Litigation/Dispute Resolution
Solicitor judge rejects recusal call based on professional ties
A solicitor High Court judge has rejected an application to recuse himself in a case against Simmons & Simmons made on the basis of his support for other solicitors and tenuous links to that firm.
High Court makes “first” compulsory ADR order in commercial case
A High Court master has made the first ever order for compulsory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in commercial litigation, according to a City litigator.
HMCTS: Public prefers remote hearings but professionals see declining respect
Public users of the courts generally prefer remote to in-person hearings, but they have led to declining levels of respect, formality and concentration, according to government research.
Fixed costs extension set to happen in less than a year
The Ministry of Justice wants the extension of fixed recoverable costs across the fast-track and in most money cases worth up to £100,000 to take effect from October 2022, it has emerged.
Barrister’s winding-up petition over ‘loan’ for solicitors’ fees struck out
The High Court has struck out a barrister’s petition to wind up a company he said he loaned £30,000 so it could pay the solicitors he introduced to them.
Claimant liable for abuse of process after misusing online claim system
A claimant who filed a request for judgment on the Money Claim Online system, knowing the defendant’s alleged admission had not been made, has been found liable for the tort of abuse of process.
Covid not good enough reason for solicitors missing court deadline
The disruption caused by Covid last year was not a good enough excuse for a law firm missing a deadline to file amended particulars of claim by four months, the High Court has ruled.
Clients committed to jail for contempt over unpaid solicitors’ bills
Two clients who owe their solicitors £2.3m in outstanding fees, costs and interest have been committed to prison having been found guilty of 14 charges of contempt of court.
Unregulated firm uses AI to offer clients debt repayment guarantee
An unregulated law firm is offering businesses a “highly automated” debt recovery service that guarantees debts of up to £5,000 that go to court will be repaid, by the firm if not the debtor.
Leading Conservative MP outlines worries about state of county court
The Conservative chairman of the justice select committee has spoken out about the problems in the county court, saying civil justice is “nowhere near high enough up the agenda”.
Blog
Mazur: when regulators make simple things complicated
What the last six months have shown is that supervision cannot be treated as a background compliance obligation quietly managed somewhere in a firm’s operational processes.
How unstoppable AI is reshaping UK legal practice
At a time when most technology innovation still flows from the US and China, UK lawtech is attracting growing international attention and capital.
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.
