Market monitor

Insurers will start pricing in savings from the whiplash reforms this year, even though the changes may be delayed until late 2020, new research has predicted.

The liquidators of Asons are suing its successor practice, alleging that the controversial law firm was sold at an undervalue, it has emerged. Unsecured creditors have so far claimed they are owned some £28m.

Solicitors have criticised the Ministry of Justice for cutting corners in developing the new whiplash portal “in order to meet the politically driven deadline of April 2020” – and suggested it still cannot be met.

Defendant insurers have agreed to be bound by the outcome of the alternative dispute resolution process being built into the new whiplash system, it has emerged.

The Motor Insurers Bureau has laid out a draft “customer journey” for those bringing claims through the new whiplash portal from next April, which it said should help law firms develop their own systems.

The founder of Quindell has won a High Court battle to have his old company pay a £1m tax bill incurred when it reversed into another business to become listed.

The trial of Slater & Gordon’s £637m claim over its acquisition of Quindell’s professional services division is set for October as the two sides continue also to argue over consideration still owing.

A groundbreaking conveyancing business offering a guaranteed time to exchange and encourages instructions from both sides of a transaction goes live this week, Legal Futures can reveal.

DWF, the world’s largest listed law firm, told investors today that it expects its 2018/19 revenues to be up by at least 15%. Meanwhile, fellow listed firm Ince Gordon Dadds has unveiled new branding.

The number of personal injury claims registered with the Compensation Recovery Unit increased marginally over the last year, but still remain low compared to recent history.