Litigation/Dispute Resolution

A law firm waived its equitable lien when it replaced its original retainer with a fixed-fee agreement (FFA) and deed of charge over the client’s assets, the Supreme Court has ruled.

A non-party to a property dispute, condemned in his absence by a recorder for dishonest conspiracy, was the victim of an “unlawful judicial act” which breached his human rights, the High Court has ruled.

A £600,000 print and digital advertising campaign to draw public attention to the landmark £17bn Mastercard class action began yesterday.

Shares in RBG Holdings PLC – which owns law firms Rosenblatt and Memery Crystal – dived by 23% yesterday after having to write off £4m because of its litigation funding arm.

The time between issue and trial for fast- and multi-track claims has now exceeded 75 weeks, the longest this century, according to the latest government figures.

The BSB is considering following the SRA in issuing guidance on SLAPPs. It comes as the solicitors acting for Conservative Party chairman Nadeem Zahawi have been reported under the SRA notice.

A woman whose solicitors’ error meant she was too late to challenge her mother’s will has been given permission to bring her action out of time.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has been awarded a £120,000 government grant to explore ways to increase the use of technology-enabled dispute resolution.

Two City law firms acting for the defendants in a £150m class action have been rebuked by the Competition Appeal Tribunal for writing directly to class members.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority is now investigating 29 cases where law firms might be involved in SLAPPs, it revealed yesterday as it issued a warning notice over such abusive litigation.