Litigation/Dispute Resolution
Birss: Accreditation of experts “could be extended beyond PI”
“Further forms” of accreditation for expert witnesses beyond the existing MedCo scheme in personal injury could be “worthy of consideration”, the deputy head of civil justice has said.
Law firm in CAT case calls for £6m charity donation
The law firm acting for the claimants in the boundary fares collective action has called for a donation of £5-6m from unclaimed damages to the Access to Justice Foundation.
High Court rejects law firm’s appeal over “warehousing” claim
The High Court has rejected an appeal by a former law firm whose counterclaim was struck out on the grounds of abuse of process by “warehousing”.
LeO names firms “in public interest” as it publishes first full decisions
The Legal Ombudsman has published three of its final decisions in full for the first time, including the names of the firms involved, arguing that the move increases transparency.
Senior lawyer “should decide if Post Office compensation is full and fair”
A senior lawyer should be appointed to make sure that first compensation offers to victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal are “full and fair”, the first part of the inquiry report has recommended.
Government backs MP’s bill to extend use of remote hearings
The government has given its “wholehearted support” to a private member’s bill that gives judges the power to hold remote hearing for breaches of some injunctions.
Rule change to stop solicitors “unreasonably refusing” service by email
Parties or their solicitors “unreasonably refusing to accept electronic service” could become a tactic of the past under reforms put out by the CPRC.
Court of Appeal upholds post-PACCAR litigation funding deals
The Court of Appeal has upheld as enforceable litigation funding agreements which calculate funders’ return as a multiple of their investment, rather than a percentage of damages.
Automated small claims platform secures £550,000 in funding
An automated platform which uses generative AI to “hold the hand” of customers throughout the small claims process has secured £550,000 in its second funding round.
Solicitor facing tax fraud trial fails in privilege claim over seized material
A solicitor facing trial for tax fraud has failed in his claim that HM Revenue & Customs should return materials it seized from him because they are privileged.
Blog
Is it time to change how law firms view compliance?
Although COFAs often hold senior positions and play an essential role in a firm’s financial and regulatory integrity, the perception of the compliance function itself is still evolving.
From templates to culture change: Lessons from the SRA on source of funds
The SRA’s new thematic review into source of funds and wealth reveals both progress and persistent blind spots, with source-of-funds checks too often thought of as a procedural hurdle.
Change in regulator shouldn’t make AML less of a priority
While SRA fines for AML have been climbing, many in the profession aren’t confident they will get any relief from the FCA, a body used to dealing with a highly regulated industry.
