Litigation/Dispute Resolution
Judge rejects recusal application after barristers withdraw
A judge has rejected a recusal application on the grounds of apparent bias made after two barristers withdrew at the last minute from a hearing and complained about his conduct of the case.
IP lawyers face multi-million pound claim over “secret commissions”
A representative action has been launched against IP law firm Marks & Clerk alleging that it “grossly overcharged” thousands of SMEs through a “secret commissions scheme” with CPA Global.
Law Commission eyes home-buying reform and digital justice projects
Rethinking the home-buying process – including bringing an end to caveat emptor – and putting digital justice on a firm footing are among projects being considered by the Law Commission.
Council had no right to oppose solicitor’s attendance at mediation
The High Court has dismissed a council’s objection to the mother of a child with special educational needs bringing a lawyer with them to a mediation, saying it was none of their business.
“Not all mistakes are misconduct”, says SDT as it clears solicitor
Not all mistakes made by solicitors are professional misconduct, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has ruled in dismissing allegations that an assistant misled the court.
High Court rejects challenge to foreign in-house lawyers’ privilege
Legal advice privilege extends to communications with foreign lawyers working in-house even if they are not recognised or regulated as “professional lawyers”, the High Court has ruled.
Law Society and Bar Council at odds over quarantine exemption
The Law Society has spoken out against a government clarification sought by Bar Council that means anyone self-isolating after returning from abroad can break quarantine to attend court.
Former partner faces £230,000 director’s loan account claim
A former equity partner in a two-partner North-East law firm faces a claim to repay his overdrawn director’s loan account of nearly £230,000 as the fall-out from its acrimonious split continues.
Quindell saga rumbles on with claim against PwC
The company formerly known as Quindell has served a £63m claim against accountancy firm PwC for allegedly using confidential information to reduce the amount Slater & Gordon paid.
Firm “needed court action” to force departing partner to return files
A law firm had to begin legal action to force a partner who had decided to leave to return the files she took home to work on during lockdown, it has emerged.
Blog
How does the legal profession become neuroinclusive?
My learning journey as mum to an autistic son with profound additional needs completely changed the way in which I work as a child protection lawyer.
The real cure for inequality at law firms? Listening
How can men, as one male panellist put it, “get out of the way of people coming up through the ranks?”
Most of these conversations only happen after the men leave the room.
Andy Burnham and the Hillsborough Law: should solicitors be worried?
Now that Andy Burnham has become prime minister, the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, otherwise known as the Hillsborough Law, will receive a real boost of political capital.
