THIS ISSUE
Disputes do arise. Between states, in businesses, within different sectors and in small knit groups, disagreements can happen, and they can have many unwelcome consequences
Bryan Clark provides a backdrop to the current law & practice around compulsory mediation
Colin Campbell presents a two-part masterclass on the interpretation & implementation of the Jackson reforms a decade on from the publication of Sir Rupert’s Final Report
Dr James Behrens considers the pros & cons of evaluative mediation in resolving trust & estate disputes
On the 30th anniversary of the Children Act, David Burrows reflects on the state of children’s rights
Tips for taxi drivers; Same-sex partnerships arrive; Claim remission—or else; Quantum advice: ‘Don’t pay me’
Proposed video hearings are fraught with potential problems, the chair of the Young Barristers’ Committee has said
An independent profession & judiciary are by no means a given in many parts of the world, says David Greene
Enforcing contractual clauses to mediate, not litigate. Rob Langley, a mediator at North East Mediation Solutions, reports on how new rules are developing
MOVERS & SHAKERS
NLJ Career Profile: Ken Fowlie, Stowe Family Law
Ken Fowlie, chairman of Stowe Family Law, reflects on more than 30 years in legal services after ‘falling into law’
Gardner Leader—Michelle Morgan & Catherine Morris
Regional law firm expands employment team with partner and senior associate hires
Freeths—Carly Harwood & Tom Newton
Nottinghamtrusts, estates and tax team welcomes two senior associates
NEWS
Children can claim for ‘lost years’ damages in personal injury cases, the Supreme Court has held in a landmark judgment
Holiday lets may promise easy returns, but restrictive covenants can swiftly scupper plans. Writing in NLJ this week, Andrew Francis of Serle Court recounts how covenants limiting use to a ‘private dwelling house’ or ‘private residence’ have repeatedly defeated short-term letting schemes
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already embedded in the civil courts, but regulation lags behind practice. Writing in NLJ this week, Ben Roe of Baker McKenzie charts a landscape where AI assists with transcription, case management and document handling, yet raises acute concerns over evidence, advocacy and even judgment-writing
The Supreme Court has drawn a firm line under branding creativity in regulated markets. In Dairy UK Ltd v Oatly AB, it ruled that Oatly’s ‘post-milk generation’ trade mark unlawfully deployed a protected dairy designation. In NLJ this week, Asima Rana of DWF explains that the court prioritised ‘regulatory clarity over creative branding choices’, holding that ‘designation’ extends beyond product names to marketing slogans
From cat fouling to Part 36 brinkmanship, the latest 'Civil way' round-up is a reminder that procedural skirmishes can have sharp teeth. NLJ columnist Stephen Gold ranges across recent decisions with his customary wit
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