THIS ISSUE
Who, ultimately, has power in the UK? And how do we, the people, safeguard our rights? In this week’s NLJ, Sir Geoffrey Bindman KC, NLJ columnist and senior consultant, Bindmans, explains why we should all be concerned with the need for constitutional restraints.
No-fault eviction may be on its way out, but what replaces it? And is it an improvement? In this week’s NLJ, Daniel Bacon, housing solicitor at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, takes an in-depth look at the Renters (Reform) Bill.
Compulsory mediation sounds like an oxymoron to the uninitiated, but is a serious government proposal. In this week’s NLJ, Catherine Penny, partner at Stevens & Bolton, asserts that it can work well for lower value claims, but questions its value for larger commercial claims.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has faced some serious stumbling blocks in its time, so is it fit for purpose? In this week’s NLJ, in the first of a three-part series, Penningtons Manches Cooper lawyers Kate Bridgland, associate, Oliver Cooke, senior associate, and Richard Marshall, partner, put SFO prosecutions in the dock.
Delays are a major headache for family lawyers working in private law children cases. Natasha Grande, head of family at Wilsons Solicitors, writing in this week’s NLJ, suggests they proactively explore alternative avenues for their clients.
Political power needs constitutional restraints: Sir Geoffrey Bindman KC discusses the need for checks & balances on parliamentary sovereignty
With delays in private children cases continuing to climb, Natasha Grande urges family practitioners to take action to resist such slowdowns becoming the norm
As part of long-awaited proposals to reform the English private rental market, no-fault eviction is on its way out: Daniel Bacon takes a look at what is set to replace it
In the first of a three-part series on the changing economic crime landscape in the UK, Kate Bridgland, Oliver Cooke & Richard Marshall put Serious Fraud Office prosecutions in the dock
Paul Jackson examines the complex relationship between drill music artists & the admissibility of music lyrics & videos to establish gang affiliation
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Haynes Boone—Louise Woods
Haynes Boone expands global capabilities with addition of Louise Woods as chair of international disputes
DWF—John Gilfedder
DWF strengthens Global Risks practice with strategic hire of aviation partner in London
Shakespeare Martineau—10 newly qualified solicitors
Shakespeare Martineau appoints newly qualified solicitors
NEWS
When does a solicitor’s retainer become a contentious business agreement? The Court of Appeal’s decision in Broadfield Law UK LLP v Barnes shows that listing hourly rates alone will not do, leaving firms and clients uncertain about their rights over bills
MPs cannot simply resign their Commons seats. Instead, they take a nominal Crown office, usually the Chiltern Hundreds or Manor of Northstead, which disqualifies them from sitting
A divorced woman has secured funding to participate in her former husband’s inquest after the Legal Aid Agency reconsidered repeated refusals
The Thirlwall Inquiry has exposed a ‘complete failure’ to protect babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, but its recommendations must now be put into practice
Developers in areas with poorly performing councils can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for permission under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
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