Public Sector/Local Authority
The Lawyer
Walker Morris, In Brief (banking, energy, IP, litigation, public sector, real estate, tax) weblink
Bring Your Own Device Guidance issued by ICO.
Proposed changes to annual return and the Register of Charities from 2014 weblink
Proposed changes to Register of Charities from 2014.
The starter bell sounds for round two of the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund weblink
The Department for Education aims to contribute £392m for the current financial year to the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund.
Open slather to review planning and other ACT government decisions? download
Green’s minister Shane Rattenbury has introduced the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Amendment Bill 2013 into the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The challenges for local authority and housing association joint ventures download
There is increasing interest by local authorities in joining with housing associations and developers in joint ventures.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) reforms — consultation weblink
Many local authorities have come to appreciate the particular financial dynamics of large strategic sites.
First revised draft General Block Exemption Regulation for state aid published for consultation weblink
The European Commission has published the first revised draft GBER for consultation.
EU Procurement Update — May 2013 weblink
DLA Piper has released issue 13 of its EU Procurement Update.
E:gen — May 2013 issue weblink
The May 2013 issue of Winckworth Sherwood’s E-gen publication is available now.
Public international law
Public international law is of increasing relevance to our clients, both in contentious and non-contentious matters.
Public law
Advising on both transactions and litigation, our public law team has proven its world-class expertise covering all aspects of public economic law.
Empty property rates relief: High Court decision download
Shoosmiths discusses the High Court’s decision in Kenya Aid Programme v Sheffield City Council.
Procurement Update — Spring 2013 weblink
The spring 2013 issue of Walker Morris’s Procurement Update covers topics such as the EU procurement reforms, the Utilities Directive and NHS healthcare services.
Tenants could 'struggle to adjust' to monthly benefit payment, says Winckworth Sherwood
Winckworth Sherwood has expressed concerns over the UK benefit system changes.
Minerals and waste
We can help with business disposals, joint ventures and acquisitions and land management pending extraction.
Public law
Our aim is to use public law principles to help you achieve your social and commercial objectives within a robust legal and governance structure.
Law360 Rising Stars list recognises Hogan Lovells partner Mike McGill
Hogan Lovells has announced that Washington DC partner Mike McGill has been named on this year’s Law360 Rising Stars list.
EU Procurement Update — April 2013 weblink
This is the 12th issue of DLA Piper’s Procurement Update, a newsletter for those with an interest in public procurement law.
Winckworth Sherwood appoints Nikki Lynds-Xavier as housing management team partner
Winckworth Sherwood has appointed Nikki Lynds-Xavier as partner in its housing management team.
National Policy Planning Framework: a year on — the winners and losers by sector download
This article revisits the substantive policies of the NPPF and considers its impact on the retail, office and residential sectors.
School expansion projects in England download
The number of pupils in England is rising and there are high levels of demand for pupil places, which local authorities are struggling to meet.
Winckworth Sherwood partner comments on edited National Planning Policy Framework
Winckworth Sherwood’s Karen Cooksley has commented on the simplified National Planning Policy Framework — which marked its first anniversary on 27 March 2013.
Karanovic & Nicolic holds business briefing focused on new public procurement law
Karanovic & Nikolic held a business briefing on the new Law on Public Procurement on 27 March 2013 at its offices in Belgrade.
Coffin Mew's social housing team goes to Capsticks
Capsticks has acquired Coffin Mew’s social housing team in a move that will enable it to compete with rivals such as Devonshires and Trowers & Hamlins.
Back to the future: landlords to enjoy greatest freedoms since 1945 download
The last five years has seen the end of a love-in between central government and housing associations. The government likes local authorities again — or at least hates them less.
Judicial review of government's transposition of EU Waste Framework Directive dismissed weblink
It has been held that commingled collections of paper, metal, plastic and glass are compliant with the requirements of the EU Waste Framework Directive.
Walker Morris 'In Brief — March 2013' weblink
Walker Morris has released its In Brief publication for March 2013.
Hogan Lovells partner wins public law prize at ILO's Client Choice Awards
Hogan Lovells’ Lucas Osorio is the exclusive winner of International Law Office’s Client Choice Awards in the public law category for Spain.
Public law and regulatory
Bowman Gilfillan has extensive experience in advising corporate clients and governmental bodies on the interpretation and application of laws.
Hogan Lovells appoints Gary Veron
Gary Veron has joined Hogan Lovells’ government regulatory practice as a partner in the Washington, DC, office.
King & Wood Mallesons appoints Stephen Minns as chairman of Australian board
King & Wood Mallesons (Australia) appoints Stephen Minns as chairman of Australian board.
Chadbourne's Marc Alpert recognised as 'All-Star MVP' by BVI Consulting Group
Chadbourne’s Alpert is named ‘All-Star MVP’ in the BTI Client Service Law Firm All-Stars 2013 survey.
Four-borough shared legal service gets go ahead
The legal teams at the London boroughs of Merton, Kingston, Sutton and Richmond are to merge following final approval from Merton Council.
Real estate, zoning and environment, and public procurement
The MOLITOR team provides legal assistance to real-estate investors, construction companies, developers and operators of commercial property.
Arthur Cox takes lion's share as Irish state legal fees revealed
The Irish government’s go-to law firm Arthur Cox has picked up almost half of the legal fees paid out by the state in the last five years.
Public company and corporate governance
The Curtis Public Company and Corporate Governance practice is dedicated to advising our public company clients on securities regulatory and stock-exchange-listed company compliance matters, as well as all aspects of corporate governance.
Criminal defence and government investigations
Curtis’s criminal defence and government investigations group represents clients in criminal and civil investigations and enforcement actions by federal and state prosecutors and regulators.
Lobbying
Chadbourne has compiled an outstanding record in lobbying congress and the executive branch on behalf of clients.
Government contracts
Chadbourne has represented clients in government contract matters for more than 40 years.
Government relations
Mayer Brown’s government relations practice helps shape policy, legislation and regulations in the US, Europe and around the world.
Government and public
Government departments, agencies and statutory authorities rely on King & Wood Mallesons for their most complex legal issues and strategic advice.
Public and private law
The public and private law (PPL) department at Acumum specialises in the following areas: EU law; human rights; bribert and corruption; crime; and state and corporate responsibility.
Pro bono
Our pro bono practice draws on the experience of our professionals worldwide to improve the lives of those without access to justice or the means to hire lawyers and to meet the legal needs of charities and non-profit social enterprises.
Regulatory and compliance
Our expert Regulatory & Compliance Team includes former FSA and SFO investigators and former in-house lawyers, giving us valuable insight into both regulators’ mindsets and clients’ needs.
Government unveils revamped legal panel
The Government Procurement Service (GPS) has finally named the 48 firms to win spots on its revamped Legal Services framework panel, which replaces the previous Legal Services and ‘LitCat’ panels.
Planning permission: Humpty Dumpty and the sequential approach — Tesco v Dundee download
It is well established that, when determining planning applications, planning authorities must proceed upon a proper understanding of the development plan.
Autumn Statement 2012: Good news for industry as son of PFI finally revealed download
Chancellor George Osborne has used this week’s Autumn Statement to unveil a wave of infrastructure projects including new schools, hospitals and defence accommodation.
September 2012: Pensions update download
An overview of issues facing the pensions sector, covering public sector pension reforms and data protection issues.
OFT’s first review of NHS Foundation Trust merger download
The Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) review of a merger between two NHS Foundation Trusts is the first of its kind.
New regulations and guidance to bolster the community right to challenge download
The right for community and other groups to challenge the way in which public services are delivered, which is set out in the Localism Act 2011, has been bolstered by new Regulations and draft Guidance.
The healthcare industry barometer 2012 download
Since the publication of the 2011 Healthcare Barometer, the industry has experienced a roller coaster of ups and downs in relation to healthcare reform.
Time to consider social value weblink
The Cabinet Office has produced a Procurement Policy Note to inform commissioners and procurers of what they need to do to comply with the Social Value Act.
Birmingham Law Centre appeals to council in survival battle
Birmingham Law Centre has turned to Birmingham City Council as it fights for its future, warning that without local support it could close.
Assessing the impact of the recent changes to the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 downloadweblink
On 1 October 2012 important changes to the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 came into force, affecting the duties of waste collection authorities and waste disposal authorities.
