The Lawyer
Katy Dowell Editorial

Co-op ABS plans to create thousands of legal jobs

24-May-2012

The Co-operative Group has unveiled plans to create 3,000 jobs in the legal sector as it aims to revolutionise how legal services are delivered on the high street.

Collyer Bristow plans Innovator One costs claim

23-May-2012

Collyer Bristow is preparing to launch an indemnity costs claim against the 555 claimants which failed in their attempt to sue the firm on Friday.

Quinn Emanuel scores victory against A&O in High Court

23-May-2012

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has won a major derivatives jurisdiction battle against rival Allen & Overy (A&O).

Profession remains elite despite social diversity push

22-May-2012

Social diversity programmes have a mountain to climb, with 15 per cent of lawyers educated privately compared with seven per cent of the population.

Collyer Bristow's future looks secure as it defeats Innovator One claim

18-May-2012

Collyer Bristow has defeated a £50m professional negligence claim that threatened the financial stability of the firm.

DAC Beachcroft seals association with Canada's McCague Borlack

18-May-2012

DAC Beachcroft has entered into a formal association with Canadian firm McCague Borlack with a view to fully integrating with the firm.

Addleshaws wins right to protect Ablyazov whereabouts

17-May-2012

Addleshaw Goddard will not be forced to disclose the whereabouts of its client Mukhtar Ablyazov, the Kazakh billionaire accused of embezzling funds worth billions of dollars out of the Kazakh-nationalised JSC BTA Bank.

Grabiner's £3k-an-hour fee adds to £53m News Corp bill

16-May-2012

One Essex Court silk Tony Grabiner QC’s £3,000 hourly rate has helped push the cost of the phone-hacking investigation by News Corporation’s Management and Standards Committee (MSC) to £53m.

Clydes set to appeal as EAT whistleblowing case goes in ex-partner's favour

14-May-2012

Clyde & Co plans to appeal an Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) decision that found the firm should face a claim from a former partner.

RPC adds Reed Smith partner to contentious banking team

9-May-2012

City firm RPC has hired Reed Smith disputes partner Simon Hart for its banking litigation team.

DAC Beachcroft continues expansion with trio of laterals

9-May-2012

DAC Beachcroft is continuing on the acquisition trail with the appointment of three partners, including Eversheds’ local government practice head Judith Barnes.

Mishcon and Stewarts secure victory for ex-Dresdner bankers in bonus dispute

9-May-2012

Mishcon de Reya and Stewarts Law have won their bid to force Dresdner Kleinwort to pay out bonuses promised to its investment bankers prior to its takeover by Commerzbank in 2008.

Shell kicks off global litigation group with Fulbright hire

7-May-2012

Royal Dutch Shell has launched a new global disputes group to handle all of its litigation and arbitration, appointing Fulbright & Jaworski partner Richard Hill as the group’s associate general counsel.

Firms not obliged to work for non-paying clients, CoA rules

2-May-2012

Lawyers are not under any obligation to continue acting for clients who refuse to settle their legal bills, the Court of Appeal (CoA) has ruled.

Clydes makes up 14 new partners in first post-merger round

1-May-2012

Clyde & Co has unveiled its first promotions round since its takeover of Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) at the end of 2011, with the bulk of its 14 new partners coming from the legacy Clydes side of the tie-up.

Corp value

30 April 2012

Signs are that DAC Beachcroft is leaning towards a corporate strategy

EAT rules in favour of stripper in Stringfellows dispute

27-Apr-2012

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has ruled that £200,000-a-year stripper Nadine Quashie was an employee of Stringfellows club, paving the way for her unfair dismissal claim against the club.

Former NI lawyer Crone blasts Murdoch's 'demeaning lies'

26-Apr-2012

Former News International lawyer Tom Crone has issued a furious response to allegations made by Rupert Murdoch that he was complicit in a cover up of the phone-hacking scandal at the Newsof the World.

Bevan Brittan installs local government head as senior partner

26-Apr-2012

Bevan Brittan has elected local government partner Bethan Evans to the role of senior partner after recently installing a traditional legal management structure.

Mills & Reeve defeats negligence claim in case Smith J was recused from

24-Apr-2012

Mills & Reeve has defeated a profession negligence claim in the Court of Appeal (CoA) in a case that caused controversy in litigation circles after Mr Justice Peter Smith was told to stand down from the dispute.

Addleshaws continues to build litigation with Lloyds hire

23-Apr-2012

Addleshaw Goddard has continued it litigation hiring spree with the appointment of Chris Brennan, until now head of regulatory in Lloyds Banking Group’s legal team.

The land of May-believe

23 April 2012

Research shows ECHR is not as obstructive as politicians make out

Supreme Court prepares to rule in Seldon age discrimination case

20-Apr-2012

The Supreme Court will next week (25 April) decide what justifications a partnership can use to  retire a partner when it hands down judgment in Seldon v Clarkson Write & Jakes (CWJ).

Irwin Mitchell promotes non-lawyer ahead of ABS conversion

18-Apr-2012

Irwin Mitchell has promoted four lawyers into its partnership, while a partner and non-lawyer have been made members of the firm, the equivalent of being awarded equity status.

Withers bulks up corporate crime with Crowell hire

16-Apr-2012

Withers has appointed Crowell & Moring partner Gerallt Owen to the newly created position of international regulatory and corporate crime head.

Consumer body predicts that ABSs will plug legal aid gap

16-Apr-2012

Alternative business structures will provide access to justice for consumers affected by legal aid cuts, a Legal Services Consumer Panel report states.

Supreme Court to have final say in Birmingham equal pay case

12-Apr-2012

The Supreme Court will decide whether the High Court has jurisdiction to hear equal pay claims after giving Birmingham City Council permission to appeal a Court of Appeal (CoA) ruling.

Lawyer who advised on Rangers FC takeover takes role at Segens

11-Apr-2012

Former Collyer Bristow partner Gary Withey, who advised businessman Craig Whyte on his takeover of Rangers Football Club, has emerged as a consultant at City boutique Segens Solicitors.

Goodnight, ladies…

9 April 2012

Three female barristers quit 3 Serjeants’ Inn

2Birds, Simmons and RPC benefit as seven partners quit Clydes in Hong Kong

4-Apr-2012

Clyde & Co has been hit for seven Hong Kong partners, with RPC announcing an office opening on the back of a four-partner team appointment.

Dennison Greer chief should be struck off for role in TAG scandal, CoA rules

3-Apr-2012

Solicitor Anthony Dennison should be struck off for his part in The Accident Group (TAG) scandal, the Court of Appeal (CoA) has ruled.

3VB practice director takes charge at Riverview Chambers

3-Apr-2012

Riverview Law has appointed 3 Verulam Buildings’ (3VB) practice director Jeremy Hopkins as director of operations.

Osborne Clarke makes its move

2 April 2012

Firm banks on ’sector-led’ approach as it dumps Euro alliance and sets out on the acquisition trail

Thorpe LJ slates counsel in civil partnership settlement appeal

29-Mar-2012

The Court of Appeal (CoA) has overturned a first instance decision to award an actor £1.7m following the break-up of his civil partnership to a City analyst.

Osborne Clarke repositions as European firm with local mergers

29-Mar-2012

Osborne Clarke is to merge with its Spanish and Italian Alliance partners, Osborne Clarke Spain and SLA Studio Legale Associato, as it dismantles its formal European alliance with the aim of transforming into a standalone European firm.

Essex Court barrister seals victory for JPMorgan in mistaken salary claim

28-Mar-2012

Essex Court Chambers’ Charles Ciumei has scored a High Court victory for JPMorgan & Chase after the bank escaped being forced to pay £580,000 to a trader after it inflated his salary by missing a decimal point in his contract.

Co-op Legal Services first to launch as an ABS

28-Mar-2012

Co-operative Legal Services (CLS), Oxford-based John Welch and Stammers and Kent-based Lawbridge Solicitors have become the first alternative business structures (ABS) to be approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Berrymans Lace Mawer elects new senior partner

27-Mar-2012

Berrymans Lace Mawer (BLM) has elected partner Mike Brown as its new senior partner succeeding Terry Renouf, who will stand down after six years in the job.

Channel Islands imports must carry VAT, court rules

26-Mar-2012

High Street retailers will not escape VAT on imports into the UK from the Channel Islands, the High Court has ruled.

Reynolds’ triumphant return

26 March 2012

Paper trials shift balance of power to publishers as Supreme Court backs fair comment

SRA hits back at 'incompetence' claims

19-Mar-2012

The SRA has sought to defend claims it is failing to move quickly enough to regulate alternative business structures (ABS), stating it will not compromise a duty of care to rush through applications.

SRA delays force Parabis to defer Duke Street investment

19-Mar-2012

Insurance firm Parabis has been forced to delay its ABS deal with private equity house Duke Street because the SRA is struggling to cope with the flow of post Legal Services Act applications.

Speed bumps on the road to ABS

19 March 2012

Speed up authorisation or risk scuppering finance deals, SRA told

Exeter's Michelmores bolsters City arm with double hire

15-Mar-2012

Exeter-headquartered Michelmores has beefed up its London presence with the hire of a partner and senior associate.

Matrix adds human rights silk from Doughty Street

14-Mar-2012

Matrix has hit rival set Doughty Street Chambers for human rights silk Richard Hermer QC.

Acquisitive Shakespeares hires Guildhall Chambers' CEO to drive further growth

13-Mar-2012

Midlands firm Shakespeares has appointed Guildhall Chambers chief executive Hamish Munro as commercial director as it pushes to hit turnover of £50m by the 2012-13 year-end.

One Crown Office Row silk defeats set-mate on GMC misconduct case

7-Mar-2012

One Crown Office Row’s Stephen Miller QC has won an appeal against the General Medical Council for Professor John Walker-Smith, the doctor who carried out some of the tests that suggested a link between the MMR vaccination and autism.

Herbies client hit with wasted costs order over e-disclosure failures

7-Mar-2012

The High Court has ordered Herbert Smith client West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) to pay a £135,000 wasted costs order after an e-disclosure exercise spiralled out of control.

RPC sends City lawyer to bolster nascent Singapore base

5-Mar-2012

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) is to expand its recently opened Singapore office with the transfer of legal director Jeremy Hewitt from London to lead a regional financial lines practice.

2012 QC list shows silk road is not always paved with gold

5 March 2012

As the downturn lingers, junior barristers are wary of outpricing their solicitor clients

Cover story

5 March 2012

?For Esther Felton, head of legal at insurance company QBE European Operations, seismic regulatory and market changes are both a challenge and an opportunity

Government to pay pensions to 8,000 part-time judges

2-Mar-2012

The UK Government will be liable for the pensions of 8,000 part-time judges following a ruling in the Court of Justice in Luxembourg (CJEU) yesterday (1 March).

Ince shuns UK in five-strong promotions round

1-Mar-2012

Ince & Co has promoted five into its partnership with all the promotions made outside its UK base.

QC promotions down as 88 take silk

29-Feb-2012

The Queen’s Counsel selection board has promoted 88 new silks in the latest round of appointments, down more than a quarter on last year’s 120 appointments.

The bear and the bar

27 February 2012

Representing a Russian oligarch is a high-pressure gig - but the fees a top QC can charge are even higher­

Blackstone silk leads appeal for GB rhythmic gymnastics team

24-Feb-2012

Blackstone Chambers’ Michael Beloff QC is to represent Great Britain’s rhythmic gymnastics group in their appeal against their exclusion from the Olympic Games.

Stephenson Harwood uses Facebook to serve court claim

21-Feb-2012

The High Court has given permission for a claim to be served via Facebook in what is believed to be a first for a commercial case.

Bevan Brittan shakes up management with CEO departure

20-Feb-2012

Bevan Brittan is to revert to a legal management structure following the exit of chief executive Andrew Manning at the end of the financial year.

Unlimited excess?

20 February 2012

Solicitor puts Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal’s powers under the spotlight in CoA

High Court rejects students' tuition fee JR bid

17-Feb-2012

The High Court has rejected a judicial review bid regarding the Government’s decision to raise tuition fees on the grounds the hikes would breach the human rights of students.

Kazakh billionaire Ablyazov in contempt, High Court rules

16-Feb-2012

The High Court today ruled that Kazakh billionaire Mukhtar Ablyazov has been in contempt of court orders because he failed to disclose the full extent of his assets.

Faegre seals victory for Raymond James in Towry employment case

15-Feb-2012

The High Court has handed victory to Faegre Baker Daniels by throwing out a claim brought by wealth manager Towry against seven of its former financial advisers for allegedly breaching covenants and soliciting its clients.

Supreme Court win for BBC in FOI case

15-Feb-2012

The Supreme Court has ruled that the BBC is not required to publish details of its Middle Eastern reporting policy under the Freedom of Information Act.

Howard Kennedy to trim partnership to 'sustain profitability'

14-Feb-2012

Howard Kennedy has entered into redundancy talks with six non-equity partners in its property department in an effort to reinvigorate the firm’s financial performance.

List for life: RJW gets shot in the arm

13 February 2012

Australian-listed Slater & Gordon will want to see results from its new acquisition.

RPC wins Rothschild libel case for Daily Mail

10-Feb-2012

The High Court has handed victory to RPC after it ruled that Associated Newspapers (AN) did not defame billionaire investor Nathaniel Rothschild, which he claimed had portrayed him as a “puppet master” of former Labour minister Peter Mandelson.

3VB picks up Keating Chambers' Cooklin

7-Feb-2012

Gray’s Inn set 3 Verulam Buildings (3VB) has hit Keating Chambers for its director of clerking Paul Cooklin who will rejoin his former chambers as practice director.

BTA v Ablyazov: the secret billionaire

6 February 2012

The High Court is about to rule on Mukhtar Ablyazov’s role in the mystery of the Kazakh bank’s disappearing billions.

LG sues former client over unpaid fees

6-Feb-2012

LG has launched legal action against former client Dr Zaur Leshkasheli for unpaid fees in relation to litigation.

Bivonas discriminated against lawyer for being gay, EAT finds

3-Feb-2012

White collar crime firm Bivonas discriminated against lawyer Lee Bennett on the grounds of sexual orientation, an Employment Appeal Tribunal has found.

Herbert Smith loses for BAA in Competition Appeal Tribunal

2-Feb-2012

Herbert Smith has lost a Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) case for BAA after it failed to reverse a Competition Commission decision that forced the airport authority to sell Stansted Airport.

Fixed share partners are not employees, CoA rules

1-Feb-2012

The Court of Appeal (CoA) has given a seminal ruling on the status of fixed share partners in an unfair dismissal claim being pursued against Lester Aldridge.

