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15 November 2018 / John Cooper KC
Issue: 7817 / Categories: Features
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Law on the silver screen

John Cooper QC on legal films & the magical ingredients which mean they will always be top of the bill

The British Film Institute’s London Film Festival completed its presentation of films from 75 countries last month, movies which will be hitting our cinemas over the next year and representing many of the important issues facing us in the times ahead. In this respect, it has been a fascinating exercise to consider the films within the Festival which deal with legal themes to try to work out what it is that inspires this year’s crop of movie makers when it comes to the law.

Jeopardy required

Legal themes have always been highly bankable at the box office, and film makers realised from the very early days of celluloid storytelling that movie goers cannot get enough of the genre. Without doubt, that is because all the elements which make up a good story are inherent within the legal process. As new writers, we are always taught that central to any compelling script or story is

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Shakespeare Martineau—David Vaughan

Shakespeare Martineau—David Vaughan

Shakespeare Martineau appoints new London office head as firm continues investment in capital

Browne Jacobson—Kevin Moore

Browne Jacobson—Kevin Moore

Browne Jacobson strengthens All-Island life sciences platform with appointment of leading Galway MedTech lawyer

Clarke Willmott—Latitude Law

Clarke Willmott—Latitude Law

National law firm strengthens commercial offering with acquisition of leading immigration practice

NEWS
Mr Justice Nicklin’s decision to order costs on an indemnity basis may be a ‘significant win’ but it’s still ‘far from game, set and match’ for Associated Newspapers, a former costs judge has said
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
Can a meticulously maintained spreadsheet turn a couple’s informal financial arrangements into legally enforceable obligations? 
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