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NLJ this week: Missed the date? Three cases on the perils of exceeding the time-bar

08 September 2023
Issue: 8039 / Categories: Legal News , Property , Limitation
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Deadlines, expiry dates and limitation periods surely lurk in the nightmares of most lawyers. Writing in this week’s NLJ, Andrew Francis, barrister at Serle Court, sets out three recent cases that demonstrate ‘the importance of taking steps to avoid claims being time-barred’.

Referring to these three cases, Francis highlights some basic precepts in the law of limitation as well as changes in case law and legislation. He explores the limitation issues involved and the lessons that can be learned from each case.

The three cases concern an oil spill, the Duke of Sussex’s claim against News Group Newspapers, and the defective construction of a block of flats. The issues covered included the definition of ‘continuing nuisance’, amended pleadings to take advantage of a retrospective extension to the limitation period, and a late application to amend pleadings. 

Read more on limitation dangers here.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
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
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
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
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
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
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