Schillings seals victory for Coogan in Mulcaire phone-hacking appeal

1-Feb-2012

The Court of Appeal has today rejected an appeal by Glenn Mulcaire, the private investigator at the centre of the phone-hacking scandal, over a High Court order forcing him to disclose who instructed him.

Irwin Mitchell LLP accounts show dip into debt

31-Jan-2012

Irwin Mitchell saw turnover rise by 17.2 per cent at the end of the last financial year to £184.1m from £157.1m, the firm’s LLP filings show, but internal investment resulted in a rise in net debt.

Clifford Chance installs ICC Court secretary general as arbitration co-head

30-Jan-2012

The secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Court of Arbitration is to return to his former firm Clifford Chance to co-head its arbitration group.

Russell Jones & Walker acquired by listed Aussie firm Slater & Gordon

30-Jan-2012

Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) is to be acquired by Australian listed firm Slater & Gordon.

Hapgood steps in for Berezovsky: Brick Court enters stage left as Rabinowitz bows out

30 January 2012

Brick Court Chambers heavyweight Mark Hapgood QC has secured the mandate to represent self-exiled Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky in his six-month trial set for October.

Court of Appeal dismisses West Tankers dispute

27-Jan-2012

The court can enforce an arbitration award if it is for a negative declaration, the Court of Appeal (CoA) has ruled in the much-anticipated West Tankers case.

CoA ruling on Mulcaire privilege case imminent

26-Jan-2012

The Court of Appeal will next Wednesday (1 February) decide whether the private investigator at the centre of the News of the World (NoW) phone hacking scandal must disclose who instructed him to intercept voicemails.

Tobacco companies drop judicial review proceedings over display ban

25-Jan-2012

Four leading tobacco manufacturers have dropped their judicial review bid against the Government’s plan to introduce a display ban on tobacco products.

Rabinowitz QC pulls out of Berezovsky case

24-Jan-2012

Addleshaw Goddard is on the hunt for a top-notch silk to lead the second tranche of the Boris Berezovsky proceedings after One Essex Court’s Laurence Rabinowitz QC withdrew from the case.

Well-documented: court cloud system gets fans on Berezovsky

23 January 2012

With 15,000 pre-trial documents totalling 200,000 pages, the battle of the Russian oligarchs was the ideal testing ground for the latest case-management technology

3 Verulam Buildings loses senior clerk to Three New Square

20-Jan-2012

3 Verulam Buildings (3VB) senior clerk Nick Hill is to leave the set to take up the same role at intellectual property set Three New Square.

Inner Temple sets face summer chaos as Belgian Olympic Committee moves in

20-Jan-2012

Concerns have been raised over the prospect of up to 50,000 visitors to the Inner Temple during the summer Olympics following a deal to allow the  Belgian Olympic Committee (BOIC) to reside there for the event.

The saga continues...

19-Jan-2012

If you thought the furore surrounding the News of the World (NoW) phone-hacking claims had died down, you were wrong.

BDO appointed as Halliwells liquidators

17-Jan-2012

BDO has been appointed as official liquidators of Halliwells, a precursor to dealing with outstanding creditors’ claims against the failed firm.

Irwin Mitchell turns to PwC for first non-lawyer chair

16-Jan-2012

Irwin Mitchell has appointed former PricewaterhouseCoopers vice-chairman Glyn Barker as executive chairman designate, succeeding Michael Napier, as the firm steps up its campaign for alternative business structure (ABS) approval.

Master of the Rolls orders retrial of Ashfords negligence claim

13-Jan-2012

The Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger has ordered the retrial of a professional negligence claim brought against Ashfords after the first instance judge His Honour Judge (HHJ) Denyer QC halted the trial after just one day.

RBS racks up £4m in legal fees on Highland Capital case

13-Jan-2012

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has spent £3m on its legal battle with US hedge fund Highland Capital, a figure that is expected to rise to £4m by the end of the five-day trial that begins on 23 January.

Addleshaws recruits Chadbourne's Pring in litigation push

12-Jan-2012

Addleshaw Goddard has raided US firm Chadbourne & Parke for insurance disputes partner Mark Pring.

Ex-Fulbright partner admits stealing £100k from firm

12-Jan-2012

Former Fulbright & Jaworski partner Richard Simkin and his office manager wife Zakia Sharif have pleaded guilty to stealing £100,000 from the firm.

Manchester solicitor jailed for money laundering

11-Jan-2012

Manchester-based solicitor Nicholas Heywood has been jailed for 12 months after being found guilty of laundering money from a vulnerable lottery winner.

Stewarts Law bolsters employment team with hire of RJW partner

11-Jan-2012

Litigation firm Stewarts Law has further expanded its employment practice through the appointment of Russell Jones & Walker partner Arpita Dutt.

Litigation funder Woodsford snaps up Allianz investment officer

6-Jan-2012

Third party funder Woodsford Litigation Funding has appointed Timothy Mayer, formerly of Allianz ProzessFinanz, as an investment officer to assess cases for investment opportunities.

Analysis: OFT slated over tobacco fines

2 January 2012

After a series of failed appeals, the role of the competition regulator needs redefining

Lord Chief Justice paves way for court Tweeting

14-Dec-2011

The Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge has issued guidance on the use of text-based messaging from the courts, clearing the way for the use of Twitter to become more common in the courts.

Withers loses client money battle in appeal court

8-Dec-2011

The Court of Appeal has upheld an appeal by Langbar International against Withers in a battle over client money.

Cable wise

5 December 2011

Since becoming deputy general counsel at Cable & Wireless, Helen Copestick has put her private practice experience to good use when it comes to getting the best legal deals, says Katy Dowell

Keystone Law

5 December 2011

In the 2010-11 financial year Keystone Law posted a revenue hike of 9 per cent, up from £10m to £11m. According to managing partner James Knight, the uncertainty caused by the recession has created some opportunity for growth and practice diversification as clients shop around further for legal services.

A&O's Mansell instructed by News Group in Mulcaire fees fight

2-Dec-2011

Allen & Overy partner Mark Mansell is to represent News Group Newspapers in its battle over legal fees with private investigator Glenn Mulcaire.

CoA clarifies position on recovering overpaid legal aid fees

1-Dec-2011

The Legal Services Commission did not abuse process when it sought to recover overpaid legal aid fees to lawyers and it can recover overpaid sums from the point of the costs assessment, the Court of Appeal ruled yesterday.

Mishcon expands New York base with launch of family practice

30-Nov-2011

Mishcon de Reya is to launch a family practice in its New York office after hiring family partner Michael Stutman from US firm Mayerson Stutman Abramowitz.

ULR Additions to appeal legal expense insurance case

29-Nov-2011

Legal expenses insurance (LEI) provider ULR Additions is to appeal a High Court ruling over whether LEI providers should pay the fees of off-panel solicitors who have been instructed by policyholders.

Bristows, Carey Olsen secures CISX listing for litigation fund

28 November 2011

Bristows and offshore firm Carey Olsen have advised new client Argentum Capital on its multimillion-pound listing on the Channel Islands Stock Exchange (CISX).

Get used to it

23-Nov-2011

There has been much grumbling since the Ministry of Justice unveiled plans to reform the civil litigation funding regime, but that has not stopped progress being made towards their implementation.

Blackstone’s new chiefs target international work

21 November 2011

Blackstone Chambers has elected Monica Carss-Frisk QC and Anthony Peto QC to succeed Ian Mill QC and Thomas Beazley QC as joint heads of chambers.

Simmons ends seven-year fight for Masri debt

16-Nov-2011

After securing a judgment in favour of a client many litigators are left with the daunting prospect of enforcing the decision.

MoJ plans massive rise in court fees

16-Nov-2011

Court fees charged to litigants are expected to soar after the Ministry of Justice said the High Court and Court of Appeal should be paid for by court-users rather than the taxpayer.

Solicitors face two years in prison for ignoring Legal Ombudsman

15-Nov-2011

The High Court will impose fines and prison sentences on lawyers who fail to comply with the orders of the Legal Ombudsman (LeO), it has been warned.

High Court drives hard bargain in Tesla case against Top Gear

14 November 2011

The High Court has ordered a US car manufacturer to amend its case against the BBC in a dispute involving Top Gear or have the claim thrown out.

Lewis Silkin bolsters corporate with hires from FSI and Kaye Scholer

7-Nov-2011

Lewis Silkin has made a double partner hire with the addition of Graham Reid from Finers Stephens Innocent and Owen Watkins from Kaye Scholer.

Mills & Reeve to offer family-friendly fees

7 November 2011

Mills & Reeve is to ­provide fixed-price family services as it prepares to compete with non-legal players entering the profession.

Webster Dixon wins legal expense insurance case

3-Nov-2011

Legal expense insurers cannot use cost as the sole basis for refusing to underwrite fees for policyholders who use non-panel solicitors, the High Court has ruled.

Crash of the Icebergs

2-Nov-2011

The sudden demise of the Icelandic banking system in the autumn of 2008 left 145 local authorities in the UK exposed to huge financial losses. The authorities had ploughed money into Icelandic banks such as Landsbanki, Glitnir, Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander (KSF) and Heritable because of the attractive deposit rates they had on offer.

Ahmed commits to Brum with St Philips

31 October 2011

Former Birmingham City Council (BCC) legal chief Mirza Ahmed is to take up tenancy at Birmingham chambers St Philips.

BSB puts ABS at centre of latest code of conduct review

28-Oct-2011

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is to launch another consultation on a future code of conduct for barristers with consideration being given to the introduction of business structures to the bar.

RPC follows pack to Singapore, launches with BLG partner

27-Oct-2011

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain is the latest firm to open in Singapore on the back of the hire of Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) insurance and reinsurance partner Mark Errington.

Extradition expedition

26-Oct-2011

Media law has been dominated by the News International phone-hacking scandal, but its worth remembering that newspapers will also use the courts for investigatory purposes.

Clyde & Co: today BLG, tomorrow the world

24 October 2011

Merged firm plots moves in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Singapore and the US

RJW beefs up PI arm to take on high street rivals

24 October 2011

Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) is to expand rapidly the number of consumer products promoted through Claims Direct to compete with the arrival of alternative business structures (ABS) in the consumer markets.

JAC begins recruiting for five Chancery Division judges

20-Oct-2011

Lawyers have been invited to apply for High Court judicial appointments in the Chancery division.

Former ILEX student successfully quashes cheating claims

20-Oct-2011

The Court of Appeal has reversed the decision of an Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) disciplinary hearing, ruling that the body’s disciplinary process was not independent enough to serve its purpose.

Courting clarification

19-Oct-2011

When Lehman Brothers went into meltdown back in September 2008, insolvency lawyers knew that unwinding the bank would take years. And so it has proved, not just for Lehman but all the other financial institutions that failed at the height of the crisis.

Ex-Halliwells fixed share partners mull legal action against equity partners

17-Oct-2011

A group of former fixed share partners in failed firm Halliwells are investigating decisions made by equity partners in the run up to the collapse of the firm with a view to taking legal action against them.

Holman Fenwick returns to BLG for hire of shipping partner

17-Oct-2011

Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) has appointed Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) partner Simon Chumas to its shipping practice.

Doughty corporate plan aims to beat fee squeeze

17 October 2011

Doughty Street Chambers is planning to launch a subsidiary incorporated body to channel direct access work.

St Johns Buildings QC hit with negligence action

17 October 2011

Manchester firm GLP has launched a professional negligence case against St Johns Buildings silk David Berkley QC in a bid to recover a portion of damages it paid out to settle a claim against it by a former client.

Supreme Court feels the strain as cases back up

17 October 2011

Two-year wait for hearings at highest court as recession sees litigants dig in for the long haul

Quadrant launches arbitration team as Steel J returns to bar

14-Oct-2011

Quadrant Chambers is to launch an arbitration division with the appointment of retired High Court judge Sir David Steel.

Blackstone silk loses Supreme Court asbestos case

12-Oct-2011

The Supreme Court has ruled that people in Scotland who have been affected by the asbestos related condition pleural plaques have the right to compensation.

Withers scores High Court victory in Keydata founder's JR against FSA

11-Oct-2011

Withers has won a judicial review case against the FSA after the High Court ruled that an email exchange between the firm’s client Stewart Ford and his former lawyers at Irwin Mitchell should be bound by legal privilege.

Law firms forced to wait for ABS approval as LSA comes into force

6-Oct-2011

The Legal Services Act (LSA) comes into force today (6 October) but law firms will not be able to become multi-disciplinary partnerships because the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is not authorised to regulate them.

Roll with it?

5-Oct-2011

In the weeks running up to the opening of the Rolls Building members of the judiciary, barristers, clerks and litigators were called in to take a tour.

Premier League, DLA Piper defeated at ECJ in key broadcast rights ruling

4-Oct-2011

The European Court of Justice has ruled against the Premier League, advised by DLA Piper, after it ruled that it is not illegal for individuals to buy decoders from foreign broadcasters.

Lockton accuses Collyer Bristow of crying wolf over ‘bankruptcy’ fears

3 October 2011

Collyer Bristow is in ­dispute with its insurance broker Lockton Companies International over whether the intermediary has placed adequate liability insurance to cover a potential £50m loss in a fast-approaching negligence battle.

Langstaff J named as head of Employment Appeals Tribunal

30-Sep-2011

Mr Justice Langstaff has been appointed head of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) by the Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge.

DLA, Eversheds and Shoosmiths win spots on Iron Mountain's European panel

29-Sep-2011

DLA Piper, Eversheds and Shoosmiths are among a roster of firms appointed to information management company Iron Mountain’s European advisory panel.

South Devon firms combine to create regional powerhouse

27-Sep-2011

South Devon firm Hooper & Wollen is set to merge with its regional rival Harold Michelmore next week (3 October).

The Bar

The UK200 2011

?While the boom in litigation has boosted revenues for the top commercial chambers in the past financial year, the gap between the best and the rest is beginning to grow.

Property consultant takes £18m High Court hit

26 September 2011

The High Court has upheld a professional negligence claim against commercial property consultant Drivers Jonas, ordering it to pay £18.05m to claimant Capita Alternative Fund Services (Guernsey).

Ex-Halliwells lawyer gets job offer after settling Gateley claim

23-Sep-2011

Former Halliwells legal services director Emma Nutbeen has settled an unfair dismissal claim against Gateley, resulting in the firm offering her a job.

May the best man win

21-Sep-2011

When any client walks out the door in favour of a rival lawyer it is going to be disappointing.

