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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

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis brings Probate and Court of Protection expertise together with new dedicated team

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Antonia Power joins Clarke Willmott in Taunton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Chris Acton joins Haynes Boone as chair of UK derivatives platform

NEWS
Civil practitioners face changes spanning debt recovery, workplace harassment and possession claims, alongside guidance on insolvency challenges and children proceedings

Finding matrimonial wealth is as challenging as dividing it, as family disputes draw practitioners into asset tracing, offshore structures and insolvency

Agreement between opponents offers no guarantee that a court will approve a retrospective increase to a costs budget
Climate change belongs on every lawyer’s agenda, with risks extending far beyond environmental practice into commercial advice, litigation and access to justice
Workplace bullying and harassment can no longer be left solely to HR, as financial regulation scrutinises culture, character and fitness
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