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28 October 2026
Categories: Legal News , In Court
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Joanna Smith J takes the helm

Mrs Justice Joanna Smith has been appointed deputy president of the Business and Property Division on an interim basis, beginning on 1 November and continuing until a new president is appointed

Joanna Smith J will take charge of deployment of judges, allocation of cases and day-to-day leadership.

The Lady Chief Justice, Baroness Carr said: ‘She takes up this important responsibility, shortly after the creation of the new Division. Her extensive judicial experience in the Business and Property Courts will enable her to help former Chancery and King’s Bench Division judges, along with newly appointed members of the High Court, to navigate this period of transition.’ 

Categories: Legal News , In Court
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft strengthens Scottish real estate capabilitywith partner appointment

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson appoints Brendan Ryan as partner in Public Law Projects team

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers welcomes five new barristers

NEWS
A time-restricted bank tax, a ‘roadmap to fiscal devolution’, extension to parental leave, entrepreneur’s relief and a giveaway on energy bills for households are the headlines in Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey’s 2026 Autumn Budget
A Court of Appeal judge has lamented the ‘very concerning’ state of the law on employee inventor compensation after a chemist’s case took five-and-a-half years to reach court, eventually being listed for a 37-day trial next year
The Law Society has emphasised that responsibility remains human, in a practice note on artificial intelligence (AI)
Respect orders, which enable police, councils, housing associations, transport networks and other authorities to take enforcement action against anti-social behaviour, have come into force across England and Wales
The Land Registry has launched two consultations aimed at making its information more publicly accessible, ‘Restructuring HM Land Registry fees’, and ‘Future of access to HM Land Registry information’
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