18 September 1995

An Impeteus for change

The papers for the Law Society Council meeting on 21 September include my paper What is wrong with the Law Society? What are we going to do about it? – backed up by two resolutions urging a programme of action. One resolution proposes a review of the way in which the society is organised with […]

The Lawyer Inquiry: Andrew Rajan

Andrew Rajan has just stepped into the newly-created position of head of business and legal affairs at Planet 24, which makes the Big Breakfast. Born in Belfast in 1961, he now lives in London. What was your first job? Invoice clerk at the De Lorean Motor Company in Belfast. What was your first ever salary […]

Housing experts split watchdog work

WELSH firm Morgan Bruce and newly-formed specialist Arden Chambers are to share the contract to advise the ombudsman for gripes against housing associations. Teams of lawyers will advise and carry out research on the legal issues arising from the complaints. Both Morgan Bruce and Arden have strong reputations for housing and other public sector work, […]

Mears hits back over conveyancing fees

THE STRANGLEHOLD on conveyancing business currently enjoyed by estate agents must be broken, according to Law Society president Martin Mears and his deputy Robert Sayer. The campaign to reintroduce scale conveyancing fees spearheaded by Bournemouth solicitor John Edge now claims the support of more than 9,000 solicitors. Critics of the drive for higher fees claim […]

Northern lights

“The best barrister in the world” is how Derek Hatton described his counsel, the outgoing leader of the Northern Circuit Rodney Klevan QC. Frederick West was also due to be represented by him before he decided his own fate instead. Klevan is the latest in a long line of eminent criminal silks to have come […]

In brief: Law course taught by TV and tutorials

The College of Law’s new Professional Development Unit has produced its first combined programme/course package since linking with Legal Network Television earlier this year. The package, which includes a half-hour programme and a series of half-day courses, will discuss the implications of the abolition of privity of contract in new leases. Legislation on the issue […]

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Firms wage war on LAB over Gulf work

THREE law firms at the forefront of a campaign to sue the Ministry of Defence over ‘Gulf War syndrome’ are planning to take the Legal Aid Board to court after losing their bid to lead the multi-party action. The row flared after a consortium, made up of Donn & Co, Leigh Day & Co and […]

Law Society red-faced over roll gaff

A DOZEN lawyers who were wrongly included in a list of non-practising solicitors about to be taken off the roll have received a full apology from the Law Society. In a series of apologies printed in the Law Society Gazette which run for more than half a page, the society expresses its regret for any […]

In brief: Urban renewal expert to Tyndallwoods

Urban regeneration law specialist Phil Shiner has quit his post at the Birkenhead Resource Unit to join Edgbaston firm Tyndallwoods. Shiner, who has a strong background in housing and planning issues, as well as working with the European Court of Justice, has joined the firm’s recently-established housing and community law department. Tyndallwoods marketing partner Judy […]

Property

Denton Hall advised Ladbroke Group Properties on the development of an 11.5 acre site for Europe’s largest multi-leisure centre at Hemel Hempstead Herts. Rank Leisure, which owns the £22 million centre, was advised by Richards Butler.

Lloyds Bank. Taking things personally

THe sad financial situation we are still in has been overshadowed by press excitement which has led everyone to believe we as litigants in person have achieved an amazing victory. It makes good news, but it has left us bewildered. Lloyds Bank is still pursuing us for interest on the loan. Because we mitigated the […]