THIS ISSUE
The meaning of what exactly constitutes a ‘reserved legal activity’ is becoming increasingly hard to define, says John Gould
Common law under attack? Ian Smith reports on the latest cases from the Court of Appeal & a particularly busy spell for Lord Justice Bean & Lady Justice Simler
Covid rent; Damp pays; Heavy breathing; New court; Acting for both sides; Permission for absence
David Walbank QC examines a tragic case which underlines the polycentric decision-making process for offences involving young persons
It’s not all dodgy claims & disappointing descriptions: Dominic Regan outlines some reasons to be (cautiously) cheerful this summer
Roderick Ramage explains how George Coode’s tract On Legislative Expression enables reverse engineering to unlock the meaning of unclear legislation
Vaiben Lipman highlights the benefits of pro bono practice for boutique disputes firms
Collaboration, confidence, skills development and the chance to have a meaningful impact—pro bono has many benefits, says Joy-Emma Martin
What is a reserved legal activity? The answer, writes John Gould, senior partner, Russell-Cooke, in this week’s NLJ, is increasingly hard to define
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Red Lion Chambers—Maurice MacSweeney
Set creates new client and business development role amid growth
Kingsley Napley—Tim Lowles
Sports disputes practice launchedwith partner appointment
mfg Solicitors—Tom Evans
Tax and succession planning offering expands with returning partner
NEWS
The rank of King’s Counsel (KC) has been awarded to 96 barristers, and no solicitors, in the latest silk round
Can a chief constable be held responsible for disobedient officers? Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Parpworth, professor of public law at De Montfort University, examines a Court of Appeal ruling that answers firmly: yes
Early determination is no longer a novelty in arbitration. In NLJ this week, Gustavo Moser, arbitration specialist lawyer at Lexis+, charts the global embrace of summary disposal powers, now embedded in the Arbitration Act 1996 and mirrored worldwide. Tribunals may swiftly dismiss claims with ‘no real prospect of succeeding’, but only if fairness is preserved
The Ministry of Justice is once again in the dock as access to justice continues to deteriorate. NLJ consultant editor David Greene warns in this week's issue that neither public legal aid nor private litigation funding looks set for a revival in 2026
Civil justice lurches onward with characteristic eccentricity. In his latest Civil Way column, Stephen Gold, NLJ columnist, surveys a procedural landscape featuring 19-page bundle rules, digital possession claims, and rent laws he labels ‘bonkers’
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
