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26 May 2011 / John Spencer
Issue: 7467 / Categories: Features , Personal injury
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Backhand of justice

Is the personal injury marketplace at odds with solicitor obligations? John Spencer investigates

There is no hiding the fact that the words “no win, no fee” have become synonymous in some circles with ambulance chasing lawyers and spurious claims. Systemic failings in the personal injury (PI) system have unleashed a merry go round of perverse commercial incentives. It is therefore unsurprising that Lord Justice Jackson in his Review of Civil Litigation Costs turned his attention to tackling these inadequacies.

The latest reaction to Jackson LJ’s review is the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ’s) response The Reform of Civil Litigation Funding and Costs published in March 2011. In it, the MoJ outlined a number of areas which are planned to be the subject of legislation later this year, most likely in June, with implementation likely, at earliest, to be from April 2012. 

They include the abolition of recoverability of success fees and the introduction of qualified one-way cost shifting (QOCS).  With regard to the latter, there is a consequent removal of the need for after the

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
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