Infrastructure financing does fall within the scope of European Union state aid rules download
The Court of Justice of the European Union has confirmed that the financing of infrastructure projects is subject to the European State aid rules.
Clifford Chance and Travers exit revamped TfL panel
Transport for London (TfL) has cut its legal panel from 12 firms to 11 following a review, with Clifford Chance and Travers Smith among four firms to exit the roster.
Patrick Swaffer leaves Goodman Derrick to take up role of BBFC president
The BBFC has appointed Patrick Swaffer — a former senior and managing partner of Goodman Derrick — as president.
Bevan Brittan and Trowers advise on Barnet-Harrow legal merger
Bevan Brittan and Trowers & Hamlins have advised the London Boroughs of Barnet and Harrow on the merger of their legal teams.
Plexus among firms on London boroughs insurance panel
Five firms have won panel places to handle insurance litigation claims on behalf of a group of London boroughs.
Tie-up between Harrow and Barnet legal teams to go ahead after delays
The merger of legal services between the London Boroughs of Barnet and Harrow is set to go ahead in September despite the local authorities originally planning to have the tie-up completed by the end of July.
FFW scraps formal public-sector focus in industry group rejig
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) is set to reshuffle its sector-based approach in a decision that sees it move away from a formal focus on its troubled public-sector practice.
Global exchange - in association with The Open University
The growing importance of public international law and global human rights practices were examined at The Lawyer’s latest roundtable discussion
Borough of Islington secures order to evict Occupy protest
Protesters at the “Occupy” camp in Finsbury Square on the edge of the City’s financial centre were evicted in the early hours of this morning after the Master of the Rolls refused them permission to appeal.
City of Westminster wins illegal subletting case against tenant
An in-house local authority legal team has won a breakthrough case against unlawful council tenant subletting.
Welsh Government unveils slimmed-down panel
Five law firms have been re-appointed to the Welsh Government’s legal panel but three firms have lost their places.
Birmingham legal chief leaves in wake of restructure
Birmingham City Council’s corporate director of governance Mirza Ahmad has left his position after more than a year of uncertainty following a restructure of senior management at the local authority.
Firms agonise over pitching as NHS squeezes panel rates
Low partner rates have emerged as a key issue in a panel review for one of the NHS’s largest consortia covering London and the Midlands.
Four councils set up shared legal panels
Four local authorities in the West of England have pooled together to appoint 12 law firms and 20 barristers’ chambers to a series of shared legal panels.
Kent County Council eyes independent legal function
£330m cost-saving initiative could see law director role axed and lawyers liable for negligence
Housing alliance plans for cuts as it appoints roster
The recently established Housing Associations’ Legal Alliance (HALA) has appointed its first panel of legal advisers, the latest in a series of organisations seeking to pool legal resources ahead of impending public sector cuts.
Merged Cambs/Northants law function names legal director
The newly merged legal departments of Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire’s county councils have appointed a director of legal services.
Cambs, Northants combine legal teams
Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire’s county councils are to merge their legal departments from 1 October in what will create a single function with a £3m external legal spend.
One North East scraps traditional panel in favour of reduced roster
Regional development agency One North East has abandoned its formal panel review process in favour of using a more informal list.
Southwark and Lambeth set up joint chambers panel
Southwark Council is to radically overhaul how it uses the bar by teaming up with Lambeth Council to create a chambers panel.
Manchester Met picks four in panel rejig
Manchester Metropolitan University has revamped its legal panel with the appointment of four firms to the new roster.
London and Kent authorities appoint joint legal panel
A consortium of boroughs in London and Kent have appointed 26 firms to a new joint panel.
Nottingham universities set up joint legal roster
The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University have completed a joint procurement process, as a number of universities revamp their panels ahead of planned public sector spending cuts.
Cambridgeshire councils team up to share legal services
Seven councils in Cambridgeshire have signed a concordat with a view to sharing expertise and forming a consortium of external advisers as part of an initiative called Cambridgeshire Legal Services Partnership.
Cambs, Northants mull combined legal function
The County councils of Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire are in preliminary talks to merge their legal departments.
Govt framework firms frustrated by lack of work
When government agency OGC Buying Solutions established its new legal service framework in 2007, firms of every size and shape were encouraged to pitch for places on one of eight panels in the hope of winning more government work.
East Mids authorities shuffle advisers
A group of 50 East Midlands local authorities has reviewed its advisers, expanding its joint panel to include DLA Piper and Anthony Collins Solicitors, while kicking off Ashfords.
North West councils negotiate panel freebies
Twenty five local authorities in the North West of England have appointed 35 firms and 26 chambers to a new panel.
What price efficiency? Local govt event looks at riding out the tough times ahead
With local governments facing major cuts over the coming years, the legal departments of these entities are under increasing pressure to drive efficiencies.
Ofwat finalises first legal panel with three firms winning places
Water and sewerage regulator Ofwat has announced its first-ever legal panel with Addleshaw Goddard, Norton Rose and Wragge & Co making the mark.
Tightening up loose lips
As the number of public sector data protection breaches continues to rise, the Government has decided it’s time to get tough.
Birmingham legal chief facing redundancy as part of reorganisation
Birmingham City Council’s (BCC) corporate director of governance Mirza Ahmad is facing redundancy as the local authority considers restructuring its senior management.
Geldards, KCC team up to offer councils legal service
The legal department at Kent County Council (KCC) is teaming up with regional firm Geldards to create a single brand for public sector work capable of taking over local authority legal departments.
Fourteen firms win places on Homes Communities Agency panel
National housing and regeneration body the Homes Communities Agency (HCA) has appointed 14 firms to its first major panel.
FFW wins meaty DWP roles on HR, employment
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has picked up the position as sole adviser on employment and HR issues for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Brent lawyer moves to Waltham Forest
?Waltham Forest Council has named Terry Osborne as its new director of governance and law.
Birmingham City Council to open revamped panel to 38 authorities
Birmingham City Council (BCC) has completed the tender for its £6m legal panel, which 38 other local authorities are able to access.
North East follows North West’s joint panel plan
Five North East local authorities are to club together for the first time to create a joint legal panel.
Ofwat launches tender for inaugural legal panel
Water and sewage industry regulator Ofwat is looking to put together its first-ever legal panel and is in the process of asking firms to tender for places.
Kent Council courts Mongolian authority
Kent County Council is sending a delegation to Inner Mongolia’s largest city Baotou in a bid to capture legal work related to future UK inward investment.
North West authorities create joint legal panel
Twenty two councils, police and transport authorities have clubbed together to draw up a four-year panel of firms and chambers.
Hackney legal teams merged into two sections
The Legal chief at the London Borough of Hackney has restructured her legal department to create better-defined career paths for her lawyers.
Old Square silk to represent unions in actions against BA and Royal Mail
A silk from London set Old Square Chambers is about to step back into the limelight after being instructed in injunctive actions against both British Airways and Royal Mail.
BT GC in housing association switch
BT Retail general counsel Gordon Moir has left the company after 10 years to join the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) as company secretary.
Hackney to re-examine barristers panel
London Borough of Hackney legal chief Gifty Edila is reviewing the authority’s barristers panel in a bid to cut down its £6m annual legal spend.
Housing associations team up for joint instructions
Six housing associations have clubbed together for the first time to instruct law firms jointly and reduce their respective legal bills.
Ealing to re-examine overflow firm roster
The London Borough of Ealing is to look at reviewing its three-year-old panel of external law firms advising on overflow work.
Firms vie to advise London boroughs
The London Boroughs Legal Alliance (LBLA) is set to unveil its first law firm panel, with the successful candidates in line for a windfall from the group’s six local authority members.
Lend Lease counsel joins council after Bovis merger
Lend Lease Projects head of legal Martin Hirst has left the company for a new post at Northamptonshire County Council.
Firms vie for Midlands development panel places
Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has asked law firms to tender for its revamped panel.
HCA invites firms to bid for panel
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the newly-created public body charged with regenerating England’s housing stock, land and infrastructure, is asking firms to pitch for its legal panel.
Ashurst strengthens PFI reputation with Durham, Sandwell BSF deals
Ashurst has helped clients Carillion and Interserve close two strategic Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects in Durham and Sandwell.
Body overseeing pensions personal accounts names GC
Pensions body the personal accounts delivery authority (PADA) has named a former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner as its general counsel.