Head of 1 Hare Court joins High Court bench

20-Sep-2011

Family set 1 Hare Court’s chambers head Philip Moor QC has been appointed to the High Court bench, the  Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced this morning.

Kingsley Napley drafted in to represent alleged UBS rogue trader

19-Sep-2011

Kingsley Napley partner Louise Hodges has been instructed to represent Kweku Adoboli, the trader charged with fraud and false accounting at Swiss bank UBS.

Farrers partner heads for News Group

19 September 2011

Farrer & Co partner Benjamin Beabey has left the firm and is understood to be joining News Group Newspapers.

Peters & Peters guides Mittal in oil access row

19 September 2011

Litigation boutique Peters & Peters is advising steel magnate Lakshmi ­Mittal on a claim being brought against him by businessman Moni Varmer.

A&O litigators seconded to News International on phone-hacking case

16-Sep-2011

A&O joins growing list of lawyers on Hackgate; Clifford Chance brought in to advise James Murdoch

Rolls Building

14-Sep-2011

While it may not officially open until December the Rolls Building will see action in October when one of the biggest cases of the year comes to town - Berezovsky v Abramovich.

Eversheds helps Amber Green to helm of green energy fund

12 September 2011

Eversheds has advised the Amber Green Consortium on its appointment to manage the £100m London Energy Efficiency Fund (LEEF) on behalf of the Mayor’s London Green Fund (LGF).

SJ Berwin scores Dubai partner with Clydes swoop

12 September 2011

SJ Berwin has raided Clyde & Co’s Middle East practice to hire partner Hamish Walton in Dubai.

Jones Day slams SFO as Weavering Capital fraud probe is dropped

8-Sep-2011

The Serious Fraud Office has dropped its two-year long investigation into London-based hedge fund Weavering Capital (UK) prompting complaints from Jones Day which is pursuing a civil fraud case against the hedge fund’s managers.

Crone: Clear evidence phone-hacking went beyond Goodman

6-Sep-2011

Former News International legal chief Tom Crone has told a Parliamentary committee that he was “certain” that News International’s (NI) James Murdoch was aware that the phone-hacking scandal went beyond one rogue reporter.

‘Blood on the carpet’ as ICC old guard excluded

5 September 2011

A row is brewing in the arbitration markets after the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration excluded six ­former secretary generals from top-level discussions about new rules it plans to introduce next year.

Hogan Lovells lands blue movie role

5 September 2011

When Hollywood takes an ­interest in adapting a concept for the silver screen, it is the IP lawyers who are left to come up with ­exactly how that can happen.

Solicitors from Hell owner launches £1m defamation claim against Law Soc CEO

2-Sep-2011

The fight between the Law Society and Solicitors from Hell website owner Rick Kordowski has taken a further twist with Kordowski launching a defamation claim against Law Society chief executive Des Hudson.

SH win allows NTC to instruct on Libyan cash

31-Aug-2011

Stephenson Harwood has won a High Court order for the British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB) allowing it to act legally on the instructions of Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC).

Law Soc loses patience with Solicitors from Hell website

16-Aug-2011

The Law Society has given Solicitors from Hell owner Rick Kordowski until 2 September to remove his website from the internet otherwise it will take High Court action against him for defamation, harassment and breach of the Data Protection Act.

The Lawyer UK 200 preview: The Bar: Rate cuts dampen litigation boom

15 August 2011

Leading chambers are learning to live with rate pressures and demands for more direct access, says Katy Dowell

Clydes-BLG: merger of equals or wholesale takeover?

8 August 2011

Last week’s news that the Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) brand will disappear as part of the firm’s November merger with Clyde & Co (TheLawyer.com, 4 August) supports the argument that the deal is more a takeover than a merger of equals.

Clarke Willmott offloads investment arm for £6m

5-Aug-2011

Clarke Willmott has sold its investment management arm to wealth management group Brooks Macdonald.

BLG brand to disappear as part of Clydes merger

4-Aug-2011

The Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) brand will be scrapped in favour of Clyde & Co when the firms merge in November with BLG’s partners moving onto Clydes’ lockstep structure.

Davenport Lyons says SDT action on file-sharing is 'totally unjustified'

2-Aug-2011

Davenport Lyons has hit back at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal’s (SDT) decision to fine and ban from practice two partners that sent “intimidating letters” saying the action was “totally unjustified”.

Pinsents looks to strike out £10m professional negligence claim

1-Aug-2011

Pinsent Masons is set to go to the High Court tomorrow in a bid to strike out a £10m professional negligence claim being pursued against it by construction contractor Shepherd Construction.

Howard Kennedy finally bares all

1 August 2011

Howard Kennedy chief executive Mark Dembovksy is pushing through what he calls a strategy of “openness and trans-parency”, which has seen the firm release its financial results for the first time.

39 Essex Street silk joins Leveson LJ on NoW inquiry

29-Jul-2011

A silk from 39 Essex Street has been appointed as counsel to Lord Justice Leveson’s inquiry into the phone-hacking allegations levelled at the defunct tabloid News of the World.

Monckton v Monckton: new silk defeats colleague in OFT's Ryanair case

28-Jul-2011

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has been given permission to investigate Ryanair’s minority stake in AerLingus, thanks to a Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruling.

Arbitrators are not bound by equality laws, Supreme Court rules

27-Jul-2011

Arbitrators are not employed and are therefore exempt from UK Equality Regulations, the Supreme Court has ruled today.

ABSs won’t launch in October as parliament not ready

26-Jul-2011

The implementation of the Legal Services Act will be delayed because the primary legislation needed to enact it has not been debated in parliament.

Matrix QC slated as first Sikh High Court judge

25 July 2011

Matrix Chambers silk Rabinder Singh QC is being widely tipped to become the High Court’s first Sikh judge in the coming weeks.

NoW phone-hacking saga: the legal line-up

25 July 2011

News International’s woes have created a new market for the media pack. Since the allegations of phone-hacking first emerged back in 2009 a handful of claimant lawyers have urged the owner of the News of the World (NoW) to come ­forward to answer questions about payments to private detectives.

Doughty Street win means Mau Mau Kenyans can sue UK Government

21-Jul-2011

The High Court has ruled that four Kenyans can pursue claims against the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) over allegations that they were victims of British atrocities committed during the Mau Mau uprising in the 1950s.

Irwin Mitchell posts solid 2010-11 results in run up to LSA

19-Jul-2011

Irwin Mitchell has posted 9 per cent rise in turnover for the 2010-11 financial year, up from £157m to £171m.

BLG flight team saga: legal threat seen as bold play prior to Clydes merger vote

18 July 2011

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert’s (BLG) aggressive move in threatening legal action against its departing ­aviation team will send shockwaves through the insurance sector.

Magrath takes on ex-Clarke Willmott boss

18 July 2011

Former Clarke Willmott chief executive David Sedgwick has been appointed CEO of niche immigration firm Magrath.

Behind the times

13-Jul-2011

In media law the complaint is that current libel regulations are out of touch with the internet age. The same problem has struck the retail sector, with big brands complaining that online auction websites are flouting trademark rights by helping their users trade in counterfeit goods.

News International's legal chief leaves company

13-Jul-2011

News International legal head Tom Crone, a stalwart of the Fleet Street lawyer set, has left the company, the Associated Press has reported.

High Court judge returns to Maitland

11 July 2011

Lincoln’s Inn set Maitland Chambers has added former High Court judge Sir William Blackburne QC to its membership roster as a door tenant.

RJW promotes six to partner status

8-Jul-2011

Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) has promoted six to its partnership, with four made up in the firm’s employment team.

Olswang advises NotW on all phone-hacking claims

7-Jul-2011

Olswang wins wider role for tabloid publisher as Collyer Bristow is instructed by family of killed serviceman

Texas hold 'em?

6-Jul-2011

Should the English courts interfere with an arbitration that began outside its jurisdiction?

Matrix's Tomlinson in court for Ferdinand's Mirror privacy case

5-Jul-2011

Matrix Chambers’ Hugh Tomlinson QC is in court this week leading a privacy action against the Mirror Group on behalf of footballer Rio Ferdinand.

Opening gambit

4 July 2011

It’s bigger than BLG, it’s bigger than Kennedys and it’s grown from zero to £100m in a decade - how Parabis Law is remodelling the legal insurance sector

Stewarts Law attains top 100 with one-track strategy

4 July 2011

Litigation boutique Stewarts Law is set to break into the UK 100 league table after posting a revenue of £28.5m at the 2010-11 year-end, with an average profit per equity partner (PEP) on a par with magic circle levels at £926,000.

Clydes finalises merger with Canada's Nicholl Paskell-Mede

27-Jun-2011

Clyde & Co has completed its merger with Canadian insurance firm Nicholl Paskell-Mede (NPM).

Hunters

27 June 2011

With its strong private client base and real estate team Hunters is at home in Lincoln’s Inn.

Kennedys sees turnover growth slow after two strong years

23-Jun-2011

Growth has slowed at insurance firm Kennedys for the first time in three years with the firm posting a 10.4 per cent rise in global revenues from £88.2m to £97.4m.

Travers' super team

22-Jun-2011

For some firms the litigation surge has provided the opportunity to reposition in the market. Recognising Travers Smith’s ability to do just that, last night The Lawyerawarded the firm the Litigation Team of the Year gong at its annual awards ceremony.

Lawyers withdraw defence in case against Saudi investment group AHAB

20-Jun-2011

The defence of a major banking litigation worth $250m (£154.5m) has collapsed nine days into the High Court trial.

BLM admits non-lawyer to equity in LDP conversion

20-Jun-2011

Berrymans Lace Mawer (BLM) has converted to a legal disciplinary partnership (LDP) and promoted non-lawyer Alistair Kinley into its equity partnership.

Exchange Chambers pioneers litigation funding

13 June 2011

Northern set Exchange Chambers has become the first barristers’ chambers to move into the litigation funding market through a tie-up with legal insurance broker Maxima - with both clerks and barristers expected to encourage take-up among clients.

Beachcroft favours insurance in six-strong promos round

6-Jun-2011

Beachcroft has focused on its core domestic insurance practice in its latest round of partnership promotions, bringing six into the fold.

Gag man

6 June 2011

At the heart of the battle between the right to privacy and freedom of expression sits Hugh Tomlinson QC. The Lawyer talks to Mr Anonymity about his feelings on the matter

BLG and Clydes eye UK top 10 slot with potential merger

3-Jun-2011

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) is planning to merge with fellow insurance firm Clyde & Co, in a deal that would propel the combined entity into the UK top 10 by turnover.

Part and parcel

1-Jun-2011

For every case that reaches the Royal Courts of Justice there are dozens more that have settled behind closed doors.

Camerons partner drops action and walks out

30 May 2011

CMS Cameron ­McKenna real estate disputes head Caroline DeLaney has quit after withdrawing a sexual discrimination claim against the firm.

The Court 10 stars shaping the law on privacy

30 May 2011

Court 10 at the Royal Courts of Justice has had more visitors than usual in the past month as the press fights back against what it perceives as encroaching ­privacy laws.

Police investigate former Ince partner over alleged £3m fraud

27-May-2011

Former Ince & Co partner Andrew Iyer is under investigation by Scotland Yard over £3m of client money that he allegedly moved into accounts under his name.

Firms must inform clients of referral fees, says LSB

27-May-2011

Firms should be forced to disclose to clients when referral fees have been paid for cases, the Legal Services Board (LSB) has concluded.

Defame academy

25-May-2011

Screeching headlines about judicial interference in press matters have been all too prominent in recent weeks.

Clydes breaches £200m turnover barrier

23 May 2011

Clyde & Co has broken through the £200m turnover barrier, posting a 10 per cent rise in revenue for 2010-11, from £192m to £212m.

BSB to review professional development system

20-May-2011

The Bar Standards Board is considering a major shake-up of how barristers continue their professional development after qualifying.

Neuberger report says media should get prior warning of injunctions

20-May-2011

Newspapers should be given advance warning of injunction applications but there should be no fast track appeal system to challenge their existence, the Master of the Rolls (MR) Lord Neuberger has concluded.

Media lawyers in the driving seat as Mosley crashes and burns in ECHR

16 May 2011

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) won favour with newspaper media lawyers last week after it rejected a bid by ­former International ­Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley to force newspapers to warn people beforehand if they are going to publish details of their private lives.

Brick Court names chambers head as Sumption prepares for Supreme Court

12-May-2011

Brick Court Chambers has appointed Nicholas Green QC as joint head of chambers, succeeding Jonathan Sumption QC.

Weightmans sees small turnover hike at end of acquisitive year

10-May-2011

North West firm Weightmans has unveiled a 3.2 per cent rise in turnover at the 2010-2011 year end, up from £56.2m to £58m.

Clifford Chance loses another US litigation chief as Cleary swoops

9-May-2011

Clifford Chance US litigation chief Juan Morillo has defected to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton after spending two years in the role.

33 Bedford Row team defects to Tanfield

9 May 2011

Gray’s Inn set Tanfield Chambers has added a four-member team to its ranks after a raid on 33 Bedford Row.

Hunters additions set to up firm’s City profile

9 May 2011

Hunters is taking advantage of the fallout from the Dawsons-Penningtons merger and the senior management changes at Farrer & Co to ramp up its presence within Lincoln’s Inn.

Squire Sanders duo poised for MAB move

9 May 2011

Squire Sanders Hammonds London associates Charny Sanghera and Andrew Bowden-Brown are to join Matthew Arnold & Baldwin (MAB) as partners in its asset-based lending litigation team.

Peters & Peters hires bribery and asset recovery star

6-May-2011

Peters & Peters has appointed Alan Bacarese, an international fraud specialist, as special counsel.

Winckworth Sherwood opens in Manchester after raid on Field Fisher Waterhouse

4-May-2011

Winckworth Sherwood is to launch a base in Manchester after raiding Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) for partners Karen Cooksley and Colette McCormack.

Farrers appoints joint senior partners as Furber steps down

3-May-2011

Farrer & Co has appointed Jim Edmondson and Richard Parry as joint senior partners to succeed James Furber from 1 May.

Big firms will bear brunt after SRA ditches ARP

25 April 2011

The closure of the assigned risks pool (ARP), the insurer of last resort for all firms, will come at a cost of tens of millions of pounds to the profession, with ­commercial firms picking up the claims tab for the smaller end of the ­profession.

Promotions rebound post-crunch

25 April 2011

Partnership promotions across the country’s leading firms have topped 2009’s and 2010’s levels, marking a return to upward mobility within the profession.

