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NLJ this week: Form N510—not just a box to tick

31 October 2025
Issue: 8137 / Categories: Legal News , Procedure & practice , Civil way , CPR
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NLJ columnist Stephen Gold dives into the quirks of civil practice, from the Court of Appeal’s fierce defence of form N510 to fresh reminders about compliance and interest claims, in this week's Civil Way

In Robertson v Google LLC, a claimant’s failure to file the N510 before serving out of jurisdiction proved fatal, confirming that CPR rules can’t be sidestepped via general relief provisions.

Elsewhere, Gold highlights how judges are drawing inferences from absent witnesses and insisting parties follow every step of court-ordered service.

On the money front, Pharos Offshore v Keynvor Morlift confirmed that late payment interest applies even to VAT, with a juicy 12% rate offering creditors a lawful windfall.

Gold’s trademark wit runs through the piece, reminding practitioners that procedural shortcuts rarely pay—and that even minor forms, like the N510, can make or break a case.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Anne-Marie Ottaway, HFW

NLJ Career Profile: Anne-Marie Ottaway, HFW

Anne-Marie Ottaway, partner at HFW, discusses her varied career, including 13 years at the Serious Fraud Office, and making the leap to private practice

Carey Olsen—Arindam Madhuryya

Carey Olsen—Arindam Madhuryya

Corporate and investment funds lawyer promoted to partner in Jersey

Jackson Lees—Jennifer Carr

Jackson Lees—Jennifer Carr

Private family team announces appointment of senior associate

NEWS
The government’s landmark Employment Rights Act 2025 met its pre-Christmas deadline, ushering in sweeping changes to the law
Barristers and advocates in Scotland, England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have urged the government to drop its proposals for judge-only ‘swift courts’ in cases where the sentence is three years or less
The practice guidance on non-molestation orders has been updated and replaced, and guidance issued on protective injunctions
Criminal silk Kirsty Brimelow KC, of Doughty Street Chambers, has taken over the reins at the Bar Council, succeeding family silk Barbara Mills KC
Lawyers have welcomed the government’s long-awaited announcement of legislation to reverse PACCAR but warned plans for light-touch regulation could cause delays
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