Litigation/Dispute Resolution
Master wrong to rely on solicitor’s evidence, says judge
A deputy master was wrong to give weight to witness statements from a defendant’s solicitor that “strayed well beyond what she could legally give evidence about”.
Man employed during hearing allowed to represent company
A High Court judge has allowed a company to be represented by a man it employed during an adjournment of a hearing so as to ensure compliance with the CPR.
Lammy hints that action on SLAPPs might come soon
The Lord Chancellor has pledged to MPs that legislation to curb SLAPPs would be brought forward by the end of this Parliament – and hinted it may be sooner.
SRA: “Major shortcomings” in high-volume consumer claim work
The SRA is developing materials to help law firms handling high-volume consumer claims improve how they onboard clients after major research showed significant shortcomings.
Motor finance redress delay “could send more cases to court”
Delays to the motor finance redress scheme – possibly into 2028 and beyond – show that consumers need representation more than ever, claimant lawyers have argued.
“Come on England” – litigators have good reason to love football
As the country prepares for this weekend’s World Cup clash, research on sports litigation shows lawyers have another reason to celebrate the beautiful game.
Solicitor’s widow loses appeal against suspended contempt sentence
The wife of a Birmingham-based solicitor who harassed the executors of his £8m estate, including three solicitors, has lost her appeal against a suspended prison sentence for contempt.
CA: Omnibus forms can be used for motor finance claims
More than 5,000 people with motor finance claims can use “multi-claimant” or omnibus claim forms and do not have to file them separately, the Court of Appeal ruled yesterday.
Maternity report urges review of “brutal” compensation system
The national maternity and neonatal investigation yesterday called for work on an alternative compensation system that would be less adversarial than now.
Consumers turning away from collective action cases
Law firms working on collective action cases face a growing lack of trust amongst consumers who fear genuine claims could be online scams, according to research.
Record year for insolvency litigation funder Manolete
Manolete, the listed insolvency litigation funder, said has set out an ambitious growth plan after its latest financial results confirmed a record year in three key areas of the business.
“Rude” judge sanctioned after throwing barrister out of court
A district judge who was rude to a barrister before throwing him out of court in front of his client has been given formal advice for misconduct.
Court rejects solicitor’s reasons for missing Dieselgate claim cut-off
A High Court master has refused to allow 5,000 Dieselgate claimants to go ahead after their law firm failed to serve their claim in time.
Pogust Goodhead scoops financial and legal support for dam case
Class action firm Pogust Goodhead has unveiled a “strategic partnership” with heavyweight litigation firm Quinn Emanuel to work on the next stage of the Mariana Dam case.
Another warning for High Court judge over judgment delays
A High Court judge has received his second formal warning in less than three months for a delay in handing down judgment.
Blog
A letter from the SRA? Your first reaction matters
An email from the SRA has a way of rearranging a working day. It arrives in the same inbox as everything else, often in the same measured tone, yet it carries a different weight.
Regulate sole practices on evidence, not turnover
For a sole practice, the SRA’s plan that I cannot hold a compliance role if my firm has more than £600,000 of turnover is not a measure of risk. It is a ceiling on growth.
Is Google becoming pay-to-play for law firms?
For years, law firms have been told that SEO is the long-term alternative to paying for every click. That principle hasn’t disappeared but search results have changed significantly.
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