Freshfields' PPI judicial review rejected by court

20-Apr-2011

The High Court has dismissed a judicial review launched by the British Bankers’  Association (BBA) against the FSA and Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) over the handling of payment protection insurance (PPI) claims.

Law Soc and Bar Council urged to take action over Solicitors from Hell site

18-Apr-2011

The Law Society and Bar Council should investigate defamatory comments made on the Solicitors from Hell website to find an effective route of redress for firms named on the website, the High Court has said.

SRA to scrap last-chance insurance option

14-Apr-2011

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is to scrap the assigned risks pool, the insurer of last resort for firms which is available to firms which fail to secure professional indemnity (PI) cover on the open market.

Plexus parent Parabis prepares for ABS conversion

14-Apr-2011

Parabis Group, the parent of  Plexus Law and Cogent Law, is to plough investment into developing specialist legal teams ahead of converting to an alternative business structure (ABS) when the Legal Services Act (LSA) is implemented.

Supreme Court overturns CoA's Pretty Polly hearing loss ruling

13-Apr-2011

The Supreme Court has refused to endorse a Court of Appeal (CoA) ruling on noise induced hearing loss, blocking the progression of what lawyers believe could have been thousands of hearing loss claims.

BLM welcomes eight to partnership, four in Manchester

12-Apr-2011

Berrymans Lace Mawer (BLM) has promoted eight associates to its partnership with half the total being made up in Manchester.

Ince teams up with Singapore firm to offer local legal advice

7-Apr-2011

Marine firm Ince & Co is to move into the domestic Singaporean market through an alliance with local firm Incisive Law.

Sumption's Supreme Court elevation delayed by oligarch case

6-Apr-2011

Brick Court silk Jonathan Sumption QC is to act as lead counsel for Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich in his legal showdown with rival Boris Berezovsky, delaying his expected appointment to the Supreme Court.

Tugendhat J slams Solicitors from Hell creator for 'abusing court process'

5-Apr-2011

The country’s leading defamation judge Mr Justice Tugendhat has upheld a defamation claim against the ‘Solicitors from Hell’ website and told its creator Rick Kordowski he abused court process.

Clydes brings in Howden GC for professional indemnity offering

04 April 2011

Clyde & Co has raided Lloyds of London broker Howden for its general counsel Simon Gildener.

HFW makes up nine in global commerce push

04 April 2011

Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) has promoted nine associates to its international ­partnership, with six London lawyers getting the nod.

Lewis Silkin boosts partnership by four

04 April 2011

Lewis Silkin has promoted four to its partnership, with three joining the employment arm.

Winckworth grabs Dawsons property expert

04 April 2011

Winckworth Sherwood has hired Dawsons ­property partner Simon Livesy. He joins Winckworth’s ­institutional property team alongside senior assistant Richard Wooton.

Keeping up with the Joneses

30-Mar-2011

It is not in the public interest for expert witnesses who appear in court to be immune from law suits, the Supreme Court ruled today.

MoJ to lift ban on contingency fees in revamp of no-win, no-fee system

29-Mar-2011

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will radically depart from the current conditional fee agreement regime (CFA) by lifting the ban on contingency fees in a bid to tackle escalating legal fees.

Ex-Solicitor General joins No5 Chambers

28 March 2011

Former Labour government minister Mike O’Brien QC has joined Birmingham set No5 Chambers as a ­tenant.

On a Roll

23-Mar-2011

Over a year into his tenure as Master of the Rolls, Lord Neuberger is proving to be a popular choice.

First bar census reveals little improvement in diversity statistics

22-Mar-2011

Diversity at the bar has increased only marginally over the past five years, the results of the Bar Standard Board’s first-ever census of the profession has revealed.

Six QCs selected to probe need for UK Bill of Rights

21-Mar-2011

The Government has selected six heavyweight silks to sit on an independent commission to examine whether there is a need for a UK Bill of Rights.

CAT demolishes OFT’s fines against construction companies

21 March 2011

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has ordered the OFT to reduce fines imposed against six construction companies found to have breached price-fixing rules.

BSB puts aptitude test on ice for a year

18-Mar-2011

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has delayed the introduction of its Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) aptitude test by a year.

Vos J to oversee claims relating to News of the World phone-hacking scandal

17-Mar-2011

The Chancellor of the High Court Sir Andrew Morritt has assigned Mr Justice Vos to case manage claims relating to phone-hacking enquiries against the Metropolitan Police.

MoJ unveils its plans for overhauling libel laws

15-Mar-2011

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has published its draft Defamation Bill in an effort to bring Britain’s libel laws up to date.

Dawsons and Penningtons set for imminent merger

14 March 2011

Lincoln’s Inn firm Dawsons is close to sealing a merger with private client firm Penningtons after ­coming under pressure to recapitalise and keep a grip on its core partnership.

Herbies arbitrator in 39 Essex Street switch

14 March 2011

Herbert Smith commercial arbitration partner David Brynmor Thomas is to join 39 Essex Street after 20 years with the firm.

Slaughters loses competition partner to Ofgem

14 March 2011

Slaughter and May partner Sarah Cardell is to leave the firm after being appointed legal chief of energy watchdog Ofgem.

At all costs

9-Mar-2011

When a corporate client calls in Brick Court’s Jonathan Sumption QC to lead its legal team, it is calling in the big guns to fight off a case whatever the financial cost.

Irwin Mitchell fills employment chief role with Pinsents hire

7-Mar-2011

Irwin Mitchell has hired Pinsent Masons partner Tom Flannagan as its new employment chief.

CoA quashes expert shopping as PI claimant is ordered to reveal all

7 March 2011

The Court of Appeal (CoA) has ruled unanimously that claimants must disclose to defendants all court-approved medical reports relating to their claims.

Leigh Day’s £105m Trafigura costs hit legal brick wall

7 March 2011

Leigh Day & Co included charges for giving media briefings in the £105m bill it issued after suing oil ­company Trafigura on behalf of thousands of Ivory Coast residents.

Withers faces court in £700K negligence case

7 March 2011

Withers is set to appear in court next week (14 March) to defend claims of professional negligence from former client Alastair Harrison.

Kennedys launches in Portugal via merger with alliance firm

2-Mar-2011

Kennedys has  merged with its Portugal-based associate office Almeida & Athayde to launch Kennedys Portugal.

Fountain Court QC prepares to bring Lloyds TSB to book

28 February 2011

Winckworth Sherwood partner Jim Rai has instructed Fountain Court silk Brian Doctor QC to ­represent a group of former Lloyds TSB shareholders in their legal battle against the bank.

Joseph Flom, 1923-2011

28 February 2011

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom name partner Joseph Flom passed away last week (23 February) at the age of 87.

Employment claims hit all-time high during 2009-10

25-Feb-2011

The number of claims lodged at the Employment Tribunal (ET) rocketed to 236,100 during 2009-10, representing an all-time high.

CoA rejects Abramovich's bid to have oligarch case thrown out

23-Feb-2011

The Court of Appeal has refused to strike out a multibillion pound claim brought by self-exiled Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky against Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich.

FFW IT specialist joins UK Broadband as GC

21 February 2011

Telecoms company UK Broadband has appointed its first general counsel to lead the development of its in-house legal department.

Freshfields wins court victory for RBS against Liverpool FC's former owners

18-Feb-2011

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has successfully defended RBS in its latest legal spat with the former owners of Liverpool Football Club, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Happy families

16-Feb-2011

Family lawyers often talk about London being the divorce capital of the world. On Monday the Court of Appeal (CoA) handed down a judgment in an international case that reaffirmed that position - for international divorces at least.

Clarke Willmott’s cash call represents rescue attempt to buoy leaky financials

14 February 2011

With Clarke Willmott’s LLP results revealing that it made a £1.89m cash call in 2009-10, the firm has vowed to put the past few years behind it and start again on a stronger footing.

Doughty Street welcomes six new barristers

14 February 2011

Doughty Street Chambers has announced the arrival of six new barristers.

LSB to quiz all lawyers on parents’ education

14 February 2011

Legal Services Board to get tough on social mobility in profession

Holman J rules Gove's BSF decision was 'unlawful'

11-Feb-2011

Mr Justice Holman has ordered the Government to review its plans to scrap the Building Schools for Future programme.

Sumption QC wins Supreme Court ruling for Harrow Council

9-Feb-2011

The Supreme Court has upheld an appeal by Harrow London Borough Council (LBC) and ruled that it is entitled to run its own insurance mutual without first putting the contract out to tender.

Clerks rage against Rolls Building lift ‘nightmare’

7 February 2011

Clerks across the bar are up in arms over the number of lifts in the new Rolls Building, citing severe delays to hearings.

RJW media boss walks as firm targets volume work

7 February 2011

Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) is to pull back from top-end media libel and privacy work, prompting the departure of media chief Sarah Webb.

Lord Neuberger to decide if phone-hacking NoW journalists should be named

4-Feb-2011

The Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger is to decide whether Glenn Mulcaire, the man at the heart of the New of the World (NoW) phone hacking scandal, must disclose the names of journalists who instructed him to hack into voicemail messages.

Brick Court takes lead roles on BP Rosneft battle

31-Jan-2011

Brick Court heavyweights Mark Howard QC and Mark Hapgood QC will go head to head in the High Court tomorrow (1 February) as Russian shareholders attempt to block BP’s planned alliance with Rosneft.

Top Scottish QC joins Blackstone

31 January 2011

Scotland’s leading barrister Richard Keen QC is set to take up membership with Blackstone Chambers.

Employment tribunal reforms will 'impede access to justice'

27-Jan-2011

Government proposals to reform the employment tribunal system will have the greatest impact on the poor and will impede access to justice, employment lawyers have warned.

Mace & Jones cleared of professional negligence and awarded £800,000

25-Jan-2011

North West firm Mace & Jones has been awarded £800,000 in indemnity costs after it was cleared of professional negligence claims levelled at it by construction company D  Morgan.

Time called on loyalty at bar as lit boom sets in

24 January 2011

Switching chambers was once frowned upon at the bar, but with sets ­evolving into commercial beasts, movement is reaching unprecedented levels.

Holman Fenwick mourns death of aviation finance partner

20-Jan-2011

Holman Fenwick Willan is mourning the death of aviation finance partner David Relf, who passed away at the beginning of the month.

Brick Court silk proves causation of loss is vital in damages claims

20-Jan-2011

Claimants must prove causation of loss if follow-on damages claims are to be successful, the Court of Appeal (CoA) has ruled.

CFAs breach human rights laws, ECHR rules in Naomi Campbell costs case

18-Jan-2011

The conditional fee  agreement (CFA) regime, in which the loser is liable for an uplift on their opponent’s legal fees, breaches European rules on human rights, the European Court of Human Rights (EHCR) ruled today.

BCL crime partner’s national service

17 January 2011

“Being director of legal affairs at Government Communications Headquarters [GCHQ] was the best job in the country - every day I leapt out of bed wanting to go to work.”

Hausfeld, Cuatrecasas all aboard in rail giants’ carbon cartel claim

17 January 2011

Litigation boutique Hausfeld and Spanish firm Cuatrecasas Gonçalves Pereira have been jointly instructed by Europe’s largest rail operators to bring a multimillion-pound damages claim against ­companies involved in a ­carbon and graphite cartel.

SRA allows a chosen few to trial ABS applications

17 January 2011

The SRA is to pick a select group of firms to take part in a test run of the alternative business structure (ABS) application process to iron out any issues ahead of the October implementation of the Legal Services Act.

St Johns Buildings targets publicly funded work with three-way merger

12-Jan-2011

Manchester set St Johns Buildings (SJB) is set to merge with Sheffield’s Paradise Chambers and Liverpool-based India Buildings Chambers.

Howard Kennedy gambles on partnership revolution

10 January 2011

Last of the West End stalwarts faces radical restructure; aims to heal equity-salaried partner divide

Top judges to take centre stage in busy year for the Supreme Court

10 January 2011

Keen observers of the court process are in for a treat this year, says Katy Dowell

Lucasfilm invokes the force of Sumption QC in Star Wars showdown

5-Jan-2011

Brick Court’s Jonathan Sumption QC has been called upon to represent Lucasfilm in its Supreme Court battle over the alleged copyright infringement of the Star Wars stormtrooper helmet.

Singapore launch builds Beachcroft’s global muscle

3 January 2011

Beachcroft is set to launch in Singapore to build its international insurance risk practice.

Mace & Jones cleared of professional negligence

22-Dec-2010

The High Court has thrown out a £60m professional negligence claim brought against North West firm Mace & Jones this morning.

High Court rules on Fiona Trust fraud case

14-Dec-2010

The High Court has handed down a 421-page ruling in the Fiona Trust fraud trial, leaving the claimants to decide whether to appeal the tranches that went against them.

Attorney-general happy to mix politics and law

6 December 2010

With responsibility for advising the Government on its legal issues, the attorney-general can be called on to advise on some of the most contentious issues before Parliament.

Outer Temple family silk leaves London for Bristol’s St John’s

6 December 2010

Leading family silk Robin Tolson QC is to switch ­chambers, moving from London set Outer Temple to Bristol-based St John’s Chambers.

Doughty Street fails to overturn Woolas election court decision

3-Dec-2010

The High Court has thrown out an attempt by former Labour MP Phil Woolas to overturn  an election court’s decision that stripped him of his seat in the House of Commons.

David Price victory sees Supreme Court redefine 'fair comment' as 'honest comment'

1-Dec-2010

The fair comment defence has been widened by the country’s most senior judges in the first defamation case to be heard by the Supreme Court.

DAC forms alliance with Chilean firm

29 November 2010

Davies Arnold Cooper (DAC) has signed a formal alliance with newly ­established Chilean firm Seguros Lex in a move that is expected to lead to a merger between the two.

ICC turns to A&O as arbitration selection wrangle intensifies

29 November 2010

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has instructed Allen & Overy (A&O) to intervene in a bid to overturn a Court of Appeal (CoA) ruling that found the selection process for appointing arbitrators in commercial disputes breached UK equality laws.

Fixed share partners are not employees, EAT rules

26-Nov-2010

An attempt to have fixed share partners legally defined as employees has failed at the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Herbert Smith to open Belfast office to handle litigation due diligence

24-Nov-2010

Herbert Smith is to open a Belfast office to service its dispute resolution practice.

Fountain Court improves international credentials with three new door tenants

22 November 2010

Fountain Court Chambers has bolstered its ­international reach, adding three door tenants.

Howard Kennedy family head takes parting shot after exit

22 November 2010

Howard Kennedy head of family Ursula Danagher has quit the firm, with the move sparking a row over what she sees as the firm’s lack of transparency.

