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06 February 2026 / Dominic Regan
Issue: 8148 / Categories: Opinion , Legal services , Profession , Costs
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The insider: 6 February 2026

241917
Who’s coming, who’s going, & what cases are worth watching? Dominic Regan reports from the legal frontlines

I have had the privilege of reading several skeletons adduced for the forthcoming Mazur appeal, listed for 2.5 days on 24 February. Viable arguments abound. On the bench will be the Master of the Rolls, Chancellor of the High Court Lord Justice Birss, and Lady Justice Andrews. It is to be hoped that a judgment will be delivered before Easter.

Our fine Master of the Rolls, Sir Geoffrey Vos, is to retire at the end of October. In November 2024, I was in the audience when the then courts minister Heidi Alexander spoke of her admiration for him, admitting that she had directed her senior civil servants to ‘bring me more Sir Geoffreys’. An hour later, and after less than six months in post, she was moved to become the transport secretary.

I anticipate that the new Master will be female. My money is on Lady Simler, who is as charming

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
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