4-5 Gray’s Inn pushes commercial with 39 Essex St silk
Richard Clayton QC has left 39 Essex Street to join 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square.
Councils emulate private practice models in modernisation drive
Local authority lawyers are embracing private practice methods as the sector faces increasing pressure to modernise
Dickinson Dees lures County Durham’s head of legal
The interim head of legal at Durham County Council has left to set up a dedicated public law group at Dickinson Dees.
Govt penalties mooted for carbon-heavy firms
Under the terms of new Government regulations the UK’s largest law firms could face costly civil and criminal proceedings if they fail to report their electricity consumption accurately for public scrutiny.
Pleading time
A move towards a more American approach in fraud pleas throws up new issues, say Rod Fletcher and Shula de Jersey
LDA slashes 10 firms from legal panel
The London Development Agency (LDA) has unveiled its streamlined legal panel, cutting its list of advisers from 18 to eight.
Focus: Unitary authorities: No county for old men
The launch of nine new unitary authorities has put the cosy world of the council lawyer on a collision course with the new, super-sized legal teams
Eversheds gets Blackpool Council boot as duo step in
Blackpool Council has dropped Eversheds as its external legal partner and appointed Trowers & Hamlins and Weightmans.
Kent council sets up practice in Brussels
Kent County Council (KCC) is set to take the unusual step of launching a legal practice in Brussels.
Healthcare watchdog shakes up legal teams
The legal teams at the NHS regulator and all other adult healthcare supervisory bodies have been overhauled with the creation of super-watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Unified Shropshire council names legal head
Shropshire County Council legal chief Claire Porter has been given the top legal role at the new unified Shropshire authority.
Opinion: Deny the passengers, who want to get on
Solicitors who are employed in the Government service are not required to comply with the same regulatory system as other solicitors. According to the Law Society and most of the legal profession, that exemption is not justified.
Private equity debate hijacked by politicos
Leading corporate lawyers have spoken out against the politicisation of the debate over regulation of Europe’s private equity and hedge fund industries, which is expected to form a critical part of the agenda in the forthcoming European elections.
Addleshaws recruits DLA Piper partner for regulatory strategy
Addleshaw Goddard has bulked up its financial regulation group with the lateral hire of a partner from DLA Piper.
UK watchdogs: united they stand, divided they fail
The Allen Stanford case highlights the powerful impact that government can have when agencies join forces to catch criminals.
Opinion: government honesty is overdue on overseas torture
Clare Algar, executive director at Reprieve, calls for honesty from the government to repair the damage done by those who were complicit in the rendition and torture of Binyam Mohammed, the Guantanamo detainee who returned to the UK this week.
SEC enforcment director Thomsen quits
Linda Thomsen, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s director of enforcement since May 2005, quit today following severe criticism in the wake of the Bernie Madoff scandal.
Competition push sees 3 raid Simmons
Mobile phone operator 3 has created the new role of head of competition and regulatory, hiring Simmons & Simmons senior associate Jane Jellis to lead the group.
Lovells unveils bribery/corruption division
Lovells has set up a taskforce to handle cases of bribery and corruption.
Opinion: a civil approach to insider dealing could reap dividends
Tony Woodcock, commercial litigation partner, Stephenson Harwood
More groups allowed to bring class actions, govt told
Proposals to allow more representative bodies to bring class actions on an opt-out basis have been put forward to the government today.
Which? makes formal "bullying" complaint about Davenport Lyons
Consumer group Which? has complained to the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) about letters sent by Davenport Lyons to alleged file-sharers on behalf of copyright owners.
Councils share panels in bid to cut costs
Three councils in Birmingham and London have opened their panels to other local authorities in a bid to slash costs.
Critics snipe at third-party litigation funding code
The proposed regulation of third-party litigation funders has come under fire for failing to bring full transparency to the sector.
SFO faces £10m legal bill on collapsed pharma investigation
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) could face a £10m legal bill following the collapse of its £25m, six-year investigation into alleged price fixing by drug manufacturers.
Bevan Brittan helps councils chase Icelandic cash
Bevan Brittan has been drafted in to help local councils reclaim millions of pounds tied up in Iceland's crippled banks.
Bevan Brittan hooks up with Kent Council
Bevan Brittan is set to launch a groundbreaking partnership with Kent County Council’s (KCC) legal team to target work from the healthcare sector.
Matrix grows to 60-barrister outfit
Matrix Chambers has passed the 60-barrister mark with the hire of four new members as the former Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald QC returns to the set.
Covington, Fulbright to review Bush’s DoJ
Covington & Burling and Fulbright & Jaworski are among the firms appointed by President-elect Barack Obama to review investigations shelved during the Republican administration.
Sets create think tanks to shape future legislation
London-based Landmark Chambers and North West set Kings Chambers have launched independent think tanks to develop their respective areas of law.
Hackney hires Hillingdon lawyer
The London Borough of Hackney has recruited senior social service lawyer Suzanne Bond from the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Global firms praise Russia’s courts for progress made in cleaning up their act
A report has found that the Russian court system has made great strides to entice oligarchs and businesses back to the country, months after it came under fire for lacking independence.
Hard times are making the case for compliance
Corporate crises present opportunities to put compliance programmes at the heart of board strategy, leading in-house lawyers told delegates at The Lawyer’s global compliance conference last week (29 and 30 October).
DLA volunteers for trial SRA inspection
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is to carry out a trial inspection at DLA Piper as it seeks to develop protocols for regulating City firms.
Eversheds health team decamps to Beachcroft
Eversheds health team decamps to Beachcroft" /Beachcroft has taken an 11-lawyer clinical negligence team from Eversheds in a bid to become the leading healthcare practice in England and Wales.
BLP scoops Hippodrome casino bid after Geoffrey Green loses first round
Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has won an appeal to turn the London Hippodrome into a casino in what could set a nationwide precedent.
Whitehall eschews competition regulations to steady financial sector
By overriding traditional restrictions, is the Govt doing the right thing?
Westminster Council shakes up legal team
Westminster City Council, one of the richest local authorities in the country, is set to begin a major overhaul of its legal team.
Norton Rose creates anti-corruption group
Norton Rose creates anti-corruption group" /Norton Rose is launching an anti-corruption and business ethics group to tackle clients’ increasing focus on reducing their exposure to anti-fraud legislation.
Ofgem snubs law firms over energy supplier probe
Energy watchdog Ofgem has cut out the middle man and gone straight to the bar for advice on its investigation into energy suppliers.
The zero options
As the dissolution of Heller Ehrman shows, the reality of trading conditions can overtake even the largest law firms. But what courses of action are open to you if it’s your firm’s future that’s at stake?
Judicial appointments diversity failure prompts calls for more solicitor input
The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) has reinforced its call for more women and black minority ethnic (BME) people to apply to become judges after five places in the latest competition were allocated to women but no BME person was given a seat.
SRA and Law Society face off over review
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has accused the Law Society of overstepping its remit by launching a review of the regulation of the profession.
Pills and thrills: Alex Thrower, Teva
As legal affairs director of the biggest supplier of drugs to the NHS, Teva’s Alex Thrower believes that, when it comes to practising law in-house, prevention is better than cure.
SFO to appeal High Court decision over Holbein super-case
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is to appeal the High Court’s ruling that one of the Government’s longest and most expensive prosecutions should be dropped.
Law Society to review regulation for top firms
The Law Society has commissioned a review which could see solicitors at large corporate firms fall under a separate regulatory regime from those on the high-street.
Nomura panel rejig adds three, drops one
Dewey & LeBoeuf, Norton Rose and Travers Smith have all won roles on investment bank Nomura’s extended roster of preferred firms.
Legal Services Board gathers pace
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has appointed Chris Kenny as its first CEO. Kenny is currently project director of the transition team that is establishing the Legal Services Board.
Opinion: Right now, the market’s greatest need is for politicians
When politicians discuss the financial markets they generally appear to be talking about a parallel world. Pro or anti-regulation? Pro or anti-screwdriver? What matters is what the tool is used to achieve. Pro or anti-speculation? Speculation, or trading, is what markets are for – it is trading that makes a market work. ...
Mixed ruling sees White & Case win a halt to parallel trade in medicines
White & Case has secured a mixed ruling on one of the most anticipated judgments on competition law from the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
The Rule of Law
Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) often makes headlines in the UK.