The law? Stuff that for a lark

22 November 2010

Heard the one about the ­barrister who quit his job to become a stand-up comedian? According to his mother it was no joke, but more than two decades on Felix Dexter has no regrets about swapping the courtroom for the comedy club.

Blow to UK collective actions as BA, Slaughters beat Hausfeld in Court of Appeal

19-Nov-2010

An attempt to bring a US-style class action through the Court of Appeal has been thrown out after Lord Justice Mummery said the case was “fatally flawed”.

RJW mourns death of regulatory chief

18-Nov-2010

Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) partner George Marriott has passed away, the firm said this morning.

MoJ backs Jackson's civil litigation reforms

15-Nov-2010

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has backed the sweeping reforms of the civil litigation system that were put forward by Lord Justice Jackson.

Risky business

10-Nov-2010

Addleshaw Goddard’s decision to bankroll the multi-billion dollar cases being pursued through the High Court by client Boris Berezovsky demonstrates the firm’s confidence in its litigation practice, despite the exit of practice chief Simon Twigden.

Supreme Court ruling to see former MPs stand trial over expenses claims

10-Nov-2010

The Supreme Court has ruled that three former Labour MPs must face a criminal trial over their expenses claims.

Howard Kennedy acts on Adnams gas project

8 November 2010

Howard Kennedy has advised brewer Adnams and sister company Adnams Bio Energy (ABE) on their partnership with British Gas to supply renewable energy to the National Grid.

Matrix silk convinces court that Woolas breached election laws

5-Nov-2010

Matrix Chambers’ Helen Mountfield QC has successfully challenged the outcome of the May general election for Liberal Democrat candidate Elwyn Watkins in a ruling that will force Labour MP Phil Woolas from his seat.

Devereux silk seals victory for BA in cost-cutting dispute

3-Nov-2010

Devereux Chambers’ Bruce Carr QC has won a victory for British Airways in the Court of Appeal after it upheld the airline’s right to determine staff levels on its flights.

BLG focuses on growth as partner exits continue

1 November 2010

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert is preparing itself for another spate of partner exits as the firm restructures in a bid to kick-start a fresh phase of growth.

SRA to consult on scrapping of single PI insurance renewal date

29-Oct-2010

The single renewal date for solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance (PII) should be binned to help drive down rates, a report commissioned the Solicitors Regulation Authority has concluded.

Clarke makes his mark

27-Oct-2010

The Government has given its strongest indication yet that it will endorse a US-style contingency fee system as the alternative to conditional fee agreements.

BLG disputes head defects to Taylor Wessing

26-Oct-2010

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert commercial disputes head Julian Randall has quit the firm to join Taylor Wessing along with litigation partner Andrew Howell.

Manches vows to make post-recession comeback

25 October 2010

Manches is set to enter a fresh era of growth under the leadership of newly appointed chief executive Judit Petho.

Blackstone silk convinces court that Harry Potter author should face copyright claim

21-Oct-2010

Mr Justice Kitchin has ruled that Harry Potter author JK Rowling and her publishing house Bloomsbury should face claims for copyright infringement in the High Court.

Hare Court silk Todd convinces Supreme Court that pre-nups are binding

20-Oct-2010

The Supreme Court has ruled that “decisive weight” should be given to pre-nuptial agreements signed by spouses before getting married.

Abu Dhabi firm set to move into Dubai

18 October 2010

AGHA & Shamsi, the Abu Dhabi firm established by DLA Piper’s former head of Islamic finance Oliver Agha, is poised to expand into Dubai.

George Davies boss takes his sporting chance

18 October 2010

Most managing partners miss everyday practice when they take up a position in management. But George Davies managing partner Mark Hovell has found a way to keep up his legal work while indulging his love of sport and continuing to run the Manchester-based firm.

Liverpool FC board granted injunction against owners

15-Oct-2010

The High Court has granted the board of Liverpool Football Club an anti-suit injunction against the club’s owners.

A fair Kop?

13-Oct-2010

The press pack at the Royal Courts of Justice was salivating at the court doors yesterday morning with not one but two high-profile showdowns on the lists.

Pannick QC fails to convince CoA that privilege should apply to non-lawyers

13-Oct-2010

The Court of Appeal (CoA) has ruled that legal professional privilege cannot be extended to accountants offering tax advice.

Freshfields wins role on ongoing Liverpool FC saga

12-Oct-2010

The High Court battle between Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Liverpool Football Club’s US owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett got underway this morning with the aim of resolving a power struggle on the club’s board.

Addleshaws team exit fails to deter Berezovsky

11 October 2010

Addleshaw Goddard has retained Boris Berezovsky as a client despite the exit of litigation head Simon Twigden, who led the team acting for the Russian oligarch.

Equality Act will spark a ‘wave’ of work claims

11 October 2010

Lawyers predict that he implementation of the Equality Act will lead to a rise in employment disputes as they take to the courts to test the boundaries of the legislation.

M Law sues client over unpaid Jacko case fees

11 October 2010

Media boutique M Law has launched a claim against former client Matthew ­Fiddes over unpaid fees worth £1.3m.

Beachcroft makes up seven to partnership

8-Oct-2010

Beachcroft has promoted seven associates to its partnership, with all based around the firm’s regional network.

Migrationwatch drops Sally Bercow libel threat

7-Oct-2010

Migrationwatch has dropped its libel complaint against political commentator Sally Bercow less than a week after she instructed lawyers to defend the threatened action.

Withers to launch Hong Kong law practice with hire of family team

7-Oct-2010

Withers has expanded its Hong Kong offering with the addition of an international family team led by partner Sharon Ser.

Attorney general eases up on bar diversity stats

4 October 2010

The attorney general’s office has dropped demands on bar members of the Treasury Solicitor Panel of Counsel to disclose equality and diversity credentials.

Huge rise in partnership actions ‘tip of the iceberg’

4 October 2010

Government statistics that show that the number of partnership disputes reaching the High Court almost doubled in 2009 could reveal just a small proportion of the true figure.

MAB woos former Sprecher Grier litigation chief

4 October 2010

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin (MAB) has raided City firm Sprecher Grier Halberstam for its former head of litigation Jonathan Sachs.

Litigation costs come under scrutiny with launch of new e-disclosure regime

1-Oct-2010

New practice directions (PD) on electronic disclosure aimed at speeding up the litigation process and reduce legal costs come into force today.

ACS:Law faces investigation over porn-users list

28-Sep-2010

London-based firm ACS:Law is to be scrutinised by the Information Commissioner’s Office over allegations it breached the Data Protection Act.

Beachcroft dynamic duo retain top roles

27 September 2010

Beachcroft managing partner Paul Murray has been elected to his post for a second five-year term following an uncontested election earlier this month.

Clydes link-up gives ALMT impetus for Delhi launch

27 September 2010

Clyde & Co’s India-based alliance firm ALMT Legal is to open an office in Delhi in a effort to expand its international practice.

LawWorks adds four trustees to board

27 September 2010

Pro bono charity LawWorks has appointed four trustees to its board.

Irwin Mitchell expands Spanish footprint with Madrid merger

24-Sep-2010

Irwin Mitchell is stepping up its international expansion programme after acquiring Madrid firm L&E Solución Legal and Empresarial.

Weightmans, Eversheds add to shipping teams

23-Sep-2010

Weightmans has turned to Hill Dickinson to hire its lead marine and transit team partner Phil James.

Bills bills bills

22-Sep-2010

Anger has swept across the bar after it emerged that Halliwells went into administration owing barristers a total of £1.28m.

Lord Bingham, 1933-2010

20 September 2010

Lord Bingham of Cornhill, who died earlier this month at the age of 76, will be remembered by ­barristers and lawyers alike as the greatest English judge of the past century. He will also be fondly remembered by his friends at Fountain Court for his brilliant advocacy skills and ­mischievous sense of humour.

The Bar

17-Sep-2010

Leading sets have been busy gearing up for a whole new series of challenges, varying from law firms seducing the best talent to making the most of the opportunities presented by the Legal Services Act.

An Akzo Nobel cause?

15-Sep-2010

The European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) decision to refuse in house counsel legal privilege in cartel cases has been met with disapproval by the British legal community.

Bindmans scoops NoW phone hacking mandate

13-Sep-2010

Bindmans has launched judicial review proceedings against the Metropolitan Police over claims it failed to adequately investigate allegations of phone hacking at Sunday tabloid News of the World (NoW).

39 Essex St signs up Ofgem’s legal chief

13 September 2010

39 Essex Street is to boost its regulatory practice with the addition of Ofgem legal director, markets Duncan Sinclair as a member.

Channel 5 legal chief given the axe

13 September 2010

Channel 5’s legal chief Paul Chinnery has been made redundant and is set to leave the broadcaster at the end of October.

Burness chair helps snooker's Higgins quash match-fixing claims

8-Sep-2010

Burness partner Philip Rodney has successfully defended the former snooker world champion John Higgins of allegations of match fixing, originally made by the News of the World (NoW).

Fountain Court clerk becomes head of clerking at Devereux

7-Sep-2010

Fountain Court deputy senior clerk Vince Plant is to join rival set Devereux Chambers as head of clerking services.

Slaughters: litigation talks

1-Sep-2010

Slaughter and May dispute resolution head Richard Clark strongly refutes any suggestion that his group is the poorer relation of the firm’s stellar corporate practice.

Two heads are better than one

11-Aug-2010

The judge in charge of the Commercial Court, Mrs Justice Gloster, has set a new precedent in the High Court by sitting alongside Mr Justice Mann of the Chancery Court and jointly giving directions in the £2bn legal battle between Russian oligarchs Boris Berezovsky and Roman Abramovich.

Southwark and Lambeth set up joint chambers panel

9 August 2010

Southwark Council is to radically overhaul how it uses the bar by teaming up with Lambeth Council to create a chambers panel.

LSB approves reduction in cost of practising certificate

4-Aug-2010

The Legal Services Board has approved the SRA’ decision to set the annual practising certificate fee at the reduced cost of £428.

Lehman payback

4-Aug-2010

It was always going to take years for lawyers to unravel the financial maze behind the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

Volvo asks Hausfeld to chase Pilkington for price-fixing losses

2-Aug-2010

Hausfeld has launched a High Court claim against Pilkington Group on behalf of motoring giant Volvo, almost three years after the car glass manufacturer was fined for price fixing.

Brown Rudnick in Baltic Oil fee claim

2 August 2010

US firm Brown Rudnick has launched a High Court claim against Russian oil and gas business Baltic Oil Terminals.

Doughty St human rights silk jumps to Blackstone

2 August 2010

Leading human rights silk Tim Otty QC is set to join Blackstone Chambers just six months after he quit 20 Essex Street to join civil rights set Doughty Street Chambers.

Law firm partner loses retirement age appeal

29-Jul-2010

Firms can legitimately retire partners at 65 as long as the action is justified, the Court of Appeal ruled yesterday.

Time’s up for Fleet Street legal stalwart

26 July 2010

After more than 30 years as a lawyer for The Times, Alastair Brett left this month. Katy Dowell looks back at a glittering career and conjectures on why it all ended so abruptly

Exchange Chambers opens in Leeds as local set for local firms

19 July 2010

North West set Exchange Chambers is to open an office in Leeds in a bid to build a chambers powerhouse in the North.

Morgan Cole set to offer ATE insurance

19 July 2010

Morgan Cole has signed a delegated authority deal to enable it to broker after-the-event (ATE) insurance to clients.

St Johns Buildings joins Manchester Law Soc

19 July 2010

North West set St Johns Buildings has joined the Manchester Law Society in an effort to make better connections with solicitors.

Charles Russell loses clin neg head as Irwin Mitchell swoops

16-Jul-2010

Charles Russell personal injury and clinical negligence head Amanda Stevens has defected to Irwin Mitchell just months after Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) raided the firm for its London-based medical negligence team.

Withers posts 64 per cent profit rise on back of static turnover

14-Jul-2010

Withers has reported a 64 per cent rise in profitability for the 2009-10 financial year while turnover slid slightly to £92.7m.

Age concern

7-Jul-2010

Firms across the country might think any issues relating to partner retirement age have been ironed out, but one case going through the courts could change all that.

Blackstones' junior ranks on the up

5 July 2010

Blackstone Chambers has bolstered its junior ranks with the addition of commercial practitioners Andreas Gledhill and Leona Powell.

Hope for Halliwells as trio offer takeover deal

5 July 2010

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG), HBJ Gateley Wareing and Hill Dickinson have agreed the basis of a deal that would see the three firms take over the majority of troubled firm Halliwells.

Cooke Young & Keidan

28 June 2010

For many litigators across the City, the prospect of working in a high-powered litigation boutique is attractive.

Halliwells’ assets up for grabs as firm files to go into administration

28 June 2010

Firm in talks with Hill Dickinson and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert after property costs hit balance sheet

Halliwells to appoint administrator; BLG and Hill Dicks vie for assets

25-Jun-2010

Halliwells has filed a notice of its intention to appoint an administrator, with Hill Dickinson and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) understood to be circling to take the firm’s assets.

Discrimination cases

23-Jun-2010

What constitutes mental health discrimination? How can clinical depression be defined from everyday anxiety? These are just some of the issues that have been troubling the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in recent weeks.

Innocent’s loss

14 June 2010

The FSA’s pursuit of Andrew Rimmington and two others for insider trading failed when all three were found not guilty. But is it fair that the loss of his job can be written off as collateral damage?

4NS silk defects to Hailsham "on a matter of principle"

11-Jun-2010

Bernard Livesey QC has quit 4 New Square to join Hailsham Chambers, claiming that a difference of opinion with the former prompted his departure.

Herbies wins payout for BSkyB in long-running EDS dispute

9-Jun-2010

Herbert Smith has secured a £318m payout for client British Sky Broadcasting, which was in dispute with Electronic Data Systems (EDS).

Hallett LJ to chair Judicial Studies Board

9-Jun-2010

Lady Justice Hallett has been appointed as chair of the Judicial Studies Board (JSB) for a three-year term.

Revenue and profit up at Beachcroft for 2009-10

7-Jun-2010

Beachcroft has revealed an 8 per cent rise in turnover at the 2009-10 year end to £131m from £121m a year earlier.

Ex-Schillings chief to open media firm in London

7 June 2010

Celebrity lawyer Simon Smith is to launch his own practice in London six months after quitting Schillings.

Speechly Bircham files High Court claim over unpaid fees

7 June 2010

Speechly Bircham is the latest firm to launch a High Court claim against a client for unpaid fees.

