Concerns over restricting the length of child care proceedings to six months have not materialised, says senior family barrister Tim Parker, of 9 Gough Square. Fears of insufficient expert evidence and adherence to procedure trumping justice have not borne out since the new timescale was introduced in July 2013, and the Public Law Outline (PLO) has so far achieved its objective. Parker, who recently published a book on the PLO, said the new regime had introduced a “vigour” that did not exist 18 months ago, although judges and practitioners need to “stay vigilant”.
05 February 2015
New timetable for care proceedings a success?
MOVERS & SHAKERS
NLJ Career Profile: Hugo Plowman, Mishcon de Reya
From global fraud cases to fishing off-grid, Mishcon de Reya’s chair of dispute resolution Hugo Plowman discusses mentors, management switching off
Maguire Family Law—Jennifer Hudec, Ciara Florey, Alice Ferguson & Ruth Wynn
Maguire Family Law announces partner promotion and new hires amid a record year for enquiries
Switalskis—Rebecca Parry & Hannah Gamble
Switalskis wills and probate team extends reach with two appointments
NEWS
Restrictions on workplace non-disclosure agreements could make settlements slower, more complex and more expensive when reforms expected in 2027 take effect
Private prosecutors face closer scrutiny under Crown Prosecution Service guidance designed to strengthen accountability and consistency when intervention is requested
Foreign states cannot necessarily claim immunity for cyber operations launched abroad against computers in Britain, following a divided Supreme Court ruling
Defendants who make unsupported complaints about their lawyers risk losing legal aid while confiscation proceedings continue without representation
Lawyers advising Russian clients face different sanctions restrictions across the UK, EU and US, despite their shared objective of increasing pressure on Russia
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