header-logo header-logo

A matter of perception

19 June 2008 / David Greene
Issue: 7326 / Categories: Features , Legal services , Procedure & practice , Profession
printer mail-detail

David Greene sets the record straight about the state of litigation in the capital

A recent headline-grabbing report entitled Directors in the DockIs Business Facing a Liability Crisis? prepared by Lloyds of London, builds itself around the model that the development of a compensation culture in the UK is generating a perception of an increased litigation risk with the result that corporate resources are diverted from the general commercial purpose of the company to the litigation process both avoiding it and participating in it. But is it right that litigation is on the rise because of a change in our attitudes? “Perception is reality” but is the perception that is said to be reflected in this report simply misconception?

The report is produced as part of the Lloyd's 360 risk project which is intended to promote good practice in risk management in companies. It results from a polling of businesses and business people together with “in depth” interviews carried out by the Economic Intelligence Unit. Its point of reference,

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll