Accountant’s retainer letters remain of paramount importance!

On 12 December 2016 Mr Justice Coulson handed down judgment in the High Court in a dispute involving Wilkins Kennedy (now Wilkins Kennedy LLP, “WK”), a UK top 20 firm of accountants, and Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited (“Harlequin”). The case illustrates the importance of a clear retainer letter establishing the scope of the retainer and any liability from the outset (and before any works are undertaken) in order to protect an accountant (or any professional) from unfavourable terms being implied by a Court down the line after problems have arisen.