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21 May 2009 / Allan Reason , Ben Fairhead
Issue: 7370 / Categories: Features , Costs , Commercial
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Don't get wasted!

Allan Reason & Ben Fairhead highlight the dangers of acting without requisite authority

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The need to ensure that a corporate client provides proper authority to a firm of solicitors to act in proceedings is a point that can be easily overlooked, despite it being of crucial importance. A recent application for costs serves as a powerful illustration of what can happen when a firm acts without establishing the existence of that authority.

Recent scenario

The story starts in 2001 when a company (Company JV), until that point controlled exclusively by an individual (Mr K) at board and shareholder level, became a joint venture company. This followed the sale by one of the other companies controlled by Mr K (Company A) of its shareholding in Company JV to a separate company (Company B). Company B was a member of a different group of companies managed by a Mr D. Mr K and Mr D became the

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson appoints Vicky Tomlinson as Head of Independent Health and Care

DWF—five appointments

DWF—five appointments

DWF further strengthens major injury and casualty offering with new partner and four directors from DAC Beachcroft

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis strengthens Grimsby child care team

NEWS
The Financial Reporting Council’s revised Audit Enforcement Procedure will alter the balance of power in corporate investigations
A telecoms operator may be able to hold over under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, yet still be unable to secure a renewal: an outcome described as a legal ‘paradox’

Safety fears do not automatically justify shutting an interested person out of a statutory will application

Consumer credit law is heading for its biggest shake-up in 50 years, with the Consumer Credit Act 1974 set to yield much of its detailed statutory machinery to FCA rules
The Supreme Court has settled a long-running dispute over part-time workers: unfavourable treatment need be a significant or effective cause, not the sole cause
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