THIS ISSUE
A wave of housing and procedural reforms is set to test the limits of tribunal capacity. In his latest Civil Way column for NLJ this week, Stephen Gold charts sweeping change as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 begins biting
Plans to reduce jury trials risk missing the real problem in the criminal justice system. Writing in NLJ this week, David Wolchover of Ridgeway Chambers argues the crown court backlog is fuelled not by juries but weak cases slipping through a flawed ‘50%’ prosecution test
Emerging technologies may soon transform how courts determine truth in deeply personal disputes. In this week's NLJ, Madhavi Kabra of 1 Hare Court and Harry Lambert of Outer Temple Chambers explore how neurotechnology could reshape family law
Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday practice of law. Should it also be recognised in how lawyers qualify? Dr Alan Ma on the importance of digital judgement
One week to go; new FPR PD update; control of Goods changes; service charge escape
From custody battles to hidden assets, emerging neurotechnology could transform how family courts uncover truth: Madhavi Kabra & Harry Lambert report
Necessary progress or an erosion of professional formality? Thomas Boyce examines two small words that have prompted a big debate
Nicholas Dobson considers the irritating, contentious, eccentric, heretical, unwelcome & provocative
A controversial protest case has reignited debate over the limits of free expression. In NLJ this week, Nicholas Dobson examines a Quran-burning incident testing public order law
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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