Trial by jury

2-Jun-2010

Once considered to be a bastion of British justice, it appears that trial by jury in libel cases has fallen out of vogue and could soon be stopped altogether.

Fox Williams sues client over unpaid fees

31 May 2010

Fox Williams has launched a £194,000 claim against dialysis product manufacturers Renal Services Holdings for unpaid fees.

Matrix sees record year-end increase in revenue

31 May 2010

Gray’s Inn set Matrix has reported its most successful year-end ever, with turnover increasing 26.5 per cent to £17.2m from £13.6m at the end of 2008-09.

Withers’ BVI expansion boosted by investment

31 May 2010

Withers is to expand its offering in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) a year after it made its first foray into the offshore jurisdiction.

QEB acts for Cheryl and Ashley as the Coles head to divorce courts

27-May-2010

Specialist family set QEB has been instructed to act on both sides of the celbrity divorce of pop star Cheryl Cole and her footballer husband Ashley.

Insurer QBE names new legal chief as incumbent joins MOP

25-May-2010

Commercial insurer QBE has promoted Esther Felton to head of legal replacing Adrian Williams, who is set to join Irish firm Matheson Ormsby Prentice.

Slaughters halts ‘Viking raider’ with High Court assets freeze

24 May 2010

SLAUGHTER and May has secured a High Court freezing order against the assets of Jón Ásgeir Jóhannesson, the former executive ­chairman of retail investor Baugur, on behalf of Icelandic bank Glitnir.

Brave new world

19-May-2010

If the brave new world of British politics is anything to go by traditionalists and modernists can coexist in harmony.

David Wyld chases ex-client for £314K

17 May 2010

David Wyld & Co has launched a claim against former clients Jack and Helga Dadourian over unpaid fees.

Trafigura set to contest Leigh Day’s £105m fee

17 May 2010

Trafigura will vigorously contend the £105m legal fee put forward by Leigh Day & Co, claiming the amount is “wholly unjustified”.

Harbour raises £60m to fund 25 litigation cases

13-May-2010

Third party funder Harbour Litigation Funding has raised  £60m to invest in commercial litigation cases valued above £3m.

Leigh Day claims £105m costs for Trafigura litigation

12-May-2010

Leigh Day & Co has claimed £105m in costs against Trafigura, the company that, it is alleged, was responsible for the dumping of toxic waste in the Ivory Coast.

OFT pulls criminal case after document review failure

11-May-2010

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has withdrawn criminal proceedings against four British Airways (BA) executives who were alleged to have been involved in a multinational price-fixing scam.

BLG makes £20m saving with 10-year lease on HQ

10 May 2010

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) has secured a 10-year lease on its London headquarters, making a saving of more than £20m over the next decade.

Focus: Vivian Robinson QC, SFO, Serious issues

10 May 2010

With its very existence hanging in the balance, the SFO is demanding the powers necessary for it to do its job so that it can then be taken seriously

Risk of lawyer uninsurability ahead of SRA reform

10 May 2010

Lawyers could become an uninsurable risk if the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) fails to reform the professional indemnity (PI) insurance regulations.

Slaughter and May’s scorched earth tactics pay off

5-May-2010

The bitterly fought dispute between Digicel and Cable & Wireless (C&W) was finally laid to rest at the end of last month (23 April) with the High Court ordering claimants Digicel to pay the defendant’s multi-million pound legal fees.

Lewis Silkin loses partner to Stewarts Law

3 May 2010

Lewis Silkin partner Gareth Brahams has quit the firm to launch an employment practice with litigation boutique Stewarts Law.

So-fa no good

28-Apr-2010

There was much trumpeting outside the Royal Courts of Justice last week after Mr Justice MacDuff approved plans for a compensation fund for victims of the toxic sofas scandal.

7 Bedford Row to go down LDP route

26 April 2010

Civil and criminal set 7 Bedford Row (7BR) is mooting plans to employ lawyers and paralegals as part of a legal disciplinary partnership (LDP) following the ­implementation of the Legal Services Act (LSA).

Jackson opposition

21-Apr-2010

Lawyers acting for 18 claimants who won a landmark negligence claim against Corby Borough Council have slammed Lord Justice Jackson’s proposals to move away from the conditional fee agreement (CFA) regime.

Mishcon partner stands up and sees the funny side of his abject failure with women

12 April 2010

Mishcon de Reya partner Danny Davis is a self-confessed attention seeker who spends his evenings performing stand-up comedy across the pubs and clubs of the south.

Quinn Group ruling proves catalyst for professional indemnity transformation

12 April 2010

Ireland’s High Court will today (12 April) decide the fate of insurer Quinn Group and whether to ­confirm its administration formally.

Jacko family to appear as witnesses in Channel 4 libel action

9-Apr-2010

Members of the Jackson pop dynasty will be called to take the witness stand when television broadcaster Channel 4 defends a libel action in the High Court in June.

7 Bedford Row head quits post to join bench

5 April 2010

Civil and criminal set 7 Bedford Row has elected a new head of chambers after incumbent Kate Thirlwall QC left to join the bench.

Assigned risk pool hit by Quinn failure

5 April 2010

The collapse of Irish insurer Quinn could bring about the end of the ­professional indemnity assigned risk pool (ARP), a leading insurance broker has warned.

Libelled lawyer sics Carter-Ruck on site

5 April 2010

A consumer website that claims to “name and shame” underperforming lawyers is being sued for libel by a personal injury lawyer who was criticised on the site.

PI rates expected to soar after Quinn Insurance enters administration

31-Mar-2010

The decision to put Irish insurer Quinn Insurance into administration has sent shockwaves through the market and prompted warnings of dramatic rate hikes across the solicitors’ professional indemnity (PI) market.

Abramovich to answer Berezovsky coercion claims in court

31-Mar-2010

Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich must answer allegations that he used coercive tactics to force former business partner Boris Berezovsky to sell his assets at an undervalued market price, the High Court ruled today.

18 St John Street criminal barrister’s advice gives Corrie plots a real feel

29 March 2010

Barrister Paul Dockery of Manchester set 18 St John Street Chambers has an unusual claim to fame: in his spare time he advises Coronation Street’s script writers on the legal aspects of the show.

Cubism bags chief for employment launch

29 March 2010

London litigation boutique Cubism Law has hired David Buckle from Thames Valley firm BP Collins to launch its ­employment practice.

Walkers follows Maples to Ireland

29 March 2010

Offshore firm Walkers has unveiled plans to open a base in Dublin.

Harrison Grant wins court victory in Heathrow third runway saga

26-Mar-2010

Lord Justice Carnwath has ordered the Government to re-examine its decision to open a third runway at Heathrow.

Breaking bonds

24-Mar-2010

A personnel-poaching case that has rocked the City has cleared its first hurdle, with Mr Justice Jack ruling that broker Tullett Prebon was the victim of a conspiracy when arch rival BGC Brokers poached 10 of its brokers.

Irwin Mitchell in Telegraph link-up

22 March 2010

Irwin Mitchell has signed a deal with Telegraph Media Group (TMG) that will see the paper offering legal ­services to readers.

Judges claimed £48k of expenses during Michaelmas

18-Mar-2010

The country’s most senior judiciary claimed a total of £47,745.23 in expenses during the Michaelmas term.

Defense mechanism

17-Mar-2010

For big name defendants employment discrimination can be a PR catastrophe. Look at 4 New Square.

CC advises on electoral commission inquiry

15 March 2010

The Conservative Party instructed Clifford Chance to advise it on the Electoral Commission’s investigation into party donations made by a ­company owned by Lord Ashcroft, deputy chairman of the party.

No more 'One' at One Temple Gardens

15 March 2010

London set One Temple Gardens has rebranded as Temple Gardens Chambers after expanding into new offices.

Total eclipse of the heart

10-Mar-2010

Over the last year London has become notorious as the destination of choice for libel tourists, almost eclipsing its reputation as the divorce capital of the world. After all, aside from Katie and Peter, celebrity divorce court battles have been thin on the ground in the past 12 months.

Appeal court takes heat off National Grid Ofgem fine

8 March 2010

The court of Appeal (CoA) has halved the fine imposed on National Grid by Ofgem, the gas and ­electricity authority.

Civil unrest as criminal QC appointments escalate

8 March 2010

The QC appointments panel reduced dramatically the number of civil ­barristers who made silk in the 2010 competition, raising ­concerns about whether the appointments process is ­fundamentally flawed.

HFW targets Oz as start of launch trail

8 March 2010

Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) is examining the possibility of opening a third office in Australia, with a Perth launch expected in the next 12 months.

Simmons seals CoA victory in ongoing Buncefield saga

5-Mar-2010

Simmons & Simmons has been handed a major victory by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that oil company Shell could pursue a claim against French oil group Total for loss of profits spiralling out of the Buncefield disaster.

SFO Sighting

3-Mar-2010

The last time campaign groups Corner House Research and Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) clashed with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), then Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted that the Government pushed the SFO into dropping an investigation into BAE Systems.

Beachcroft hikes health with Eversheds lateral

1 March 2010

Beachcroft has raided Eversheds for public sector real estate partner Eve ­Gregory in a move designed to bolster the firm’s health practice further.

One Essex Ct vs Herbies: back from the brink

1 March 2010

Crisis talks over unpaid fees rescue litigation titans’ relationship

High Court ruling could put legal complaints staff jobs at risk

26-Feb-2010

Legal Complaints Services (LSC) staff are at risk of redundancy following a High Court ruling that said a new service for handling legal complaints is not legally required to employ them.

Eversheds partner awarded silk in 129-strong round

26-Feb-2010

The Queen’s Counsel selection panel has handed silk to 129 of the 275 barristers who applied for the coveted title, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today.

White & Case and Sumption lose Norris extradition battle

24-Feb-2010

White & Case has lost its long running battle with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) over the extradition of businessman Ian Norris.

Neuberger MR calls for regulatory reform as ABS timeline is unveiled

23-Feb-2010

The Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger has called for the regulatory “maze” introduced by the Legal Services Act (LSA) to be simplified by the Legal Services Board (LSB).

Blandy & Blandy

22 February 2010

Thames Valley firm Blandy & Blandy has survived tougher things than the recession during its 275-year history.

Dinah Rose QC hailed for actions that led her to apologise in torture hearing

22 February 2010

An apology from a ­leading barrister to the ­country’s most senior ­judiciary in the Court of Appeal is not an everyday occurrence, but that is ­exactly what happened ­earlier this month (The Lawyer.com, 11 February).

Outer Temple goes global with post-LSA strategy

22 February 2010

Outer Temple International set to revolutionise barrister model

Media frenzy

17-Feb-2010

The rise in the number of media interventions in cases appears to be the result of an orchestrated attack by defendant media lawyers on their claimant counterparts.

Appeal decision erodes banks’ anti-crime tactics

15 February 2010

The Court of Appeal has ruled that bank customers whose transactions are delayed because of money laundering suspicions will have the right to challenge banks’ decisions.

Stewarts Law swoops for PwC Legal litigator

15 February 2010

Litigation firm Stewarts Law has hired PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Legal commercial litigation head Paul Brehony as a partner.

Dinah Rose QC apologises to court for handing Sumption letter to press

11-Feb-2010

Blackstone Chambers’ Dinah Rose QC was forced to apologise to the country’s most senior judiciary after it emerged that she passed a vital letter relating to the Binyam Mohamed torture case to the press.

A serious settlement

10-Feb-2010

The Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) decision to settle its investigation into arms maker BAE Systems highlights significant disparities between how corporate fraud is dealt with in the UK and US.

Linklaters partner appointed new Unilever legal chief

8-Feb-2010

Unilever has reshuffled its legal management team with UK and Ireland general counsel Tonia Lovell stepping into the chief legal officer and company secretary position.

Shoosmiths launches consumer brand in bid to corner volume market

1-Feb-2010

Shoosmiths is the latest firm to launch a consumer brand in a bid to shore up its competitiveness ahead of the implementation of the Legal Services Act.

20 Essex St QC joins human rights set Doughty St

1 February 2010

Human rights barrister Tim Otty QC has left 20 Essex Street to join civil rights set Doughty Street Chambers.

Nicola Davies QC becomes High Court judge

1 February 2010

Nicola Davies QC has been appointed a High Court judge to sit in the Queen’s Bench Division.

Reaching for the Sky

27-Jan-2010

British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) has been battling with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) for the last seven years after the latter agreed to install a customer relationship management (CRM) system in 2000.

Herbies and Brick Court seal victory in long-awaited BSkyB judgment

26-Jan-2010

Herbert Smith and Brick Court’s Mark Howard QC have won a major victory in the Technology and Construction Court for British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB).

Olswang instructs Serle Court for RBS shareholder action

25-Jan-2010

Serle Court barrister Philip Marshall QC has been instructed by Olswang partner Steven Baker to act for a group of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) shareholders in a legal action against the bank.

Clydes cherrypicks Shadbolt practices

25 January 2010

Shadbolt is to disband next month, with the bulk of its partnership set to join Clyde & Co.

Leathes Prior faced with £1.5m negligence claim over IP contract

25 January 2010

Norwich firm Leathes Prior Solicitors has been landed with a £1.5m professional negligence claim from a company that takes new inventions to market.

The Jackson report: PI claimant lawyers rue detrimental effect on access to justice

25 January 2010

The personal injury (PI) claimant market has launched an all-out assault on Lord Justice Jackson’s report into civil legal costs, arguing that his proposals would actually impede access to justice.

A question of success

20-Jan-2010

Last week we had Lord Justice Jackson’s review of civil just costs.

Farrers raids City to build corporate service

18 January 2010

Farrer & Co has made a rare foray into the lateral hiring market, taking on three partners and a consultant in a bid to beef up its corporate-related practices.

Matthew Arnold boosts litigation team

18 January 2010

?Matthew Arnold & Baldwin has hired BP Collins’ former head of ­litigation Tim Constable.

Jackson proposes sweeping reforms to cut litigation costs

14-Jan-2010

Significant reforms should be introduced to prevent litigation costs from spiralling, Lord Justice Jackson announced today as he unveiled his long-awaited review into the cost of civil litigation.

Tiger Woods' UK lawyer quits Schillings

12-Jan-2010

Schillings partner Simon Smith has left the media boutique weeks after winning a controversial injunction on behalf of golfer Tiger Woods.

Kings’ new chambers head vows to grow Leeds base

11 January 2010

Manchester-based Kings Chambers has appointed Nicholas Braslavsky QC as head of the set.

