved a collision with a horse at a riding school and the defendant instructed loss adjusters to defend the claim. The loss adjusters carried out investigations, obtained witness statements and, in the judge's words, "all types of work which would normally be carried out by solicitors in the context of this type of litigation".

This is the kind of ruling which lawyers cherish as official recognition of their unique skills. In today's climate it could even feel like a small torchlight glowing at the end of the liquidity crisis tunnel.

There is another message though. It is that judges are less and less patient about amateur litigants. Just like Lord Justice Mummery who last month called for more disputes to be settled through mediation rather than clog up the courts. Now the senior costs judge's ruling is a further reminder that litigation should be organised as effectively as possible from the start, that professional court users attuned to the mechanics of the justice system should be employed to ensure the smooth running of litigation and not waste court time. Those who do not play by the book will pay the price.