The rights stuff
Victoria Prais travelled to Armenia to train newly qualified judges on the ins and outs of Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights – and found encouraging signs that the legislation is making an impact.
Going public
Debating whether public or private legal work is superior is a redundant exercise. Geoff Wild dispels some in-house myths
Public sector
As The Lawyer revealed last week (22 September), the UK’s largest unitary authority Birmingham City Council is reviewing its legal panel of 21 firms.
Capsticks takes regional plunge in Birmingham
Capsticks takes regional plunge in Birmingham" /London healthcare firm Capsticks is opening an office in Birmingham as part of a drive to take the firm national.
Scotland: mixed doubles rule binned after 15 years
The Scottish bar has abolished the so-called ‘mixed doubles’ rule following consultations with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and the Scottish Government.
23 Essex St raid gives 1COR four female silks
One Crown Office Row has hired Joanna Glynn QC from 23 Essex Street, taking the set’s tally of female silks to four.
Clifford Chance, Herbert Smith bag key roles on EDF-Brit Energy
Clifford Chance, Herbert Smith, Shepherd & Wedderburn and Slaughter and May have tied up the £12.5bn sale of power giant British Energy to EDF.
UK, USA seen as more corrupt, world study says
Both America and Great Britain are perceived as becoming more corrupt, according to a new world ranking by Transparency International.
Brum puts £5m panel out to tender
Birmingham City Council, the largest local authority in the UK, is set to launch a panel review to revamp its roster of 21 firms.
Norton Rose bags Freshfields green adviser
Norton Rose bags Freshfields green adviser" class="inline_image inline_image_left" src="/pictures/web/images/13679_P5_nortonrose.jpg" /Norton Rose has poached Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer associate Giedre Kaminskaite-Salters to head the firm’s regulatory and policy practice on climate ...
Sif and sound
Luxembourg’s practice of protecting investors’ interests through strict regulatory controls is standing it in good stead as the credit crunch bites deeper, says Ben Moshinsky
Nabarro boosts competition team with A&O hire
Nabarro has hired a counsel from Allen & Overy (A&O), doubling its core competition law capacity in response to an expected boom in the practice area.
Monckton reclaims A&O competition partner
Monckton Chambers has made a rare partner raid on magic circle firm Allen & Overy (A&O), signing up competition star Alistair Lindsay as a tenant.
Merck Serono appoints new UK, Ireland head
European pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Merck Serono has hired European Aeronautic Defence ;and ;Space Company (EADS) counsel Robert Fairless to head its nascent UK and Ireland legal capability.
Wilsons bags BLP charity head; will open in London
Wilsons bags BLP charity head; will open in London" /Salisbury-based charity and private client firm Wilsons has hired Berwin Leighton Paisner's (BLP) head of charity and is to open a London office in ...
Ex-Fladgate partner gets wrist slapped
Former Fladgate corporate head Nicolas Greenstone has been reprimanded by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for actions that led to a £27m fraud.
McDermott loses two partners as 2Birds swoops
McDermott Will & Emery has lost the head of its Brussels office after Bird & Bird poached a two-partner competition team from the US firm.
Lords uphold SFO appeal against BAE bribe ruling
The Law Lords have upheld an appeal by the Serious Fraud Office against a High Court ruling that it acted unlawfully in terminating a probe into a BAE Systems arms deal.
Appeal court makes landmark equal pay decision
Tens of thousands of low paid local council and NHS workers could claim equal pay compensation following a landmark decision handed down in the Court of Appeal today (29 July).
Barristers flag up fees dilemma
Criminal defence set 25 Bedford Row has warned that the payment system for publicly funded ‘one case, one fee’ (Ocof) work is putting too much power in the hands of solicitors.
Pinsents wins William Hill online mandate
Pinsent Masons has scored its first major deal for bookmakers William Hill since a June panel review, ;advising ;the company on a deal to upgrade its online betting service.
BLG scoops lead role in Menezes inquiry
Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) has been appointed the solicitors to the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, the Brazilian shot dead by London police.
Glaxo turns to Sidley for new GC
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has hit the US for its new general counsel, hiring Sidley Austin life sciences partner Dan Troy after a seven month search.
PI lawyers slam MoJ’s claims reforms
Personal injury (PI) lawyers have slammed the Ministry of Justice for its failure to implement far-reaching reform of the claims process.
Links creates first head of Asia competition group
Linklaters has shaken-up its competition and antitrust practice, moving partner Erik Söderlind from Sweden to Hong Kong to become the firm’s first head of competition and anti-trust for Asia.
Assistant SFO director joins Khan Partnership
The exodus of Serious Fraud Office (SFO) senior management has seen assistant director John Benstead enlist with litigation boutique The Khan Partnership.
Overworked’ QBD judges blast long hours culture
The High Court’s Queen’s Bench Division (QBD) is in turmoil after being branded ‘chaotic’ by a raft of judges, some of whom claim not to have had a break in the past 10 months.Judges are calling for the management of the QBD to be overhauled, claiming that a lack of communication between the division’s departments has had a negative impact ...
Split attorney general's functions, say MPs
The political and legal roles performed by the attorney general should be split, according to a committee of MPs. The justice committee said the Government's current reform proposals did not go far enough in restoring public confidence in the wake of controversies such as the Serious Fraud Office's probe into the BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia arms deal. "The draft bill fails to achieve the purpose given to constitutional reform by the Prime Minister," the committee's report said. The ...
Bad review prompts SFO to create GC-style role
The Serious Fraud Office is to create a general counsel-style role in response to a scathing review that branded the organisation as lacking clarity, focus and management.
SFO prepares to adopt the American way as challenges mount
The new Serious Fraud Office (SFO) director Richard Alderman started his new role three months ago and so far has had to contend with an appeal over the BAE fiasco, a scathing review by former New York City prosecutor Jessica De Grazia and the departure of four senior prosecutors from the unit.
Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Assoc launches
The Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association (Pocla) was launched on Monday (16 June) at the Inner Temple Hall in front of 400 guests.
Milberg to pay $75m in deal with prosecutors
US firm Milberg announced yesterday that it had struck a $75m deal with prosecutors that will see criminal charges laid against it for a kickbacks scam dismissed.
Money laundering traps for the unwary
Lawyers are constantly bombarded with warnings concerning any failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 (MLR 2007). The theory of these warnings is simple enough, but when applied in practice, it is all too easy to find yourself in breach of the law.
Exit strategies
Former Morgan Crucible employee Ian Norris may have avoided extradition to the US, but don’t expect to see judges do the same for everyone, says Anand Doobay.
Pakistan lawyers on 'long march' to reinstate top judges
Thousands of lawyers took to the streets of Pakistan last week to demand the reinstatement of senior judges sacked last year.
Stiffer fines and ethics tests for barristers
#The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is considering proposals regarding chamges to complaints-handling and disciplinary proceedings against barristers. The most controversial recommendation is to expand the range of sentencing options. This includes increasing the maximum fine to £15,000 and giving disciplinary tribunals the power to order barristers to sit a professional ethics test. BSB chair Ruth Evans said: "The changes we've announced will make a good system even better."
Holyrood paves the way for ABS legislation
#Detailed proposals for the introduction of alternative business structures (ABS) in the Scottish legal market will be drawn up following a Holyrood debate. The Scottish government's justice secretary Kenny MacAskill introduced a parliamentary debate that will pave the way for legislation on ABS. Last month members of the Law Society of Scotland voted in favour of the structures (The Lawyer, 23 May).First reported on TheLawyer.com, 11 June
Egorov chair makes plea for Russian court reform
Russian law firm Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners (EPAP) has called for Russia to reform its court system in a bid to entice oligarchs and businesses back to the country.
CC books its place in history of the fight for rights
Clifford Chance ramped up its US pro bono credentials last Tuesday (10 June) when the UK-headquartered firm hosted a reception marking the launch of We Will Be Heard - a new book charting the decades-long struggle for constitutional rights ...
White-collar crime
As businesses start to tighten their belts as the economic slowdown continues, cases are being brought any potential fraudster in a bid to regain some lost cash.
Blowin' in the whistle
Plans to give the FSA power to grant immunity to whistleblowers are fine in principle - but clear guidelines are needed, argue Tom Epps and Shula de Jersey.
