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11 July 2025
Issue: 8124 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Procedure & practice , Expert Witness , Costs , Freezing orders , Tort
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NLJ this week: The insider on blockbuster judgments, fee spats & judicial elevations

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Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School surveys a month of judicial impatience with poor litigation practices

In Illiquidx v Altana, a claimant’s vague pleadings cost them 50% of their costs. The Court of Appeal moved at lightning speed in Getty v Stability AI, while Judge Hodge KC imposed a six-page limit on a ‘turgid’ defence in Bellhouse v Zurich. A 682-paragraph judgment in Cabo v MGA yielded no damages, reminding claimants that proving loss is key. In Vanquis v TMS Legal, a novel tort claim over mass meritless complaints proceeds.

Regan also highlights the 50th anniversary of the Mareva injunction, a looming costs battle over medical agency fees, and a decline in expert witness participation amid judicial ‘naming and shaming’. 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Church Court Chambers—Maryam Syed KC

Church Court Chambers—Maryam Syed KC

Church Court Chambers welcomes Maryam Syed KC

Devonshires—Sean Garbutt

Devonshires—Sean Garbutt

Devonshires strengthens construction team with appointment of partner Sean Garbutt

Thackray Williams—Alexandra Hubbard

Thackray Williams—Alexandra Hubbard

Thackray Williams strengthens employment team with dual-qualified solicitor

NEWS
Judges and lawyers reviewing the rules of disclosure have ruled out a return to the old system of CPR Part 31, and will consult on proposals to simplify the Practice Direction (PD) 57AD regime by early next year
A consumer organisation has hit back at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for encouraging motor finance compensation claimants to steer clear of law firms and claims management companies
A fast, free and anonymous piece of software has been launched to help law practices comply with their regulatory duty to guard against an increasing onslaught of cyberattacks
A mood of cautious optimism has enveloped the criminal law sector following indications the prime minister may abandon planned jury reforms
The Court of Appeal has held user damages are recoverable in a competition claim, in Meta Platforms Inc and other companies v Gormsen [2026] EWCA Civ 993
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