High Court activity steady in 2023 as Clydes and 4 New Square lead way
Clyde & Co and 4 New Square were the most active law firm and chambers in the High Court in 2023, a year that saw commercial dispute numbers stay steady and insolvency matters on the rise.
Government brings video-witnessing of wills to an end
The pandemic measure to allow video witnessing of wills came to an end last week, after the government decided not to extend it beyond 31 January.
Exclusive: SRA begins fundamental review of client protection
The SRA today starts a conversation about the future of client protection arrangements, the extreme end of which could see the end of firms holding client money and of the Compensation Fund.
Ex-managing partner ordered to pay costs for misleading tribunal
A former managing partner has been ordered to pay costs for trying to mislead an employment tribunal in his claim against his firm.
Solicitor jailed for stealing money using powers of attorney
A solicitor has been jailed for two years after admitting abusing her position to steal tens of thousands of pounds from two vulnerable people, one of whom was her father.
Dechert pays £3m to settle businessman’s hacking claim
Dechert has settled the UK portion of a long-running dispute with an Iranian-born American businessman who accuses the international law firm of trying to ruin him.
Government set to commission review of third-party litigation funding
The Ministry of Justice is set to commission the Civil Justice Council to consider whether third-party litigation funding needs to be regulated, it emerged this week.
Legal helpline adviser not under duty to advise prospective client
A legal helpline adviser at Irwin Mitchell was not under a duty to advise a prospective client of steps she needed to take to protect her position, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Acquisitions for law firms backed by hedge fund and private equity
One law firm backed by a hedge fund and another by private equity have each completed significant acquisitions, the former creating one of the UK’s biggest debt recovery operations.
MoJ to press ahead with fixed costs changes amid JR threat
The Ministry of Justice is pressing ahead with reforms to the fixed recoverable costs regime that came into force in October, opening the door to a possible court challenge.