Clifford Chance partner to chair ICC arbitration court
The beleaguered International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Court of Arbitration in Paris has appointed replacement chairmen, following the current chairman’s recent shock resignation.
Lawyers split over 42 day detention period
City lawyers are split over the extension of the pre-charge detention period to 42 days which was narrowly passed in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Scottish Parliament confirms ABS small print
Detailed proposals for the introduction of alternative business structures (ABS) in the Scottish legal market will be drawn up following debate in Holyrood today (11 June).
Law Soc slams govt's 42-day detention extension
The Law Society has criticised Government plans to increase the period of time for which a person can be held before they are charged.
Eversheds faces OFT complaint from student
Eversheds is the subject of a complaint to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for abuse of its market position in the education sector.
Miners' compensation gifts firms another £174m
The leading law firms involved in handling the British Coal compensation claims pulled in £174.3m in the last year, despite the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) continuing its investigations into several firms for misconduct.
Law Society slated over value for money
#Legal services complaints commissioner Zahida Manzoor has slammed the Law Society's complaints arm for not providing value for money, after fining the body £275,000. Manzoor said the society, through the Legal Complaints Service and nominally the Solicitors Regulation Authority, had racked up costs of £36m. She added: "When the Office of ...
Doughty Street targets two senior juniors
#Doughty Street Chambers has ramped up its immigration and public law offering with the hire of senior juniors from Matrix and Tooks chambers. The set snapped up Matrix barrister Charlotte Kilroy, who was called in 1999, shortly after 16-year call Tooks immigration and public law specialist Judith Farbey joined. Doughty Street joint chambers head Keir Starmer QC said: "This further strengthens our already impressive public law and immigration teams and really does show that Doughty ...
Fines and thirty months in prison for former Milberg chief
The former head of Milberg Weiss Bershad & Shulman (now known as Milberg), Melvyn Weiss, was sentenced to 30 months in prison last week (2 June) for his role in a kickbacks scheme relating to securities class action cases.
Profit by loss
De-equitisation as a means to achieving greater profit per equity partner may be a common tactic in today's legal market - but firms must not underestimate the potential hidden costs, warns Colin Ives.
Talent clout
Never mind Britain's Got Talent - how can law firms ensure they get talent and attract the right blend of partners? Bill Cohen and Jon Clark give their views
OFT raids banks on law firms' loans investigation
The OFT has raided Barclays and the RBS as it launches an investigation in to the price-fixing of loans to professional services companies such as law firms.
Council legal teams create own practice
A group of local authority legal teams are set to split from their authorities in a radical bid to create the UK’s first standalone public sector legal practice.
OFT lures associate from Slaughters
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has appointed Slaughter and May associate Jackie Holland as head of competition within the advisory, policy and international group. Holland joined Slaughters as a trainee in 1993 before becoming a senior associate in the competition department. She joins the OFT as a director, reporting to group head Ali Nikpay. Holland said: "I'm looking forward to joining ...
Mayor Boris reshapes London's legal landscape
Those of us old enough to remember 'Red Ken' Livingstone from the 1980s have been surprised at the longevity of his reincarnation as London's mayor - but now he is gone, swept away by a tidal wave of anti-Labour sentiment.
Bivonas's QC hire heralds alternative model
London litigation and commercial firm Bivonas has recruited 23 Essex Street head of financial fraud and crime Mark Rainsford QC.
Burness continues hiring spree with financial services capture
Scottish firm Burness has beefed up its financial services regulatory practice with the hire of former Weil Gotshal & Manges associate Lorna ;Finlayson ;as ;a partner.
Thring Townsend reveals acquisition strategy
Thring Townsend Lee & Pembertons has unveiled an ambitious plan to more than double turnover within five years through strategic acquisitions.
Local govt lawyers bid for increased prominence
Solicitors in Local Government (SLG) will be “the first port of call” on local government legal issues, the organisation’s new chair has vowed.
Law Society under fire for miners stance
Law Society chief executive Des Hudson has been called as a key witness to defend his body’s decision to award £350,000 to miners amid claims that the regulator has a conflict of interest and should not be judging any of the firms involved in the saga.
Kent ‘in-house private practice’ smashes £1m
Kent County Council's 'in-house private practice' legal team, KCC Legal, accounted for more than £1m of external income in 2007-08, the highest figure it has ever recorded.
Litigation costs uncertainty impedes access to justice, legal experts warn
Uncertainty shrouds litigation costs, which is putting obstacles in the way of access to justice, a panel of experts warned at The Lawyer's antitrust litigation conference ;last ;week (7 May).
Rocking the boat
The Northern Rock affair has called the UK's principles-based approach to financial services regulation into question, while the same could be said for the FSA's position as sole regulator.
Clean-up time
As the row over the Serious Fraud Office's axed BAE Systems probe rumbles on, a long-overdue round of anti-corruption and bribery investigations could be in the works.
EU Parliament overhauls lawyers lobbying code
The European Parliament has agreed to amend its lobbying guidelines to distinguish between political petitioning and giving legal advice.
Northern Rock showdown: It's Grabiner vs Beloff and Pannick
Government lines up One Essex Court star Lord Grabiner QC to defend it against a group of Northern Rock shareholders and hedge funds.
Northern Rock shareholders launch JR against govt
Former shareholders in nationalised bank Northern Rock have today (8 May) applied to launch a judicial review claiming the Government's proposed compensation package is inadequate.
Government lobbying must be out in the open
Following a three-year battle the Information Tribunal has ordered the Government to disclose previously secret records of industry lobbying by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The tribunal's decision sets an important marker for the way that requests for lobbying materials should be treated in the future.
Norton Rose competition team in Hong Kong transfer
Norton Rose has transferred a seven-strong competition team from Brussels and London to Hong Kong.
LSB's first chair promises 'world-class' standard
In his first interview since being appointed as the first chair of the Legal Services Board ;(LSB), ;David Edmonds has vowed that the new regulator will be a "world-class agency".
FSA to create elite external adviser list as credit crunch bites
City watchdog the Financial Services Authority is compiling its first-ever list of go-to external lawyers as turmoil in the sector it regulates continues apace.
Recusal refusal was misconduct, says OJC
The Office of Judicial Complaints (OJC) has ruled that the actions of Mr Justice Peter Smith, who should have recused himself from a hearing, amounted to misconduct.
Beachcroft swoops for Eversheds health team
Beachcroft has raided Eversheds for a five-strong health team including sector chief David Weatherburn, who is apparently worth up to £4m of revenues.
Blackstone, Matrix silks dash Govt's BAE defence
Dinah Rose QC and Philippe Sands QC inflicted an embarrassing High Court defeat on the Government last week.
Al Fayed gives up the fight following Diana, Dodi verdict
More than 10 years and £10m in legal fees later, Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed has called off the lawyers from his bid to prove that there was a conspiracy to murder Princess Diana and his son Dodi.
High Court: Serious Fraud Office acted unlawfully
The SFO acted unlawfully when it dropped its corruption investigation of BAE Systems’ Saudi arms deals, the High Court ruled today.
OFT cartels director takes on criminal enforcement
The Office of Fair Trading has promoted its director of cartel investigations Simon Williams to senior director of cartels and criminal enforcement.
Law Society of Scotland set to revamp 60-year-old constitution
The Law Society of Scotland is gearing up to overhaul its governance structure for the first time in its six-decade history.
Integrity survey pinpoints bribery, corruption fears
A survey of European in-house legal chiefs has revealed that nearly half are most worried about bribery and corruption.
New corporate manslaughter act in force
The biggest shake-up of health and safety law in more than 30 years came into effect at midnight on Sunday 6 April with the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act.
Uría Menéndez raids Sérvulo to launch Portuguese public law practice
Spanish firm Uría Menéndez has launched a public law practice in Portugal with the hire of a six-strong team from Sérvulo & Associados, headed by partner Bernado Ayala.
EAPD, Amicus form anti-corruption link
US law firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge (EAPD) has joined forces with anti-corruption agency Amicus Legal Consultants.
CC wins green light for broadcast giants to merge
Clifford Chance has convinced the Competition Commission to allow terrestrial broadcast transmission companies Macquarie UK Broadcast Ventures and National Grid Wireless Group to merge.
Mobile giant 3 scoops Clydes competition ace
Mobile phone operator 3 has raided Clyde & Co for competition lawyer Mark Warrington, who was the driving force in the UK's first consumer class action against JJB Sports.
