THIS ISSUE
The proposed Product Regulation and Metrology Bill aims to provide a ‘pragmatic response’ to safety risks and technological opportunities arising since the late 1980s, but what are its implications for businesses which use artificial intelligence (AI) and their insurers? In this week’s NLJ, John Doherty, partner and head of regulatory, Penningtons Manches Cooper, considers what shape the Bill might take.
It feels like civil legal aid has been in crisis forever—so is the current system simply irreparable? In this week’s NLJ, Roger Smith, former director of JUSTICE, argues that we need a radical rethink.
The terrifying world of deepfakes, ‘cheapfakes’, dating scams, phishing and other artificial intelligence (AI) connivance is the subject of a fascinating article by Dan Wyatt, partner, Chris Whitehouse, senior associate, and Olivia Dhein, knowledge lawyer, RPC (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain), in this week’s NLJ.
Be on guard against ‘greenwashing’ as tough regulations are now in place. Moreover, the latest guidance available suggests a low threshold for culpability. In this week’s NLJ, Paige Coulter, associate at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan UK, with input from Julianne Hughes-Jennett, partner, sets out the risks involved and predicts a rise in litigation under the Companies Act 2006 and other legislation concerning allegations of greenwashing (publishing misleading information about the environmental or sustainability characteristics of a good, service or business).
In future there will be less money for creditors and more money for the official receiver—this outrage is exposed by NLJ columnist and former district judge Stephen Gold, in this week’s Civil Way.
For anyone interested in prison reform, John Cooper KC, of 25 Bedford Row, recommends a recently released film, Holloway, directed by Sophie Compton and Daisy-May Hudson.
Roger Smith on why he believes the model of civil legal aid developed as part of the post-war welfare state is bust
Paige Coulter & Julianne Hughes-Jennett map out the risky landscape of greenwashing regulation
Ian Smith combs through four cases addressing important issues of interpretation…including the reach of sexual harassment law
As a legal professional, you’re adept at building strong arguments for clients. But when it comes to securing a mortgage, shaping your financial narrative is equally important
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Jackson Lees Group—Jannina Barker, Laura Beattie & Catherine McCrindle
Firm promotes senior associate and team leader as wills, trusts and probate team expands
Asserson—Michael Francos-Downs
Manchester real estate finance practice welcomes legal director
McCarthy Denning—Harvey Knight & Martin Sandler
Financial services and regulatory offering boosted by partner hires
NEWS
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
Digital loot may feel like property, but civil law is not always convinced. In NLJ this week, Paul Schwartfeger of 36 Stone and Nadia Latti of CMS examine fraud involving platform-controlled digital assets, from ‘account takeover and asset stripping’ to ‘value laundering’
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
