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10 February 2021 / Dominic Regan
Issue: 7920 / Categories: Opinion , Procedure & practice
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The insider: 12 February 2021

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In his new column, NLJ columnist Dominic Regan shares his insights and predictions for litigators in and out of court

Our new Master of the Rolls is a formidable character. Some will remember him for his annihilation of media star personality Chris Evans (pictured) when defending an action brought against SMG Television (Evans v SMG Television and others [2003] EWHC 1423 (Ch)). As the judge (Lightman J) observed: ‘Mr Evans could be very difficult (plainly an understatement)’.

Agenda

What is on the agenda of Sir Geoffrey Vos QC? While I have never met the man, I have taken note of his views expressed when off the Bench.

  • He thinks that the courts should recognise the time has come to address judge-led mediation. The old authority of Halsey back in 2004 has been widely criticised. Alternative dispute resolution is a noble pursuit and should be embraced by the judiciary and litigants.
  • He has expressed disquiet about the relentless flow of decisions about the workings of Part 36, a measure implemented
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