A claim against law firm Middleton Potts that started off at almost £30m before being reduced to some £200,000 has finally settled.
The £108,000 paid by Middleton Potts into court by way of security will be retu-rned to the firm with interest.
The case against the firm and partner Richard Schmidt, brought by a subsidiary of Scottish engineering company Amec, advised by Addleshaw Goddard lawyer Philip O’Loughlin , ended after four days. Roger Stewart QC of Four New Square was Middleton Potts’ counsel.
The claimants’ independent witness said in relation to one of his main witness statements: “There are a number of inconsistencies. I signed it. I will stand by the consequences, but quite clearly, when you question me, I cannot now accept these witness statements as under oath.”
Correspondence between the claimants and defence lawyers Kennedys showed the claimants were originally seeking between £23.3m and £29.9m. They claimed that Middleton Potts’ negligence led to them not being able to purchase land within a development. The claimants subsequently re-duced the claim to £200,000 plus costs.
Kingsley Napley wins top Bindmans partner
Kingsley Napley has recruited Bindman & Partners’ head of clinical negligence and personal injury (PI) Terrence Donovan (left). He will maintain his clinical negligence practice and develop the firm’s personal injury specialisation. The Kingsley Napley clinical negligence and PI department now has four partners and six solicitors.