What’s gone wrong with data security?
Last November’s news about the loss of personal data by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) generated international publicity, a run of reports of other security breaches, and proposals for new legislation. But does ...
Mayer Brown recruits LG finance partner
Mayer Brown recruits LG finance partner" /Mayer Brown has raided LG for partner Angela Hayes to boost its financial services practice.
The cost of equal pay
A welter of equal pay claims has piled the pressure on the public sector legal system, but reforming the way tribunals work could ease the problem
Private Bills
They were essential for the construction of canals and railways and the development of utilities, but for a long time private bills have been overlooked. However, in the last few years local authorities and other bodies have been turning again to this form of legislation and Private Bills are making a comeback.
Barrister fees for Diana inquest set to top £5m
Total cost of case to exceed £10m as Al fayed's silks bill £575 an hour
One small legal step and a giant leap for Northern Rock
Northern Rock passed into public ownership last Friday (22 February) following what was ultimately a very simple legal process.
Olswang raids BLP in financial services drive
Olswang has appointed Brian McDonnell from Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) as a partner to launch its financial services practice in a drive to establish a three-strong team.
Borough to become first 'private practice' council
A London borough is remodelling its legal services department to mirror that of a private sector law firm. Barking and Dagenham council's radical shake-up will be a UK first for the sector, and involves recruiting three senior lawyers.
DLA Piper lands Mifid regulatory guru
DLA Piper has recruited prolific financial institutions lobbyist Michael McKee of the British Banking Association (BBA) into its partnership.
SocGen eschews big players as niche Paris firms line up in fraud case
Specialised Parisian boutiques are set to be the only winners resulting from the crisis at French bank Société Générale (SocGen) following trader Jerome Kerviel's loss of almost e5bn (£3.74bn).
MoJ undergoes restructuring
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is to restructure just seven months after its creation, the Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today (29 January).
Stephensons woos CC competition star
Stephenson Harwood has boosted its corporate practice with the hire of competition partner Julianne O'Leary.
FSA launches first prosecution of GC
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has launched its first criminal prosecution for insider dealing, accusing the former general counsel at telecoms company TTP Communications of profiting from insider information.
Thin end of the hedge
The SEC is reeling after a second court decision dismissing allegations of hedge fund fraud.
Mayer Brown bags top EC lawyer
Mayer Brown has bagged a senior official from the European Commission's competition arm, the second firm to tap the Commission in the space of a week.
CC recruits Commission top dog for Euro expertise
Clifford Chance has scored a coup with the hire of the European Commission's top legal official.
Clifford Chance hires EC heavyweight for regulatory push
Clifford Chance hires EC heavyweight for regulatory push" /Clifford Chance clients will be able to tap into expert advice on a range of European policies following the hire of the former director general of the European Commission's legal service.
Civil Justice Council to debate litigation funding regulation
The Civil Justice Council (CJC) is moving a step closer to regulating third-party litigation funding.
Mayer Brown partner charged with fraud, money laundering
One of Mayer Brown’s most senior partners was indicted this week on charges relating to the collapse of commodities brokerage Refco.
Herbies reshuffles competition team
Herbert Smith's long-standing EU/competition head Jonathan Scott has stepped down from the role with partner Elizabeth McKnight set to take over at the beginning of January.
OFT readies first criminal action for oil trio
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) could bring its first criminal cartel prosecution after three British oil industry executives were found guilty of price-fixing by a US court.
Which? action to settle
The first representative action brought by consumer group Which? has been stayed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), with the two parties locked in settlement negotiations.
Healthcare head quits Mills & Reeve to join No5
No5 Chambers has hired Mills & Reeve head of healthcare David Lock to set up a new public law group.
Supermarkets guilty of milk-price fixing
Supermarket mega-chains Asda, J Sainsbury and Safeway have pleaded guilty to fixing milk and dairy prices following a probe by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). The trio will have to pay a total of £116m in fines.
Kemp Little opens competition practice
Technology firm Kemp Little has launched its dedicated competition and regulatory practice with the recruitment of partner Susannah Sheppard.
Personal injury lawyers face Govt guidelines on charges
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has established a costs committee to advise it on what rates personal injury (PI) lawyers can charge.
OFT: We don't want US-style class actions
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) will today (26 November) put its recommendations to the government to encourage private competition actions.
OFT ends DLA complaint after APPC U-turn
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has closed DLA Piper's complaint that a lobbying industry body was guilty of anticompetitive behaviour.
FFW strengthens for Govt ID card work
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has boosted its privacy and information law group with a senior hire from the Information Commissioner's Office.
OFT chief claims newly found credibility
Anti-competitive companies, beware. There is a new regulator in town. It is tough, effective and saves the UK economy more than eight times what it costs the taxpayer.
Pinsent Masons hires two to boost regulatory team
Pinsent Masons has hired two associates into its partnership to boost the regulatory offering in the firm’s corporate group.
BLG hires FSA lawyer for regulatory team
Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) has strengthened its financial services regulatory team with the hire of a lawyer from the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) enforcement division.
Financial Services: Trading flaw
It's time for the FSA to toughen its stance on insider dealing, say Richard Lissack and Farhaz Khan
Financial Services: Passport control
The failure of many EU states to implement Mifid hasn't stopped the European Commission from trying to push through the new regulations, says David Heard
SJ Berwin lawyer quits for Martineau
SJ Berwin competition law associate James Dilley has taken up the post of competition partner at the London office of Martineau Johnson.
Tesco escapes Competition Commission rap
The Competition Commission has found that Tesco does not stifle competition, according to its provisional findings published today (31 October) after an 18-month investigation into the UK groceries market.
APPC climbs down in DLA Piper OFT saga
Three lobbying industry bodies have clubbed together in a perceived attempt to defuse DLA Piper's Office of Fair Trading (OFT) complaint for anticompetitive behaviour.
Sackers seeks Pensions Regulator help in saving Telent's scheme
Sacker & Partners has sealed its reputation in the pensions market, advising the trustees of Telent's pension scheme amid intervention from the Pensions Regulator.
Brick Court silk takes top CAT job
The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has finally announced its new president, more than eight months after Sir Christopher Bellamy retired from the post.
Regulatory concerns top UK business priority list
More than three-quarters of UK companies have seen an increase in regulatory inquiries and investigations over the past three years, according to research published today (15 October).
FSA's Fox Hayes negligence verdict overturned
The Financial Services and Markets Tribunal has cleared Leeds firm Fox Hayes of negligence, overturning an earlier Financial Services Authority (FSA) decision.
Capsticks bags nursing investigatory role
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has appointed regulatory firm Capsticks to work on investigations of allegations regarding fitness to practise.
Howrey banks on Brussels stars for City antitrust relaunch
Trevor Soames is a busy man. He heads Howrey's EU competition practice, is co-managing partner of its Brussels office and has now just taken over the top job at the firm's London office, albeit temporarily. Oh, and he has just broken his leg while paintballing with his son.
Darling sets aside £11m a year to tackle fraud
The Government’s promise to inject £11m a year into the Law Officers’ Department to tackle fraud has been welcomed by attorney general Baroness Scotland.
Howrey relaunches in City with antitrust drive
US firm Howrey is shaking up its London office, as the firm seeks to raise its profile in the City.
Mayer Brown launches regulatory practice
Mayer Brown has set up a global financial services regulatory and enforcement practice group made up of 50 lawyers across the firm’s London and US offices.
Sony BMG gets go ahead - again
The European Commission (EC) has approved the mega-merger between Japan’s Sony and Germany’s Bertelsmann for the second time in three years.
FFW boosts Brussels office
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has ramped up the hiring spree at its Brussels office, taking an eight-lawyer competition team from US firm McKenna Long & Aldridge.
Stiffed competition
The Irish Competition Authority was left red-faced after the Supreme Court's criticism of the ILCU case. Philip Andrews discusses the implications for future enforcement
Inside's out
The Supreme Court's overturning of the High Court's not-guilty verdict on Ireland's most famous insider dealing case is a crucial victory for businesses, say Conor McDonnell and Keith Smith
Beachcroft hires public law associate
Beachcroft has bolstered its public law group with a key hire from NHS regulator, Monitor.
