Litigation/Dispute Resolution
Case fee already reducing FOS complaints brought by law firms
The new case fee for complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service brought by law firms and claims management companies is already having an effect, it said today.
High Court concerned by solicitors’ “fishy” role in possession case
The High Court has highlighted the “fishy” role of two solicitors in a housing possession case in what “looks like a stitch-up” of the occupant by her ex-husband.
“Political agenda” against volume claims firms, says new Barings boss
There is “a political agenda at play” against volume consumer claims firms, the new owner and chairman of leading practice Barings Law has alleged.
Car finance fall-out: Millions of claims but “trouble” for some law firms
There are “millions” of motor finance customers in the same position as Marcus Johnson – whose claim succeeded before the Supreme Court – his solicitor has declared.
FCA unveils motor finance plan and warns consumers off lawyers
The FCA yesterday confirmed that it would issue a consultation in early October on a motor finance compensation scheme, stressing that consumers need not use a law firm or CMC.
Misconduct by solicitor leading to civil restraint order “was not noble”
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has rejected an argument from a solicitor made subject to a general civil restraint order that his “underlying motivation” was “noble”.
Supreme Court finds for lenders on motor finance – with one exception
The Supreme Court this afternoon overturned the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the motor finance litigation – with one exception, the unfair relationship under the Consumer Credit Act.
Pogust Goodhead: Dam defendants “trying to put us out of business”
Class action practice Pogust Goodhead has accused the defendants in the Fundão Dam case of trying to “put an end” to the firm by settling claims directly with its clients.
CAT makes costs support and public funding agreements standard
People bringing collective actions should always instruct costs specialists to assist them with scrutinising their lawyers’ fees and also make their funding agreements public, the CAT has ruled.
SRA and FCA join forces to warn over motor finance misconduct
Regulators have issued a warning to law firms and claims management companies about their conduct of motor finance claims ahead of tomorrow’s Supreme Court ruling.
OPRC consults on inclusion framework and pre-action model
The Online Procedure Rule Committee has launched its first public consultation, on an inclusion framework and pre-action model that would set standards for digital services.
Partner struck off after sticking “head in the sand” over bill
A partner whose “head in the sand” approach meant a case spiralled out of control after he failed to serve points of dispute on a bill of costs in time has been struck off.
Supreme Court to rule on car finance cases on Friday – at 4.35pm
The Supreme Court is to take the highly unusual step of issuing its heavily anticipated ruling in the car finance cases at 4.35pm this Friday.
Uncertainty over advocates’ immunity could have “chilling effect”
A High Court ruling casting uncertainty over the immunity of advocates for what they say and do in court could have a “chilling effect”, the Bar Council has warned.
Negligence claim over negligence claim thrown out
The High Court has thrown out a £7.2m negligence claim brought against a law firm over its conduct of its client’s negligence claim against his previous lawyers.
Blog
Is clients’ use of AI destroying legal privilege?
Much has been written about the risks of lawyers misusing AI. However, in my view, the greater challenge lies elsewhere: the routine use of AI by clients themselves.
Does the Lloyd review mark the end of the Legal Services Act?
The Legal Services Board often generates eye-rolls and irritation from the leaders of the frontline regulators it oversees and of the representative bodies attached to them.
A familiar story?
There is no doubt that the rising cost of clinical negligence claims deserves attention. However, the system’s true cost driver is often not the claim itself.
