THIS ISSUE
The justice budget for the coming year, 2025–26, is set to be about one third higher (£13.5bn) in real terms than in 2019–20 (£10bn), according to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Lawyers and judges have to embrace artificial intelligence (AI)—‘albeit cautiously and responsibly’—Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls, has said.
Early-stage career and recently qualified solicitors and barristers should have their laptops at the ready this Valentine’s Day, when the much-sought-after High Court Judicial Assistant Scheme opens for applications.
Intermediate courts and juryless trials are not the answer to the criminal cases backlog, the Law Society and Bar Council have warned.
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke
Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires
Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang
Sackers recruits new associates
McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne
Firm bolsters senior team with head of corporate and head of employment
NEWS
A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications
A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
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