Litigation/Dispute Resolution
Judges slash “absurd” £343m budget for first part of diesel cars claim
The High Court has refused to sanction the “absurd” and “staggering” £343m in costs put forward by the claimants for just the first third of the diesel emissions group litigation.
Counsel should not have attacked solicitor’s integrity, says judge
A High Court judge has criticised an attack on the professional integrity of a solicitor to an ex-Newcastle United footballer made during the player’s legal action against his former agent.
Firm’s £3m of invoices face assessment after losing ‘statute bill’ fight
National law firm Weightmans is to have nearly 50 invoices totalling £3m subjected to a detailed assessment after failing to convince a judge they were interim statute bills.
Judge rejects defendant’s request to pay law firm’s £2m costs
A High Court judge has refused a request from a defendant in the London Capital & Finance fraud case to use the proceeds of sale of his home to pay his solicitors over £2m.
High Court allows McKenzie Friend to exercise rights of audience
A High Court judge has allowed a McKenzie Friend to exercise rights of audience in supporting a defendant facing an order that could lead to a jail sentence for contempt being activated.
Fee-earner found in contempt over documents taken from law firm
A fee-earner who has not complied with a court order to return documents taken from his former law firm has been handed a four-month suspended jail sentence for contempt.
Law firm fails to strike out former partner’s unfair prejudice petition
Well-known London litigation firm Candey has failed in a bid to strike out an unfair prejudice claim brought by a former partner.
SRA “has gone too far” with demands in SLAPPs guidance
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s guidance on SLAPPs may go too far in requiring practitioners to ascertain the truth of their client’s case, a senior barrister has suggested.
Train case lawyers will be paid more if fewer people claim damages
The reasonable costs of a £25m class action settlement are “probably well in excess of £10m” but the lawyers and funder will only receive that if many of those entitled to damages do not claim them.
Leading firm apologises to court for interfering with expert’s statement
A leading London law firm has apologised to the High Court and opposing party after going too far in asking an expert witness to amend a joint statement.
Blog
Modern vehicles: new injury profiles and new legal challenges
As the number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to grow year-on-year, it is important to address the risks that come with their increased adoption.
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