No consumer apathy in Which? case, say lawyers
The lack of consumers named in Which?'s landmark representative action is not due to consumer apathy, according to lawyers on the case.
Low take up for Which? Football-shirt action
Representative action from consumer group Which? for wronged football-shirt customers has only signed up 130 individuals, The Lawyer understands.
Freshfields promotes two in US competition practice
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has made two promotions in its US competition practice, making up a pair of its Washington DC-based associates to counsel.
OFT promises private competition actions
The OFT yesterday (24 September) promised to push through measures that would make it easier for individuals and smaller businesses to seek compensation from anti-competitive groups.
CFI to tighten the screw on market dominance abuse
Competition lawyers are predicting that Europe’s competition regulators will pursue abuse of dominance cases with renewed vigour now that Microsoft’s record fine has been upheld by Europe’s Court of First Instance (CFI).
Judges demand Euro data protection accord
Judges and eminent legal figures across Europe are set to launch a steering group to harmonise data protection for criminal proceedings.
Covington's Marchick moves in-house at Carlyle
US private equity house Carlyle has hired its first dedicated in-house lawyer for regulatory and governmental affairs, taking respected partner David Marchick from Covington & Burling.
OFT hits supermarkets and dairies with price-fixing claim
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) today has accused the UK's major supermarkets and dairies of price-fixing.
Akzo Nobel ruling delivers blow to in-house lawyers
Europe’s second-highest court dismissed today a complaint by Dutch chemicals group Akzo Nobel against the European Commission (EC) in a judgment that has serious implications for in-house lawyers.
CFI upholds Microsoft fine
The European Union’s Court of First Instance (CFI) has backed Microsoft’s record €497m (£338m) fine from 2004 in a landmark antitrust decision that is a boon to Europe’s competition regulator.
Law Soc backs DLA Piper OFT complaint
DLA Piper OFT complaint" /The Law Society has endorsed DLA Piper's Office of Fair Trading (OFT) complaint against the Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC) for anticompetitive behaviour.
Doughty St faces fallout as ex-barrister is sentenced
Doughty Street Chambers is set to brave a storm created by former barrister Bruce Hyman, who is being sentenced for perverting the course of justice on Wednesday (19 September).
Ashurst, CC and Freshfields enable juniors' rugby dream
Ashurst, CC and Freshfields enable juniors' rugby dream" /Ashurst, Clifford Chance and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ...
Irwin Mitchell lands victory against Parole Board
Irwin Mitchell has scored a landmark High Court victory, resulting in the ruling that the Parole Board of England and Wales is not sufficiently independent from the Government to decide whether prisoners are lawfully detained.
Lobbyists in bid to 'ban' law firms from Govt work
Law firms with public affairs arms are gearing up for a battle with the lobbying industry body over the issue of confidentiality, and the dispute has turned acrimonious.
Justice calls for IPP overhaul as court finds three cases 'unlawful'
Human rights organisation Justice has called for fundamental reform of the system of indeterminate sentencing for public protection (IPP).
Bakers assists in refugee's fight against detention in the UK
Baker & McKenzie has represented the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in an appeal in the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Human rights joint committee seeks truth behind Iraq 'torture'
A parliamentary committee has launched an inquiry into allegations of torture by British troops in Iraq and allegations that British forces were told that human rights law did not apply there.
Lovells wins payout for visually impaired Ryanair passengers
Lovells has won compensation from budget airline Ryanair in a pro bono appointment on behalf of some visually impaired passengers. The passengers were refused carriage on the grounds that their flight had already met its quota of 'mobility-impaired' passengers.
Protestors force Musharraf to reinstate chief justice
Lawyers and pro-democracy activists have struck a victory for the rule of law in Pakistan after succeeding in having the country's chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry reinstated.
Public Sector: Competitive advantage
The new competitive dialogue procedure’s ability to untangle complex contracts has made it part of the furniture in the UK’s procurement sector. By Stewart James
Law Society reaffirms pro bono commitment with two new positions
The Law Society is creating two new posts to promote pro bono work.
Hammersmith residents fight to halt legal centre funding cut
The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham is being sued by three legal advice centre users to stop it cutting grants to the local law centre.
Hammonds launches last-ditch attempt to save law advice centre
Lawyers at Hammonds' London office have issued a call to arms on behalf of Paddington Law Centre in West London, which faces imminent closure unless donations are forthcoming.
Law Soc works with Thompsons to promote peace in Colombia
The Law Society hosted a roundtable discussion last month (25 June) to promote wider peace talks in Colombia.
US firms lead fight for disabled army veterans' compensation
Foley & Lardner, LeBoeuf Lamb Greene & MacRae and King & Spalding are to provide pro bono legal advice to help combat-injured US soldiers apply for compensation.
BAE bribery saga takes new turn as social groups challenge ruling
Allegations of bribery against BAE Systems have come under renewed scrutiny after two social groups launched a challenge against a High Court decision to prevent a judicial review into the matter.
A&O lawyer posthumously wins death row case
A former Allen & Overy (A&O) lawyer has had a prisoner's death sentence repealed two years after the lawyer's death.
White Collar Crime: Stash and grab
The confiscation penalties under the Proceeds of Crime Act highlight the UK Government's commitment to tackling organised crime. By Gareth Rees QC and Jason Mansell
White Collar Crime: Court borders
With a number of countries breaking down barriers on cross-border white-collar crime, UK nationals who breach their codes could find themselves facing foreign justice. By Robert Goldspink, Thierry Dalmasso and Mark Bravin
White Collar Crime: Taken for a ride
Carousel trading costs the EU more than £40bn a year. And governments are still struggling to clamp down on the practice. By Monty Raphael and Neil Swift
Amnesty accuses Israel of international human rights law violations
Israel has been criticised by human rights group Amnesty International for its "blatant violation of international law" in the West Bank.
Debevoise, LawWorks join forces to help social entrepreneurs
The London office of US firm Debevoise & Plimpton and pro bono charity LawWorks have launched a legal advice clinic to assist 'social entrepreneurs' to set up charities, community projects or businesses with social aims.
ICC issues warrants to bring Sudanese war criminals to trial
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for two suspected Sudanese war criminals, marking the first time people involved with the violence in Darfur have faced sanction from the world's criminal court.
DLA Piper plays pro bono role in Cutty Sark preservation
DLA Piper plays pro bono role in Cutty Sark preservation" /DLA Piper has helped to secure a lease for the trust preserving the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, one of the world's oldest ships and the only surviving 'tea clipper'.
Malawi High Court scraps automatic death penalty
The High Court of Malawi has declared the death sentences on all prisoners on death row unconstitutional in a landmark judgment that spells the end of the automatic death penalty.
Trowers' Randall in local govt title fight
Malcolm Iley, Trowers & Hamlins' so-called Godfather of local government lawyering, has stepped down as the firm's head of public sector.
Herbert Smith helps Barnardo's raise funds through enterprise arm
Herbert Smith has worked on a pro bono basis to help Barnardo's set up a social enterprise arm, enabling the children's charity to generate revenue independent of donations.
Global legal community joins forces in fight to defend Pakistan judge
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has launched a mission to investigate the arrest of Pakistan's top judge.
Latham London leads fight for justice in Eastern Europe
The European arm of Latham & Watkins is upping its pro bono effort, with London clocking up 4,000 hours on its own.
Lawyers take to the streets as top judge is forced to stand down
Lawyers in Pakistan have clashed with police over a decision by the country's president to sack the country's top judge.
Law Soc lends weight to Nigeria human rights pro bono scheme
The Law Society has been working on a project to promote pro bono legal services to Nigerian state governments.
Arms trade initiative must address human rights issues, say NGOs
A consortium of top non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has warned that a global initiative to control arms trading will be meaningless if it does not include a ban on the arms transfers that fuel human rights abuses and conflicts.
No more exam excuses to avoid Pro Bono Week as organisers shift date
A campaign to raise awareness of pro bono in the UK has succeeded in one of its key aims - moving National Pro Bono Week (NPBW) from June to November.
Vietnam govt steps up witch-hunt against peace campaigners
The Vietnamese government has launched one of the most severe crackdowns on peaceful dissidents in 20 years, campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims.
Watson Burton helps amateur football club reach its pitch
Newcastle-based Watson Burton is giving pro bono advice to Wallsend Boys Club, the amateur football club that produced the likes of Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Michael Carrick.
