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24 October 2025
Issue: 8136 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , In Court
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NLJ this week: Leading from the front

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As he steps down as Chancellor of the High Court, Sir Julian Flaux reflects on over 40 years in law, citing independence, impartiality and integrity as guiding principles. In a special interview with Grania Langdon-Down for NLJ, Sir Julian highlights morale, mentorship and openness as key to a thriving judiciary

Sir Julian reflects on a career spanning the Commercial Bar to judicial leadership through Brexit, Covid and the AI era. He celebrates the resilience of the Business and Property Courts, which remain busier than ever, and champions diversity on the bench. At the helm of the Rolls Building, his open-door ethos helped curb bullying and broaden judicial experience.

As he hands over to Lord Justice Birss, Flaux says he will miss the people, not the pressure—planning travel and arbitration work but no memoirs. He leaves behind him proof that English justice, despite global competition, still thrives on quality and integrity.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gardner Leader—Charlotte Botham & Belinda Sinnott

Gardner Leader—Charlotte Botham & Belinda Sinnott

Law firm strengthens real estate team with two new partners

DR Solicitors—Sarah Cook

DR Solicitors—Sarah Cook

DR Solicitors strengthens primary care expertise with appointment of legal director

Womble Bond Dickinson—David Varney

Womble Bond Dickinson—David Varney

Womble Bond Dickinson appoints David Varney to strengthen digital practice

NEWS
A deputy costs judge correctly exercised his discretion to allow late service rather than strike out the point of dispute, the Court of Appeal has held
Prince Harry, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and five others have lost their case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, in Various Claimants v Associated Newspapers [2026] EWHC 1637 (KB)
Public confidence in the justice system is being undermined by a lack of accessible, useable data, magistrates have warned
The Sentencing Council has launched draft guidelines for facilitation and endangering another person during a sea crossing to the UK
Government proposals to make independent written legal advice a prerequisite for workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may prove unworkable, according to a senior employment lawyer
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