
New litigation funder targets “niche within a niche”
A litigation funder launched this week with £25m backing from a US private equity firm is targeting what a “niche within a niche” – cases worth up to £1m in the Midlands and the North.

Barrister settles whistleblower claim against Foreign Office for £423k
A barrister who raised concerns of serious corruption while working for the Foreign Office in Kosovo has settled her employment tribunal claim for £423,000.

Firm ordered to pay wasted costs over lack of authority to act
A law firm has been ordered to pay wasted costs of £7,920 for not satisfying itself that the director of a company in deadlock with the other director had the authority to give it instructions.

Firm cleared of disability discrimination against senior support manager
A senior manager at law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer has failed in a claim that her stress, anxiety and depression constituted a disability.

Litigant in person can sue law centre and barrister for negligence
A litigant in person is not statute-barred from suing a law centre and barrister for professional negligence, a High Court master has ruled.

Law firm overturns costs bill misconduct ruling
The rules on misconduct in the CPR do not apply to solicitor/client costs assessments, the High Court has decided in overturning a finding against a Manchester law firm.

Rugby and football club boss sanctioned by SDT still “fit and proper” owner
The rugby and football club owner sanctioned by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal last week says he will be able to continue in those roles as he remains a ‘fit and proper person’.

Virtual practice rescues firms with insurance and succession issues
A legal business that runs regulated and unregulated law firms alongside each other has made two acquisitions, with up to four more planned in the coming months.

S&G eyes sale of property, group actions and financial planning arms
Slater & Gordon may sell off its conveyancing, collective actions and financial planning departments as it undergoes a major structural and management reorganisation.

CJC begins process for major reform of costs regime
A rethought costs system that puts digitisation, vulnerable court users and a properly functioning civil justice system is the goal set out in a Civil Justice Council consultation.







