Litigation/Dispute Resolution
Compulsory small claims mediation to go live next month
Mediation will become mandatory in some money disputes worth less than £10,000 filed from 22 May, where brought on paper or through HMCTS’s traditional online systems.
High Court throws out £55m claim against law firms
A businessman who brought a claim against two leading law firms, and also reported them and those representing them to the SRA, has seen his case struck out.
Lawyers join forces with newspaper editors to urge SLAPPs bill changes
Media lawyers have joined forces with newspaper editors and others to urge the government to tighten up the Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill.
Government reviews role of apologies in civil litigation
The government today launches a consultation on whether it should be easier to apologise in civil proceedings without admitting liability.
Top litigation funder uses astrophysicists to help cut loss rate
Burford Capital, the world’s largest litigation funder, is using astrophysicists to help cut its loss rate from double figures to 8%, the company’s chief executive has revealed.
Government to raise extra £35m after trimming list of rising court fees
The government has trimmed the number of court fees it will increase by 10% next month, reducing the likely revenue they will raise from £42m to £35m.
MPs urge SRA to speed up investigation into SSB collapse
The Solicitors Regulation Authority needs to speed up its investigation into the collapse of Sheffield law firm SSB Law, MPs said this week, with one calling out “dodgy” solicitors.
Wasted costs “not the right approach” for ex-client let down by firm
The High Court has rejected an unusual application by a former client for wasted costs against a law firm which accepted its conduct of his case was “reprehensible”.
Post Office makes “policy decision” to stop using ‘without prejudice’
The Post Office has made a “policy decision” to remove the label ‘without prejudice’ from its Horizon Shortfall Scheme compensation letters, against legal advice.
Shell seeks millions in costs from law firm over failed oil spill claim
Listed law firm Rosenblatt is facing the prospect of having to pay out millions of pounds after the High Court allowed proceedings for costs orders against it to proceed.
Blog
Regulate sole practices on evidence, not turnover
For a sole practice, the SRA’s plan that I cannot hold a compliance role if my firm has more than £600,000 of turnover is not a measure of risk. It is a ceiling on growth.
Is Google becoming pay-to-play for law firms?
For years, law firms have been told that SEO is the long-term alternative to paying for every click. That principle hasn’t disappeared but search results have changed significantly.
Material information and the case for intelligent client onboarding
Upfront information means work traditionally undertaken after an offer is accepted will need to happen earlier. And that fundamentally changes the role of client onboarding.
Reports
Associates
