header-logo header-logo

NLJ this week: Critiquing the Fisher review on disclosure in the digital era

20 June 2025
Issue: 8121 / Categories: Legal News , Disclosure , Technology , Procedure & practice , Fraud
printer mail-detail
223028
Jonathan Fisher KC was asked to lead an independent review into disclosure and fraud offences in the paper-heavy digital era, following the collapse of high-profile fraud prosecutions due to disclosure failings. In this week’s NLJ, Neil Swift, partner, Fred Kelly, senior associate, and Zainab Bhadelia, associate, Peters & Peters, present a thorough analysis and critique of Fisher KC’s findings and recommendations

In particular, Swift, Kelly and Bhadelia look at the recommendations for greater use of technology, on the relevance test, return of defendant’s materials, for a ‘bespoke intensive disclosure regime’, and ‘keys to the warehouse’ approach.

They write: ‘Investment in the short-term through the provision of adequate training, resourcing and funding will lead to long term efficiencies.’

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