Litigation/Dispute Resolution
No retainer between law firm and businessman in £2.5m dispute
There was no express or implied retainer between a law firm and a businessman with a “colourful commercial career” suing it for £2.5m in damages, the High Court has ruled.
Choosing London lawyers “does not guarantee” hearing in capital
The freedom of parties to choose their lawyers should not “transform into an ability to choose a venue”, a High Court judge has said in moving a judicial review hearing from London to Leeds.
Apology appeases court after yet another judgment embargo breach
The High Court has accepted an apology from a party which broke an embargo on a ruling, in the third such case in the space of just two months.
Judge rejects recusal in fees case involving firm that owes him money
A QC has rejected an application recuse himself from sitting as a deputy High Court judge in a case involving a law firm suing for unpaid fees that itself owes him fees.
Judge throws cold water on “insignificant” data breach claims
The burgeoning field of data breach claims has taken a blow with a High Court judge saying the disclosure of a person’s name, gender and date of birth is not serious enough.
MPs lament “missed opportunities” of court reform programme
The Ministry of Justice and courts service have “missed opportunities to swiftly deliver an ambitious court reform programme”, MPs on the justice select committee said today.
Judge could hand down judgment despite settlement
A deputy master could hand down her judgment on a case that had been heard but settled the day before she was due to circulate a draft striking out the claims, the High Court has ruled.
Court slams “reprehensible” firm for trying to shift blame for failings
The senior Queen’s Bench master has strongly criticised a Liverpool law firm over its approach to the Volkswagen emissions case and trying to blame other solicitors for its failings.
Ince Group granted injunction after ransomware attack
Listed law firm The Ince Group has been granted an interim injunction to stop hackers from releasing confidential data on the dark web if it does not pay a ransom.
SRA rebukes leading class action firm over conduct of struck-out claim
Class action firm Hausfeld has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for allowing its independence to be compromised in the conduct of a massive group claim.
Blog
The SRA’s client money reforms: good intentions, questionable execution
On the face of it, the SRA’s plans to tighten protections around client money sounds sensible. The detail, as ever, tells a more complicated story.
Recruitment, retention and reward in the legal accounts world
Understanding the legal finance market is important – not just for those actively involved in it day-to-day but also for leaders within law firms.
From ‘year zero’ to £6.5m – how a law firm found its second life
In 2018, I hit what I call ‘year zero’. On paper, Olliers Solicitors was a top-tier criminal defence firm but beneath the surface, I could see we were at a crossroads.