RJW swoops for FFW partner

11 January 2010

Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) has appointed Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) partner Rosemary Rollason to head its new regulation and professional discipline team.

Top 10 cases of 2010: The battles commence

11 January 2010

The next 12 months promise to be a barnstormer for litigation. These are the cases to watch

The bar mourns Sir Ian Brownlie QC

6-Jan-2010

The sudden death of Sir Ian Brownlie QC has left the world of international law mourning the loss of one of its most prominent figures.

Blackstone Chambers mourns death of Sir Ian Brownlie QC

5-Jan-2010

Human rights and civil liberties silk Sir Ian Brownlie QC has died in a car accident in Egypt.

Kings head becomes law commissioner

4 January 2010

The Law Commission has appointed Kings Chambers chief Frances ­Patterson QC as a law commissioner.

Withy King signs deal with insurer FirstAssist

4 January 2010

South West firm Withy King is the latest to sign a delegated authority deal with an after-the-event insurer.

Baker & McKenzie wins injunction against BA strike action

17-Dec-2009

The High Court has ruled that strikes planned by British Airways cabin crew over the Christmas period are illegal.

Bindmans and Blackstone win Supreme Court victory in Jewish school case

17-Dec-2009

The Supreme Court has upheld a Court of Appeal ruling that it was illegal for a Jewish school to refuse entry to a boy because his mother was not recognised as Jewish by the Office of the Chief Rabbi.

Litigation wave finally arrives to usher in the New Year

14 December 2009

A clear trend is emerging in litigation markets: the global recession has spawned a wave of high-value ­multijurisdictional disputes. It took months for the upswing to take hold, but in August - typically a quiet month for ­litigators - the instructions started to roll in.

MoJ rebuffs plan to replace cab rank rule

14 December 2009

Proposals to scrap the bar’s longstanding cab rank rule have been rejected by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Speechly boosts IP team with Nabarro hire

14 December 2009

Speechly Bircham has turned to Nabarro for the hire of competition partner Robert Bell.

Sumption quits race for seat in Supreme Court

9-Dec-2009

Brick Court’s Jonathan Sumption QC has withdrawn his application to join the Supreme Court.

Eady J hits back at Mail editor over freedom of speech row

7 December 2009

Mr Justice Eady put his head above the parapet last week to take a swipe at Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre, who ­created a media storm when he accused the judge of introducing privacy laws via the back door.

Extradition centre stage at Supreme Court

2-Dec-2009

Beachcroft ups support nous with Capita hire

30 November 2009

Beachcroft has hired former Capita relationship director Janet Scott for its new chief operating officer position.

Financial Services Bill – the compromise

30 November 2009

Mention collective redress to an insurer and they will instinctively ­mutter about the dangers of a US class action system being introduced in the UK. Claimant lawyers, by ­contrast, will dismiss those fears and talk about the lack of access to justice in the English and Welsh courts.

Sumption to lead last-ditch Norris extradition hearing at Supreme Court

27-Nov-2009

Nine Supreme Court Justices to hear Norris case on Monday

OFT bank charges investigation derailed by Supreme Court ruling

25-Nov-2009

The Office of Fair Trading loses two-year fight to investigate overdraft charges by high street banks

Clydes and Shadbolt lay foundations for merger

23 November 2009

Construction boutique Shadbolt Law has completed a strategic review that has ended with the firm looking to tie up with EC3 giant Clyde & Co.

McClures goes after concert promoter for fees

23 November 2009

Scottish firm McClure Naismith has launched a High Court claim against concert promoter Mark Lundquist in a row over unpaid fees.

Clydes in merger talks with Shadbolt

19-Nov-2009

Clyde & Co is in preliminary talks to tie up with construction firm Shadbolt, The Lawyer can reveal.

Gibraltar's chief justice should go after "disreputable" behaviour

17-Nov-2009

The behaviour of Gibraltar’s top legal chief has brought his office into disrepute and he should be removed from the post, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has ruled.

Eversheds wins VW Financial Services role

16 November 2009

Volkswagen Financial Services UK (VWFS) has appointed Eversheds as its sole adviser on employment issues.

The Hendy-man can

11-Nov-2009

When he stood down as head of Old Square chambers in April John Hendy QC was hoping his workload would lighten slightly.

Fountain Ct faces One Essex Ct in Russian showdown

09 November 2009

Fountain Court Chambers’ Michael Brindle QC went to the High Court last week (2 November) in a bid to strike out a $5bn (£3.05bn) claim against his client, Russian billionaire and Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.

Sit back and relax

4-Nov-2009

Perhaps it is because the set sits outside the Inns of Court or maybe because of the non-commercial nature of the work its members are involved in, but Doughty Street Chambers has an atmosphere that is decidedly more relaxed than many of its commercial peers.

9 Gough Sq chief exec to quit law for property investment

02 November 2009

The chief executive of London set 9 Gough Square has resigned from the post and will launch a ­property ­investment company when he steps down next March.

DAC raids rivals for fresh talent to boost contentious capabilities

02 November 2009

Davies Arnold Cooper (DAC) has made a trio of partner hires in an effort to beef up its contentious ­capabilities.

JV sees emergence of new litigation funder

02 November 2009

A new player is seeking to enter the buoyant litigation funding market and is ­looking to raise £50m to invest in cases.

RJW launches Hiscox-backed volume service for lawyers

02 November 2009

Hiscox to underwrite compliance push for post-LSA era. Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) has moved a step closer to realising its post-Legal Services Act (LSA) ambitions by signing a deal with insurer Hiscox that will see it offer a Claims Direct-style service to a more specialised market.

Withers faces renewed claim from Marco Pierre White

28-Oct-2009

Withers is to face a renewed court claim from celebrity chef Marco Pierre White after the Court of Appeal ruled yesterday that the firm must answer the case.

Hardwicke hire kicks off insurance drive

26 October 2009

Hardwicke Building is to launch an insurance ­practice after appointing Vivien Frew as senior ­practice manager.

Lawyers leap to Carter-Ruck’s defence

26 October 2009

Freedom of speech is the pride of the UK, but with it comes a duty of responsibility. So when newspaper ­editors start complaining that their freedoms have been curtailed, it becomes a concern for the nation.

Sets introduce contracts to ensure firms pay up

26 October 2009

Chambers to demand formal agreements from firms on litigation

20 Essex Street to set up shop in Singapore

19 October 2009

London set 20 Essex Street will break with ­tradition by expanding its international practice via an office opening in Singapore.

Mishcon de Reya CFA saves RSPCA will case from scrap heap

19 October 2009

Mishcon de Reya acted on a no-win no-fee arrangement for Christine Gill, the university lecturer who won the legal battle against the RSPCA over her mother’s will.

Stewarts Law to set up antitrust arm in Leeds

19 October 2009

Litigation boutique Stewarts Law is to launch an antitrust litigation practice after poaching Eversheds ­litigator Jonathan Sinclair.

Zenith seeks forward-thinking chief exec

19 October 2009

Leeds set Zenith Chambers is the latest set to embrace the role of chief executive, with the retirement of practice ­director Rob Butchard prompting the move.

Blackstone's Dinah Rose QC strikes another blow to Government on Equitable case

15-Oct-2009

The Government must reassess how it compensated former Equitable Life pension policyholders after the High Court rejected attempts to quash a parliamentary ombudsman report into the near collapse of the insurer.

Appeal Court rejects MoD's attempt to cut wounded soldiers' compensation

13-Oct-2009

Attempts made by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to cut the amount of compensation awarded to two wounded soldiers have been thwarted in the Court of Appeal.

2 Hare Court appoints new head of chambers

12 October 2009

Inner Temple set 2 Hare Court has named Orlando Pownall QC as its new head of chambers.

RWP prepares GLO to battle banks over ‘unfair’ mortgages

12 October 2009

South East firm RWP Solicitors has secured a group litigation order (GLO) for 126 claimants in High Court proceedings against Bank of Scotland (BOS) and Barclays over allegedly unfair mortgages.

CC's London chief wins global litigation crown

7-Oct-2009

Clifford Chance has elected London managing partner Jeremy Sandelson as its new global head of litigation.

Withers names New York partner as first Asia senior partner

6-Oct-2009

Withers has appointed Joe Field to the newly created role of Asia senior partner and has sent two associates from London to be based in Hong Kong.

SRA to pilot post-Hunt regulatory regime

5-Oct-2009

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has joined up with a raft of City firms to pilot a new approach to City law firm regulation.

Blackstone chiefs set to stand again

05 October 2009

Blackstone Chambers barristers will decide on Friday (9 October) whether Ian Mill QC and Thomas Beazley QC have the support to stand for another term as joint heads of chambers.

Forsters bolsters tax team numbers

05 October 2009

Mayfair firm Forsters has bolstered its tax team with the hire of Halliwells partner Elizabeth Small.

Lovells pilots female mentoring scheme

05 October 2009

Lovells is piloting a female mentoring scheme that is aimed at bolstering partner and employee engagement at the firm.

Peters & Peters duo prepare to fight extradition of Russian billionaire

05 October 2009

Russian oligarch Yvegeny Chichvarkin has instructed Peters & Peters head of fraud Michael O’Kane and partner Anand Doobay to fight an extradition order issued by the Russian ­government.

Freshfields advises Hays on appeal of £30m OFT fine

1-Oct-2009

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer competition partners Jon Lawrence and Jenny Connolly are advising recruitment agency Hays on a possible appeal of a £30m fine imposed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

Mishcon offers clients litigation funding packages

28 September 2009

Mishcon de Reya is moving into the litigation funding market in a bid to cut costs for clients and ultimately boost its client list.

Quadrant boosts pupillage award

28 September 2009

Quadrant Chambers is to raise its pupillage award by more than a third in a move that will intensify the war for talent at the bar.

Dinah Rose QC wins landmark retirement case for Government

25-Sep-2009

Blackstone Chambers’ Dinah Rose QC has won a major victory for the Government that will make it legal for employers to retire employees at the age of 65.

What defines a legal victory?

23-Sep-2009

Oil company Trafigura’s media lawyers at Carter Ruck have been busy issuing libel writs defending the company against allegations relating to a major litigation that it settled last week.

Collas Day moots Jersey launch as part of expansion strategy

21 September 2009

Guernsey-headquartered Collas Day has set out ambitious expansion plans that could involve a move into Jersey next year.

Manches lusts after Halliwells’ best bits

21 September 2009

Manches is hoping to acquire the most profitable parts of Halliwells’ business despite abandoning merger talks with the firm.

Plexus Law takes over insurance boutique

21 September 2009

Professional indemnity firm Plexus Law has acquired insurance boutique Squire & Co.

Manches abandons Halliwells merger talks

17-Sep-2009

Manches has pulled out of merger talks with Halliwells after the two firms seriously considered a tie-up, TheLawyer.com can reveal.

BLG hires Shanghai chief

16-Sep-2009

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) has hired the head of US firm Fredrikson & Byron’s China practice.

Maitland Group throws in the towel after one year in Cayman

14 September 2009

Offshore services firm Maitland Group has ­abandoned plans to become a player in the offshore legal world, closing its Cayman Islands office a year after launching in the jurisdiction.

Neuberger gains political clout after attacking Supreme Court

14 September 2009

Lord Justice David Neuberger’s appointment as Master of the Rolls (MR), a position he will take up next month, is being hailed by many as ­signalling a thawing of relations between the judiciary and the political world.

Smaller firms bear brunt as insurers raise professional indemnity rates

14 September 2009

Lawyers on all levels are suffering the worst economic downturn in more than a decade.

Bevan Brittan in second round of redundancy talks

10-Sep-2009

Bevan Brittan has launched a second redundancy consultation in a bid to stave off wider cuts at a later date.

Ship-shape

9-Sep-2009

When Eversheds named Ian Gray as its next London litigation chief, many assumed the post was only left vacant because the outgoing boss, John Heaps, wanted to move up the ladder. Almost two years later and Gray has reshaped the practice, brought in some new blood and read the riot act to the bar.

Crow Bar

UK200 2009

While law firms are struggling, many barristers are enjoying a boom. Katy Dowell reveals some of the winners in the turbulent economic climate

Clydes to work Gaddafi connections

7 September

Libya may not be the most popular country in the West right now, but for Clyde & Co, which acts for Colonel Gaddafi, it offers lucrative business opportunities.

Focus: Clyde & Co, Clydes’ strides

7 September

Libya, Iraq, St Petersburg… Why Clyde & Co is not afraid of risk. For a firm with such a staid reputation, it is remarkable how much Clyde & Co has embraced risk.

Olswang acts for US shock jock against ex-Home Secretary

7 September

Olswang media partner Dan Tench has been instructed by US shock jock Michael Savage to launch libel proceedings against the former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

Doughty Street goes national with Bristol launch

2-Sep-2009

Civil liberties set Doughty Street Chambers will open in Bristol after Old Square Chambers’ barrister Daniel Bennett defected to the set.

Forsters targets Middle East, Africa with Radcliffes capture

31 August 2009

Private client and ­property boutique Forsters has hired former ­RadcliffesLeBrasseur ­private client chief Kelly Noel-Smith.

Revealed: gloomy prospects fail to deter wannabe partners

31 August 2009

YouGov survey finds greater proportion of junior lawyers coveting partnership in year that promotions nosedive

SRA board responds to City ire with big firm appointments

31 August 2009

?The newly appointed board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is littered with City stars, highlighting a change in direction for the SRA, which has come under fire for failing to address the concerns of major commercial firms.

Henderson Chambers helps BVC student win better grades from Cardiff Uni

28-Aug-2009

London set Henderson Chambers has won a High Court battle for a law student who refused to accept the low marks Cardiff University gave her for the Bar Vocational Course (BVC).

Positive thoughts

26-Aug-2009

The 2008-09 year-end figures for Lovells’ litigation practice show that the group is beginning to benefit from the disputes arising from the economic downturn. The litigation practice has increased fee income by 27.3 per cent from £95.8m a year earlier to £122m.

Beachcroft adds health team to nascent Dublin office

13-Aug-2009

Beachcroft has bolstered its fledgling Dublin office with the hire of a four-strong team from local Irish firms.

Chambers overtake law firms in pay battle for junior talent

10 August 2009

Barristers’ chambers hike pupil pay by a third, but newly qualified solicitor salary cuts spread across the UK

Beachcroft hires health specialist to lead new unit

6-Aug-2009

Beachcroft has appointed the former chair of the Healthcare Commission to spearhead a new health advisory unit at the firm.

39 Essex Street sets sights on Dubai launch

3 August 2009

?London set 39 Essex Street is to open in Dubai later this year, The Lawyercan reveal.

