header-logo header-logo

03 December 2025
Issue: 8142 / Categories: Legal News , Class actions , Collective action , Litigation funding
printer mail-detail

Class actions increasingly appealing to public

Public willingness to take part in class actions is rising, according to annual research by communications consultancy Portland

Its report, ‘Reputation and accountability’, published this week, found a strong appetite for action against misconduct among respondents, who see litigation as a driver for better corporate behaviour. However, they want greater transparency of litigation funding arrangements.

Among 2,000 people polled, 65% would be willing to join a class action, a percentage which has increased steadily in the past three years. Only 27% would be motivated by financial incentives.

However, 68% believe class actions mainly make money for lawyers and funders, and 65% would want to know who was funding their claim.

Simon Pugh, partner at Portland, said the findings showed ‘clear public demand for transparency and accountability in both litigation funding and corporate behaviour’.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

HFW—Simon Petch

HFW—Simon Petch

Global shipping practice expands with experienced ship finance partner hire

Freeths—Richard Lockhart

Freeths—Richard Lockhart

Infrastructure specialist joins as partner in Glasgow office

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
back-to-top-scroll