The Jackson reforms: winners & losers (2)

Some claimant lawyers are enthralled by Jackson. Really. Clause 42 of the Legal Aid Bill provides for outright contingency fees or, as we are now to call them, damages-based agreements. On my recent visits to talk at major city firms like RPC, Ince & Co and Allen & Overy I detected real excitement at this opportunity. Those handling substantial claims can only benefit from this reform. Such arrangements are commonplace elsewhere in the world. I also understand that the government is not going to require the solicitor concerned to send the client off to seek independent advice before entering into an agreement, as Lord Justice Jackson proposed. I have not heard a word of dissent from anyone, which is remarkable. It is a done deal.

Disaster

Many, particularly in the injury field, see Jackson as a disaster. Despite bleating from some insurers they must be secretly thrilled at the