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Opportunities & threats

12 February 2014 / Ian Gascoigne
Issue: 7594 / Categories: Opinion
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Ian Gascoigne & Hena Ninan discuss the outlook for commercial claims in 2014

 Depending on the nature of the dispute, the outlook presents potential opportunities and threats in the post-Jackson environment.

 

What follows Mitchell?

Primarily prompted by a desire to reduce the cost of litigation, the Jackson Reforms altered other parts of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR). More robust case management powers, driven by a revision to the overriding objective requiring cases to be dealt with “justly and at proportionate cost”, coupled with a new test of proportionality aimed at applications for relief from sanctions under CPR 3.9, were added to stringent cost budgeting requirements.

Lord Justice Jackson recognised that allowing litigants too much latitude in case preparation can result in significant wasted costs and an inefficient system. The Court of Appeal picked up this theme in Mitchell v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2013] EWCA Civ 1537, [2013] All ER (D) 314 (Nov). It sent the clear message that non-trivial failures to comply with court timetables will no longer be accepted. Cases following

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Clyde & Co—Sian Langer & Gemma Parker

Clyde & Co—Sian Langer & Gemma Parker

Firm strengthens catastrophic injury capability with partner promotions

DWF—Dean Gormley

DWF—Dean Gormley

Finance and restructuring team offering expands in Manchester with partner hire

Taylor Rose—Vicki Maflin

Taylor Rose—Vicki Maflin

Firm announces appointment of head of remortgage

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