THIS ISSUE
Richard Scorer reflects on the conclusions of the Thirlwall Inquiry & warns against repeating past inaction
If the essence of a contentious business agreement is certainty, why are we still confused? Victoria Morrison-Hughes
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
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
Neil Parpworth traces the history of the constitutional & controversial device that enables MPs to resign
Section 62A: Joel Semakula & David Poole track the pros & cons of taking this alternative route to securing planning permission
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
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Trowers & Hamlins—Paul Batchelor
Trowers Hamlins strengthens Birmingham Office with senior corporate partner hire
Birketts—trainee appointments
Birketts welcomes largest ever Trainee Solicitor cohort for 2026
Sidley—James Sherlock
Sidley Expands Private Equity Practice With James Sherlock in London
NEWS
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
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
A divorced woman has secured funding to participate in her former husband’s inquest after the Legal Aid Agency reconsidered repeated refusals
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
More than 500 former rugby players can pursue brain injury claims despite serious failures to disclose documents ordered by the High Court
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