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NLJ this week: Dispute resolution in the metaverse

Lawyers can no longer afford to ignore the metaverse, says Jacqueline Watts of Allin1 Advisory in this week's NLJ. Far from being a passing tech fad, virtual platforms like Roblox host thriving economies and social interactions, raising real legal issues

Watts highlights disputes over contracts, IP infringement, avatar misconduct and virtual asset theft—all rooted in familiar legal principles but complicated by pseudonymity and borderless interaction. Jurisdictional challenges abound, with platform terms often dictating applicable law, yet cross-border disputes remain difficult to resolve. Verifying identities and enforcing judgments in virtual spaces is fraught, but technologies like NFTs may aid service of documents.

Watts sees promise in immersive dispute resolution—virtual hearings, mediation and arbitration—offering accessible, real-time engagement. As digital life expands, she urges the legal profession to adapt swiftly to this evolving frontier, where traditional frameworks must meet novel realities.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Twenty Essex—Professor Payam Akhavan

Twenty Essex—Professor Payam Akhavan

Chambers deepens international law bench with leading global advocate

Asserson—Adele Merifield, Sangiwe Mbele & Moishe Noe

Asserson—Adele Merifield, Sangiwe Mbele & Moishe Noe

Trio of hires in real estate and dispute resolution teams in Manchester

Lake Legal—Hollie Burnett

Lake Legal—Hollie Burnett

Family law firm appoints partner in Leeds

NEWS
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
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
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
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
Lawyers can no longer afford to ignore the metaverse, says Jacqueline Watts of Allin1 Advisory in this week's NLJ. Far from being a passing tech fad, virtual platforms like Roblox host thriving economies and social interactions, raising real legal issues
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