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20 May 2026
Issue: 8162 / Categories: Legal News , Family
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New head of family division takes the reins

Sir Stephen Cobb has been sworn in by the Lady Chief Justice as president of the Family Division

Speaking at the ceremony last week, the Lady Chief Justice said: ‘Those who were present at Lord Justice Cobb’s swearing in to the Court of Appeal last year may remember my congratulations for his elevation to the next rung of the judicial ladder—which, given his stature, was an object that he rarely had to use.

‘Perhaps that was less a joke, and more a premonition. Stephen will be a superb president, bringing his intellect, drive, charm and wit to this important role.’

Sir Stephen was called to the Bar in 1985, took silk in 2003, and was appointed to the High Court in 2013. He is a Liverpool University graduate and was formerly joint head of chambers at 1 Garden Court. He takes over from Sir Andrew McFarlane, who retired in April.

Issue: 8162 / Categories: Legal News , Family
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Boodle Hatfield—Tom McLaughlin

Boodle Hatfield—Tom McLaughlin

Boodle Hatfield welcomes new employment partner, Tom McLaughlin

Arc Pensions Law—Victoria Thompson-Hill, Jonathan Mason & Georgi Ivanov

Arc Pensions Law—Victoria Thompson-Hill, Jonathan Mason & Georgi Ivanov

National specialist pensions law firm strengthens team with three new appointments

Jurit—Christian Abletshauser

Jurit—Christian Abletshauser

Jurit appoints Christian Abletshauser to lead family law practice

NEWS
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A longer time limit for employment tribunal claims, new charity law thresholds, property tribunal recruitment and appellate guidance on small-claims costs feature in the latest Civil Way round-up

A recent High Court ruling could make issue estoppel considerably more complex in cross-border litigation, requiring parties to consider the foreign law governing the underlying claim
The Supreme Court has overturned Cheshire West’s bright-line test for deprivation of liberty, replacing it with a broader, more contextual assessment that gives greater weight to an individual’s wishes, feelings and apparent consent
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