Litigation/Dispute Resolution
CAT rejects relaxation of conflict of interest rule for panel members
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has decided against relaxing its conflict of interest rule for panel members and chairs, saying case-by-case recusals would not be a sufficient safeguard.
AI “enables smaller law firms to handle very large cases”
AI will “revolutionise” the way very large litigation cases are handled by allowing smaller firms to do the work, the chief executive of a Stafford-based practice has predicted.
In-house lawyers most concerned about AI-related disputes
Senior in-house lawyers and general counsel are most concerned about an increase in disputes relating to AI, and are increasing investment in their disputes teams, a report has found.
Law firm must pay costs for “dilatory and obstructive” behaviour
A London law firm has been ordered to pay costs to HMRC for the “dilatory and obstructive manner” in which it approached its challenge to a VAT demand.
Justice minister urges regulators to toughen up on CFAs
The government has told the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority of the need for “tougher, more consistent regulation of conditional fee agreements”.
National litigation practice bought by private equity house
A national practice best known for its credit hire work has become the latest addition to the ranks of law firms owned by private equity.
Mazur: Local government lawyers eye legislative change
The Lawyers in Local Government group is to seek “legislative clarification and reform” in response to the Mazur ruling, instead of intervening in the Court of Appeal
Foundation launches grant programme for class action proceeds
The Access to Justice Foundation has today announced a groundbreaking £3.9m grants programme mainly funded by unclaimed damages from a collective action.
Court issues restraint order over LiP’s pursuit of law firm
The High Court has imposed a civil restraint order on a litigant in person who made “numerous meritless applications” as part of a claim against his former solicitors.
Law firm granted injunction following major disclosure error
A London law firm has been granted an injunction for the return of thousands of confidential and privileged documents that it disclosed by mistake to the opposing side in litigation.
Blog
The importance of benchmarking reports – and lessons on profitability
Regional firms reported the largest revenue growth this year (12%), outpacing their City counterparts. Yet many are not converting that growth into profitability.
Fixed recoverable costs: Sacrificing justice for predictability?
The extended fixed recoverable costs regime is failing to achieve its stated objectives. Instead of promoting fairness and efficiency, the rules are creating anomalies that undermine justice.
Expectations keep rising, so prioritise client experience
Law firms are facing growing pressure to place greater focus on client experience or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive legal market.
