THIS ISSUE
Lucy James explains how freezing orders can throw a spanner in the works in divorce proceedings
John Gould delves into arguments on jury reform, funding and public confidence in the justice system
Three convictions overturned, all without compensation—Dr Jon Robins sets out the alarming failings that are ruining lives
Deborah Ruff, Julia Belcher & Charles H Golsong analyse the key changes in the revised Chinese Arbitration Law
Proposals to reduce jury trials risk trading justice for speed in an overstretched system. Writing in NLJ this week, John Gould of Russell-Cooke LLP examines Sir Brian Leveson’s review, which suggests fewer jury trials, more judge-led hearings and limits for less serious offences
A ‘parallel justice system’ is developing due to the increased use of Out of Court Resolutions (OOCRs), magistrates have warned
The government’s plan to cut jury trials could ‘cause more delays than it could ever serve to reduce’, veteran silk Geoffrey Robertson KC has warned
Artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to generate faster and cheaper transcripts of criminal court proceedings, ministers have announced
Solicitors practising litigation have been issued with a Law Society practice note following the Court of Appeal’s judgment in Mazur
Sir Andrew McFarlane has retired from the judiciary, following nearly eight years as president of the Family Division and president of the Court of Protection
MOVERS & SHAKERS
DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony
Commercial disputes practice expands with partner hire in London
Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster
Partner appointed to lead family and matrimonial department in Leeds
Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh
Commercial property team expands in Manchester with partner appointment
NEWS
SRM Recruitment has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Law Society RFC Festival of Sport 2026, which will take place on 20 September at Richmond Athletic Association. The specialist legal search firm joins the event as organisers prepare to welcome more than 110 teams across five sports, including rugby sevens, netball and five-a-side football
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
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