THIS ISSUE
Professor Graham Zellick KC reflects on his years in the judicial foothills
Cannan fire; easing in rental reform; the no-fix ‘fix’; upstairs practice; making ‘em up.
Judging is ‘more intellectually demanding than any other role in public life’—and far messier than outsiders imagine. Writing in NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC reflects on decades spent wrestling with unclear legislation, fragile precedent and human fallibility
The billable hour rewarded time over talent & sacrifice over sustainability. Good riddance, says Ian McDougall
The long-predicted death of the billable hour may finally be here—and this time, it’s armed with a scythe. In a sweeping critique of time-based billing, Ian McDougall, president of the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation, argues in this week's NLJ that artificial intelligence has made hourly charging ‘intellectually, commercially and ethically indefensible’
From fake authorities to rent reform, the civil courts have had a busy start to 2026. In his latest 'Civil way' column for NLJ this week, Stephen Gold surveys a procedural landscape where guidance, discretion and discipline are all under strain
Gary Pons, Sarah Wood & Barnaby Hone consider the approach to cryptoassets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
Victoria Rylatt & Robyn Laye report on recent issues that have arisen in fact-finding hearings
Janet Carter sets out how to retain ‘judgment by peers’ for all trials with a new plan
MOVERS & SHAKERS
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Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson
Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson
Ellisons—Samuel Flower
Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment
Sidley—Carl Hotton
Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office
NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
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