The UK is to ratify the Europe-wide Unified Patent Court (UPC) agreement and set up a court in London despite fears Brexit would halt negotiations. Continue reading “City firms react as government pushes ahead European Unified Patent Court despite Brexit fears”
MPs call on child abuse inquiry to make new lead counsel priority after Emmerson exit
The Home Affairs Select Committee has pressed the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) to make finding a new lead counsel its ‘priority’. Continue reading “MPs call on child abuse inquiry to make new lead counsel priority after Emmerson exit”
Law firm model at risk as Hammond reveals plans to tackle ‘partnership taxation’ in autumn statement
In a move which could curb law firms’ ability to share profits based on actual performance, yesterday’s (23 November) Autumn Statement by Chancellor Philip Hammond revealed plans to shake up profit sharing arrangements in partnerships. Continue reading “Law firm model at risk as Hammond reveals plans to tackle ‘partnership taxation’ in autumn statement”
‘A severe blow to the claimant market’: Ministry of Justice revisits plans to reform whiplash cases
A month after putting the brakes on reforms to personal injury claims relating to whiplash, the Ministry of Justice has re-launched a consultation on this contentious area. Continue reading “‘A severe blow to the claimant market’: Ministry of Justice revisits plans to reform whiplash cases”
City lawyers express concern as Lord Jackson is appointed to new review of court costs
City lawyers are emphasising the importance of access to justice following the government’s announcement Lord Justice Jackson is to head up a new review of fixed recoverable costs early next year. Continue reading “City lawyers express concern as Lord Jackson is appointed to new review of court costs”
Slater and Gordon, Eversheds and HSF take roles on Jay inquiry into child sexual abuse
Slater and Gordon, Eversheds, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), Kingsley Napley, BLM, Hill Dickinson, Farrer & Co and Weightmans are all among the firms acting on the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). Continue reading “Slater and Gordon, Eversheds and HSF take roles on Jay inquiry into child sexual abuse”
‘Making Brexit look tame’: Slaughters heavyweight Boardman et al react as Trump rides to shock victory
Still reeling from the impact of Brexit, the global legal profession is this morning coming to terms with the shock victory of controversial Republican nominee Donald Trump in the US presidential election. Continue reading “‘Making Brexit look tame’: Slaughters heavyweight Boardman et al react as Trump rides to shock victory”
Former child abuse inquiry judge Goddard enlists Carter-Ruck
The chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee has attacked retired New Zealand high court judge Dame Lowell Goddard QC for refusing to give oral evidence on the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA). Continue reading “Former child abuse inquiry judge Goddard enlists Carter-Ruck”
Hillsborough inquest: Birnberg Peirce and other firms take home £63m as government foots legal bill
The Home Office has spent £63.6m on the legal costs for the families of the 96 victims of the 1989 Hillsborough Football Stadium disaster, with London human rights firm Birnberg Peirce and Partners taking the lion’s share of fees. Continue reading “Hillsborough inquest: Birnberg Peirce and other firms take home £63m as government foots legal bill”
‘Thin end of the wedge’: Legal privilege given boost by amendments to snooper’s charter
Concerns from the legal profession over the threat to legal privilege posed by the Investigatory Powers Bill, also known as the ‘snooper’s charter’, have been quelled this week by further amendments in the House of Lords.