Closing the gap

22-Jul-2009

Norton Rose’s global litigation chief Antony Dutton has some big ambitions. He is on a mission to fill gaps in the firm’s litigation practices.

Outer Temple gears up for Saudi launch

20 July 2009

Outer Temple Chambers is looking to expand its presence in the Middle East by opening in Saudi Arabia.

Litigation leads as BLG posts turnover rise

17-Jul-2009

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert has posted a 6.4 per cent rise in turnover from £81.7m to £86.9m at the 2008-09 year-end.

Bevan Brittan stages comeback by smashing profit target

16-Jul-2009

Bristol-headquartered firm Bevan Brittan has broken through its profitability target, reporting profits at the 2008-09 year end of £8.6m.

No Clout

13-Jul-2009

As an offshore jurisdiction the Isle of Man was lacking the presence of an offshore giant.

Irwin Mitchell hikes trainee places by 20 per cent

13 July 2009

Irwin Mitchell has bucked the market trend by ­unveiling plans to ramp up its September 2009 trainee intake while its peers look to slim down retention rates.

Lord Neuberger tipped as next Master of Rolls

13 July 2009

Speculation is ­mounting at the bar that Lord David Neuberger will become the 95th Master of the Rolls (MR) when the incumbent MR Anthony Clarke joins the Supreme Court in October.

It's time

8-Jul-2009

At what age can a firm justify retiring a partner? Age discrimination legislation is an area woefully short of legal clarification. The snowballing case that is Seldon v Clarkson Wright & Jakes (CWJ) started off with a partner suing his firm on grounds of age discrimination. It has escalated into a battle between government and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Bindmans chief executive takes a break

6 July 2009

Bindmans is on the lookout for a chief executive after ­incumbent Nick Martin left the firm at the end of June. The firm said Martin was taking a career break.

Mishcon’s profit hit as property team struggles

6 July 2009

Mishcon de Reya has seen net profit slide by 17.9 per cent at the 2008-09 financial year-end, with the firm’s property practice hit the hardest.

Guildhall Chambers silk tackles Lions legal role

2-Jul-2009

The lawyer for the British & Irish Lions rugby team is looking forward to Saturday’s final test with cautious optimism, pointing out that the fact the team has been hampered by injuries makes the result difficult to call.

Let's hear it for The Hoff

1-Jul-2009

Today will go down as being one of the most memorable of Lord Hoffmann’s career.

Beachcroft in volume push as it mulls B2 brand expansion

29 June 2009

Beachcroft is considering expanding its volume business, called ‘B2 from Beachcroft’, into property and employment work.

EC3 firms outpace City rivals with record results

29 June 2009

… and more to come as London’s leading insurance firms predict ‘tidal wave’ of litigation

It's good to talk

25-Jun-2009

Many litigators argue that access to justice is hampered in London’s courts because litigation in London is just too expensive. Lord Justice Jackson will publish a report later this year outlining exactly how he feels this situation can be improved.

On the shelf

24-Jun-2009

The London litigation market is often lamented as being the most expensive in the world. Yet with innovative solutions being offered by the alternative funding market, is it really a difficult place to get access to justice?

Mishcon shifts family into private client

22 June 2009

Mishcon de Reya is to revamp its private client practice to bring its flagship family practice into the fold.

Top London sets circle Singapore

22 June 2009

London set 20 Essex Street and members of Essex Court Chambers are in advanced talks to take space in Singapore’s flagship arbitration centre Maxwell Chambers, The Lawyer can reveal.

Between a rock and a hard place

17-Jun-2009

Tensions have been simmering between Gibraltar’s suspended Chief Justice Derek Schofield and its Governor Sir Robert Fulton for almost a decade.

Kennedys' mergers pay off with 30 per cent revenue hike

16-Jun-2009

Consecutive years of major investment has paid off for commercial litigation firm Kennedys, which has reported a 30.7 per cent jump in turnover at the 2008-09 year end.

Blackstone silk knighted in birthday honours list

15-Jun-2009

Blackstone Chambers’ Ian Brownlie QC and Clifford Chance partner Michael Smyth are the only lawyers to have been honoured by the Queen in her annual Birthday Honours List.

Forsters centre stage on South Bank project

15 June 2009

Property and private client firm Forsters has been appointed by London’s National Theatre (NT) to advise it on the development of its South Bank site over the next four years.

Group of chambers convince law lords that control orders breach human rights

10-Jun-2009

A group of bar heavyweights have won a major victory in the House of Lords, which today unanimously ruled that the use of control orders breaches the fundamental right to a fair hearing.

Steep competition

8-Jun-2009

While many onshore firms are still waiting for a litigation boom to kick off, the offshore world is a step ahead and vying for position as the leading offshore litigation centres.

Trethowans’ new chief shakes up management

8 June 2009

Trethowans has unveiled a new management line-up following the appointment of Simon Rhodes as ­managing partner.

Woolf reforms: lawyers continue to wrangle over merits a decade on

8 June 2009

Has access to justice been impaired by mediation coercion? asks Katy Dowell

Clydes targets Indian market with local firm alliance

4-Jun-2009

Clyde & Co has broken into the Indian legal market after forming an alliance with Indian firm ALMT Legal.

BLG tight-lipped on fee-earner redundancies as 49 staff enter consultation

1-Jun-2009

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) has launched a redundancy consultation with 49 staff  and an undisclosed number of fee earners.

Davenport comes good for Private Eye in Irwin Mitchell privacy battle

1 June 2009

DAVENPORT Lyons has won a Court of Appeal victory for satirical magazine Private Eye against Irwin Mitchell that could result in complaints made against law firms being made available to the public.

New signing prompts Atkins name change

1 June 2009

?Libel and privacy lawyer Mark Thomson is to join West End boutique Atkins Solicitors from media firm Carter Ruck. Thomson will join the firm as a named partner and Atkins will rebrand as Atkins Thomson. The media partner has been instructed in several high-profile cases and has acted for celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Keira Knightley and Hugh Laurie. He specialises in media law with a particular emphasis on privacy issues. Atkins was established in 2006 by Graham Atkins.

Reed Smith HK helps forge $1.3bn China IPO listing

1 June 2009

THE HONG Kong arm of Reed Smith has advised on one of the largest Asian IPOs this year, winning an instruction from China Zhongwang Holdings on its $1.3bn (£800m) listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Irwin Mitchell boss steps down from LSB after Private Eye complaint

28-May-2009

Irwin Mitchell senior partner Michael Napier has resigned from the Legal Services Board (LSB) after the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) re-opened an investigation into him and the firm.

Herbies finds 84 volunteers to take redundancy

26-May-2009

Herbert Smith has concluded its redundancy consultation with all those due to leave the firm opting for voluntary redundancy.

3 Stone Buildings QC leads BVI Commercial Court

25 May 2009

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has launched a Commercial Court, with 3 Stone Buildings counsel Edward Bannister QC appointed as its first presiding judge.

Cripps staff bag bonus after hitting targets

25 May 2009

South-EAST firm Cripps Harries Hall is awarding bonuses after the firm beat its targeted profit margin by 2.5 percent to hit £5.2m.

Regional courts help shift London admin onus

25 May 2009

High Court judges are to sit in Administrative Court centres in Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds and Manchester to encourage more lawyers to make use of their local legal facilities.

Does it count (erfeit)?

20-May-2009

If counterfeit goods have been sold via an online auction house who should take responsibility for cracking down on the couterfeiters - the manufacturer whose goods have been cloned or the online auction house which provides the sales outlet?

Firms break mould and pull together to recover lost billions of Madoff scam

18 May 2009

Retrieving cash from the fraudster’s companies is proving challenging.

Jackson review reviewed

13-May-2009

Lord Justice Jackson gave us all some weekend reading last Friday with a 1,000-page preliminary report on his review of civil litigation costs. And what a document it is.

Offshore galore

12-May-2009

Are there early signs that some offshore firms are starting to adjust to the new economic climate?

Fladgate hire signals employment advance

11 May 2009

Fladgate Fielder is expanding its employment practice after hiring Charles Russell partner Brian Palmer as its employment chief.

New director to push Hardwicke overhaul

11 May 2009

Hardwicke Building is completely overhauling its structure and organising into four key client divisions as it aims to break into The Lawyer top 20 sets by ­revenue within five years.

BLG insurance trio in Clydes switch

4 May 2009

Clyde & Co has swooped on Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) to hire insurance partners Roger Doulton, Neil Beresford and Toby Rogers.

Chaos as MoJ scuppers litigation reform

4 May 2009

Judges and politicians at loggerheads as Jackson review kicked into the long grass

O’Kane promoted to head Peters & Peters’ fraud dept

4 May 2009

Fraud and regulatory boutique Peters & Peters has promoted Michael O’Kane to lead its fraud practice.

RJW move sees London offices come together

4 May 2009

Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) is set to bring its two London offices under one roof after completing a deal to move into refurbished premises in Chancery Lane.

Miners compensation scandal: Nulty struck off

30-Apr-2009

Andrew Nulty, the lawyer who boasted of his £13m fortune, has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal for his part in the miners’ compensation scandal.

Beachcroft targets litigation in promotions round

27-Apr-2009

Beachcroft has promoted nine to the partnership, with the focus heavily on dispute resolution for the second consecutive year.

BlackBerry injunction forces Chinese wall on DLA

27 April 2009

DLA Piper has installed Chinese walls in its litigation group after BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (Rim) instructed Allen & Overy (A&O) to seek an injunction against the firm.

Cains wins prestigious Queen’s Award

27 April 2009

Offshore firm Cains has been presented with a Queen’s Award

Dickinson Cruickshank duo desert to establish offshore boutique business

27 April 2009

ISLE OF MAN firm Dickinson Cruickshank has lost two partners who have defected to launch their own boutique on the offshore jurisdiction.

Matrix loses silk to Doughty Street

27 April 2009

Matrix Chambers silk Heather Rogers QC is leaving the set to join Doughty Street Chambers.

In good defence

22-Apr-2009

Linklaters is quids in. At the end of a case that could have seen the firm paying $55m (£37m) damages to Baltic telecoms company Levicom the firm has been ordered to pay just £5 in nominal damages (see blog).

Brick Court lures Lord Hoffmann as door tenant

20 April 2009

Retiring Law Lord, Lord Hoffmann, is joining Brick Court Chambers as a door tenant.

City Lawyers Soc slams LSB for shunning review

20 April 2009

The City of London Law Society (CLLS) has urged the Legal Services Board (LSB) to acknowledge ­corporate clients in its ­regulatory agenda.

Hextalls back on firm footing

20 April 2009

The speed at which insurance firm Hextalls went into a prepacked administration last week (15 April) left the resultant firm having to make some quick decisions about its future.

Mishcon adds two rungs to career ladder

20 April 2009

West End firm Mishcon de Reya has created two new positions in the pathway to partnership following an 18-month review of its career structure.

Howard Kennedy in talks to cut 40 jobs

17-Apr-2009

West End firm Howard Kennedy has launched a second round of redundancy talks, with 40 jobs potentially at risk.

Legal Services Board strives for excellence

16-Apr-2009

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has promised to develop “excellence” in legal services regulation in its first business plan.

Hausfeld to appeal class action decision

15-Apr-2009

Hausfeld is to appeal a High Court decision that effectively spelt the end for US-style class actions in English and Welsh courts (see blog ).

Mighty United

15-Apr-2009

Last November the European Commission issued a green paper on Consumer Collective Redress which highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and united approach to group actions across Europe.

Family Court transparency: has New Labour reneged on its promise?

13 April 2009

In December last year Lord Chancellor Jack Straw QC declared that the ­Government would propose to change the law to allow access to the Family Court so that justice could be seen to be done.

Hextalls strives to fight back from the brink

13 April 2009

Firm identifies insurance and litigation as post-administration saviours

Nabarro seeks unpaid fees from Uno Group

13 April 2009

Nabarro has issued a High Court claim against shopfitters Uno Group in a bid to recover more than £50,000 in fees.

Able & Wired

8-Apr-2009

One of the most popular litigation double acts act will be back in court at the end of the month. Slaughter & May has instructed One Essex Court’s Lord Grabiner QC to defend a $100m claim against its client Cable & Wireless (C&W).

Forsters four defy Withers legal action

6 April 2009

Two out of four exiting partners have departed Withers for Forsters despite the former threatening legal action.

Ozannes looks east as new chief spreads his wings

6 April 2009

Offshore firm Ozannes is to break with tradition by looking to expand into new jurisdictions following the appointment of Peter Ferbrache to senior partner.

Eversheds tells staff to stay at home

1-Apr-2009

Eversheds has asked lawyers to work from home today as anti-capitalist protesters threaten to overthrow the City of London.

Fladgate triumphs in £17m planning row

30 March 2009

The High Court has thrown out a £17m claim brought against Fladgate Fielder by Land Securities.

RJW rewrites rulebook with direct equity hire

30 March 2009

Russell Jones & Walker (RHW) is breaking with ­tradition and looking to hire directly into its equity after making its first-ever lateral equity partner hire.

Stewarts in family way with two hires

30 March 2009

Litigation boutique Stewarts Law has hired a partner apiece from Manches and Withers as it bids to compete with them in the family sphere.

Week one: The Apprentice analysed...

26-Mar-2009

He’s back. Sir Alan and his wannabe apprentices returned to our screens last night for some back-to-basics style business. And who was first to get the chop? Law graduate Anita Shah.

High Court loss

25-Mar-2009

Davies Arnold Cooper (DAC) partner Nick Young will be licking his wounds this week after a being on the receiving end of a major High Court loss that could cost his client more than £1bn.

UK boutique merges with America's McGuireWoods

25-Mar-2009

London-based boutique Grundberg Mocatta Rakison (GMR) has merged with US firm McGuireWoods with the UK arm set to trade under the name McGuireWoods London.

SJ Berwin changes focus with Hong Kong launch

23-Mar-2009

SJ Berwin has hired Dewey & LeBoeuf’s joint Hong Kong chief to spearhead the launch of its first Asian office.

Eversheds reduces sets from 90 to 15

23 March 2009

Eversheds is to radically overhaul its use of the external bar in a drive to increase competition for its work.

Thirteen Old Sq benefits from QC’s Erskine exit

23 March 2009

Erskine Chambers has lost litigation stalwart David Oliver QC to Thirteen Old Square Chambers.

Maitland wins fraud case for pub chain JD Wetherspoon

Online

Catherine Newman QC of Maitland Chambers has won a High Court victory on behalf of JD Wetherspoon (JDW).