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13 January 2012 / Dominic Regan
Issue: 7496 / Categories: Opinion , Legal services , Profession , Damages , Personal injury , Limitation
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One for the record books?

Dominic Regan predicts good times ahead for UK litigators

For litigators, 2012 will be the year of the century. The Legal Aid and Punishment of Offenders Bill will receive Royal Assent, paving the way for seismic changes which will affect all civil claims in some way. My next article will mull over those reforms.

Almighty case

Here, I want to identify some of the big cases coming. In March or April we are likely to see the Supreme Court decision in Ministry of Defence v AB and others. Injury lawyers will be captivated by the decision of the seven who heard the appeal. A group of 1,011 claimants seek damages for exposure to ionising radiation as a result of exposure to nuclear tests undertaken during the 1950s in the Pacific Ocean.

Two almighty points are to be decided. What is the correct test for identifying the date of knowledge and how is the discretion under s 33 of the Limitation Act 1980 to be properly exercised?

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James expands national Serious Injury team with two new Partners

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW continues Paris office growth with public law Partner hire

NEWS
The Court of Appeal's decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has lifted months of uncertainty for Chartered Legal Executives while prompting a rethink of regulation and supervision
The assisted dying debate returns to Westminster as Lauren Edwards MP reintroduces legislation that stalled in the House of Lords last session despite clearing the Commons
A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
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