FOUNDER

Erica is a costs barrister, District Judge and Deputy Costs Judge.

As our founder, Erica is the heart and soul of Women in Costs. Having faced and overcome challenges in her own career, Erica is truly committed to ensuring that women today-and for generations to come-have the opportunity to thrive.

Through her leadership, empathy, and unwavering commitment for progression in the costs industry, she is responsible for shaping Women in Costs.

She is committed to developing new ideas to progress and provide meaningful support to the Women in Costs community.

VICE-CHAIR

Sharn Khaira is an Associate Cost Lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.

She has been instrumental in bringing Women in Costs to life.  Chosen as the inaugural Rising Star, she spoke passionately at the first conference about the importance of recognising heart values when identifying the strengths women bring to the table in the costs industry.

Since that date, she has lived the Women in Costs values in everything that she does, actively supporting and empowering those around her. 

She is the right-hand woman to Erica Bedford and is responsible for organisational aspects of Women in Costs and ensures that the numerous ideas created by our founder are practically brought to life. 

MENTORING LEAD

Vikki is an Associate Cost Lawyer and Head of the Leeds office of MRN Cost Solicitors. 

Vikki joined Women in Costs in 2024 after applying to act as a mentor on the mentoring programme.  However, her significant people management skills and empathetic strengths stood out and so lead her to being invited to act as the Head of Mentoring. 

Since her appointment, she has doubled the mentoring intake and has overseen significant change to a more structured programme designed to maximise peer support alongside bi-monthly training sessions to actively develop soft skills.