THIS ISSUE
In the first of a special refresher series setting out the costs landscape, Dominic Regan tackles free money & other Part 36 considerations
Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs, answers some of the most common questions about prenatal paternity testing for legal matters.
Rakesh Kapila considers various issues which should be taken into account in deciding whether a forensic accountant is needed and subsequently in choosing an expert
Joint statements are not a group activity: Mark Solon warns against improper influence on an expert’s opinion
David Hewitt takes a trip back in time to a cinematic outing so outrageous, it ended up in court
Failure to report should be made a criminal offence and the time bar removed for victims bringing civil claims, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), led by Professor Alexis Jay, has recommended in its concluding report.
A disinherited son has won his right to the family farm in a landmark Supreme Court judgment.
The Court of Appeal has highlighted the role of common sense in contractual construction, in a dispute over liability for legal fees.
Ministers have published secondary legislation widening access to legal aid for victims of domestic abuse.
MOVERS & SHAKERS
NLJ Career Profile: John McElroy, London Solicitors Litigation Association
From first-generation student to trailblazing president of the London Solicitors Litigation Association, John McElroy of Fieldfisher reflects on resilience, identity and the power of bringing your whole self to the law
Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field
Planning and environment team expands with partner hire in Manchester
Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce
Firm appoints chief operating officer to strengthen leadership team
NEWS
A wave of scandals has reignited debate over misconduct in public office, criticised as unclear and inconsistently applied. Writing in NLJ this week, Alice Lepeuple of WilmerHale says the offence’s ‘vagueness, overbreadth & inconsistent deployment’ have undermined confidence
FIFA’s 2026 Men's World Cup is already mired in controversy, with complaints over ‘excessive prices’ and opaque ticketing. Writing in NLJ this week, Professor Dr Ian Blackshaw of Valloni Attorneys warns that governing bodies may face scrutiny under EU competition law, with allegations of a ‘dominant—if not monopolistic—position’ in ticket sales
Ten years after Brexit, UK and EU trade mark regimes are drifting apart in practice if not principle. Writing in NLJ this week, Roger Lush and Lara Elder of Carpmaels & Ransford highlight tighter UK scrutiny after SkyKick, where overly broad filings may signal ‘bad faith’
A landmark Supreme Court ruling has underscored the sweeping reach of UK sanctions. In NLJ this week, Brónagh Adams and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper say the regime is a ‘blunt instrument’ requiring only a factual, not causal, link to restricted goods
Fraud claims are surging, with England and Wales increasingly the forum of choice for global disputes. Writing in NLJ this week, Jon Felce of Cooke, Young & Keidan reports claims have risen sharply, with fraud now a major share of litigation and costing billions worldwide
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