THIS ISSUE
Amanda Pinto QC reflects on an unprecedented, but privileged, first six months as Bar Council chair
The Law Commission’s reforms represent a better deal for leaseholders, say Nick Hopkins & Rebecca Sage
Before signing off for the summer break, Ian Smith tackles some small but mighty points of interpretation
The first electronically signed deed has been submitted for a house sale, in a historic moment for lawyers
A further five Crown courts have been cleared for jury trials to resume, bringing the total number hearing jury trials to 62, out of a total of 77 courts open
The £4.7m estate of deceased priest, teacher and convicted paedophile Michael Studdert must be frozen to give victims time to bring compensation claims, the High Court has ordered
Two Lady Justices and six Lord Justices of Appeal have been appointed
Nominations have opened for Next 100 Years’ annual Inspirational Women in Law Awards, which recognise women excelling in their career and helping to promote opportunities for other women
Sir Geoffrey Vos, Chancellor of the High Court, has been appointed as the next Master of the Rolls, and Sir Keith Lindblom appointed Senior President of Tribunals
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Switalskis—Sally Ann Masih, Suzy Overton & Jane Beaumont
Trio of recruits strengthens Switalskis residential property team
Ward Hadaway—Steven Hayward
Birmingham law firm appoints construction partner
Flint Bishop—six appointments
Flint Bishop accelerates Northern growth through strategic senior appointments
NEWS
A High Court decision has clarified that a home may be unfit for human habitation not only where conditions endanger health or safety, but also where they seriously undermine comfort and convenience
A longer time limit for employment tribunal claims, new charity law thresholds, property tribunal recruitment and appellate guidance on small-claims costs feature in the latest Civil Way round-up
A recent High Court ruling could make issue estoppel considerably more complex in cross-border litigation, requiring parties to consider the foreign law governing the underlying claim
The Supreme Court has overturned Cheshire West’s bright-line test for deprivation of liberty, replacing it with a broader, more contextual assessment that gives greater weight to an individual’s wishes, feelings and apparent consent
Jonathan Fisher KC’s wide-ranging fraud report contains worthwhile proposals, but turning them into workable reform will require money, capacity and political will
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