CAAT secures key High Court ruling against BAE and Government
The High Court last week ordered BAE Systems to produce a sworn affidavit divulging how the aerospace giant obtained a confidential and legally privileged document belonging to pressure group Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT).
Kent Law School goes up against DLA Piper in Tesco worker pay case
DLA Piper and Kent Law School's pro bono clinic are going head-to-head in a legal battle between supermarket giant Tesco and a group of employees.
Amnesty calls on new government to improve Mexico's justice system
Mexico's public security and criminal justice system has been slammed in a new report by Amnesty International.
DLA Piper helps African farmers set up carbon-trading deals
DLA Piper helps African farmers set up carbon-trading deals" class="inline_image inline_image_left" src="/pictures/web/images/7371_11_probono.gif" /DLA Piper’s international pro bono affiliate New Perimeter has begun work on a project helping subsistence farmers in Africa to sell carbon credits created by tree-planting projects.
Amnesty hits out at Turkish state's stance on freedom of speech
The murder of a journalist in Turkey has brought one of the country's most controversial laws further into the spotlight.
Watson Burton backs Newcastle sports drive for disadvantaged kids
Newcastle-based Watson Burton has worked pro bono on a project to provide disadvantaged young people with access to sports facilities and coaching.
Citizens Advice adds its voice to criticism of Govt legal aid reforms
The Citizens Advice charity has slammed reforms to the legal aid system, claiming they will deny legal assistance to thousands of vulnerable people.
Lovells teams up with charity for Westminster disability project
Lovells has been working on a pro bono project to set up a new centre to provide services for the physically disabled.
Blackstone leads fight against Govt's role in dropped BAE case
Blackstone Chambers is to launch the first legal action against the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Attorney General and Prime Minister Tony Blair over the decision to drop an investigation into BAE Systems' involvement with a Saudi Arabian defence contract.
Disused railway station charity scheme sees Wragges climb aboard
Birmingham-based Wragge & Co has provided pro bono advice to make unused space in railway station buildings available to charities.
Breakthrough decision on Rwanda genocide gives hope to victims
A crucial decision handed down by the appeals chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) earlier this year is set to help bring justice to the victims of the country's 1994 genocide.
ProHelp to lobby Law Society for continued CPD recognition
National pro bono group ProHelp is lobbying for the Law Society to grant continuing professional development (CPD) credit points for pro bono work.
Amnesty vows to tackle Vietnam govt's internet free speech crackdown
The Vietnamese government has come under fire from activists for cracking down on free speech by enacting laws criminalising dissenting views on the internet.
Lovells helps East End council tenants avoid eviction
Lovells has strengthened its relationship with key client Barclays, teaming up with the bank to provide council home residents with last-minute help to prevent eviction.
New coalition stresses role of councils in fighting recidivism
A coalition of councils, probation boards and penal reformers has formed to lobby the Government to let local authorities play a greater part in tackling the UK's chronic problem of criminal reoffending and in rescuing its overloaded prison system.
DLA Piper joins PwC to aid disadvantaged school kids in New York
DLA Piper joins PwC to aid disadvantaged school kids in New York" /DLA Piper's New York office has launched a pro bono project in the city, working with other activist legal groups for a government organisation to help improve facilities and access for the city's pre-school and primary students from low-income ...
Government remains obstinate over lop-sided extradition treaty
A coalition of top legal, business and civil rights groups has failed in its bid to ensure better safeguards on how people can be extradited from the UK.
Law school pro bono take-up smashes 50 per cent barrier
More than half the nation's law schools are now involved in pro bono work, new research reveals.
Sudanese lawyer combats state's crimes against humanity
Sudanese lawyer and member of parliament Salih Mahmoud Osman is seeking to change Sudan's legislation to bring the country's state security forces within the rule of law.
Firms contribute to World Bank survey
Allen & Overy (A&O), Baker & McKenzie and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton have ...
Reprieve, Liberty question UK Govt's role in CIA torture flights
The British Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has come under fire from civil rights organisations for allegedly failing to investigate claims of Government ministers' involvement in 'torture flights'.
Bakers offers IT support to NetHope charities
Baker & McKenzie's IT team has been working on a pro bono project bringing satellite IT and telecoms support to a string of major charities, including Action Aid, Oxfam and Save the Children.
Fisher Jones Greenwood creates scheme to help vulnerable children
Colchester law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood has established a pilot charity legal service for young people in Essex, with assistance from the Legal Services Commission (LSC).
A&O advises on landmark funding source for charities
Allen & Overy (A&O) has advised on a landmark capital markets deal that the firm says provides a "big step" in creating a funding source for charitable organisations that does not rely on receiving donations.
Freshfields helps the homeless with job training programme
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is working with Business in the Community as part of a mentor programme to help homeless people find employment.
Shoosmiths' new head of CSR to augment pro bono offering
Shoosmiths' new head of CSR to augment pro bono offering" /Shoosmiths has appointed personal injury unit head Judith Dorkins to head the firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, giving the firm a coordinated approach to pro bono work for the first time.
Bird & Bird partner fights Govt over secret cache of diamonds
Bird & Bird partner fights Govt over secret cache of diamonds" /Few cases feature elements as unusual as an unsigned will and a secret stash of antique diamonds. But the pro bono case that faced Lorna Brazell, an IP partner at City firm Bird & Bird, had both.
Ex-Simmons lawyer launches scheme for Pakistani children
A former Simmons & Simmons lawyer is setting out to help vulnerable children in Pakistan and build up a network highlighting the value of pro bono work in the country.
Weil joins forces with UN to help on unique disaster relief scheme
Weil Gotshal & Manges has acted as pro bono counsel in an initiative by the United Nations World Food Programme to create the world's first weather-derivative transaction for humanitarian emergencies.
Shepherds offers business law advice on Prince's Trust website
Edinburgh-based Shepherd & Wedderburn is working with youth enterprise charity the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) on a new online resource for Scottish entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 25 who are trying to set up businesses.
Camerons acts with theatre to help children become luvvies
CMS Cameron McKenna has begun a two-year partnership with Donmar Warehouse Theatre as part of its expanding corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
DLA Piper sets up mentoring scheme to help GCSE pupils
DLA Piper sets up mentoring scheme to help GCSE pupils" /DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary has been working with two London secondary schools on an e-mentoring scheme for GCSE students.
Pro Bono: Lawrence Graham duo tackles Mount Kilimanjaro for charity
Lawrence Graham duo tackles Mount Kilimanjaro for charity" /Lawrence Graham real estate partners spend the majority of their time sealing high-profile property deals, but give them some spare time and there's no telling what they will get up to.
A&O team helps earn death row reprieve for Jamaican prisoner
Allen & Overy (A&O) has scored a rare success before the Privy Council on behalf of a Jamaican death row prisoner.
Simmons teams up with charity to showcase law for school kids
Simmons & Simmons has helped a North London charity stage a mock jury project for teenagers.
Linklaters applies City skills to Charity Bank pro bono advice
Linklaters applies City skills to Charity Bank pro bono advice" /Linklaters has advised on a groundbreaking piece of pro bono work that has allowed a charitable financial institution to raise capital through a debt issue.
Herbert Smith advises parents in special needs appeal cases
Herbert Smith is expanding the scope of its pro bono work to include acting for parents of children with special educational needs. The move follows the launch of the firm's advocacy unit in May.
Colemans-ctts and Trafford Law Centre provide free debt advice
Manchester-based firm Colemans-ctts and the Trafford Law Centre launched a pro bono clinic in late January to provide debt advice for the local community.
DWS sets up free legal advice centre in East End of London
Denton Wilde Sapte’s (DWS) lawyers have helped to launch and run a new legal clinic in East London that will provide free advice to local residents.
Linklaters report labels global regulations as pro bono thorn
Linklaters report labels global regulations as pro bono thorn" /Linklaters has published a report on the ways in which global pro bono initiatives are hampered by legal and regulatory systems.
Women's club creates legal kitty to aid access to justice
A new online women's group is establishing a 'housekeeping kitty' to provide access to justice for women who cannot afford lawyers. The recently launched Womens Club International plans to offer interest-free loans and discretionary grants as a core service for members if they need to go to the law but cannot afford it.
New York Bar Assoc asks firms to commit to 50 hours pro bono
The New York bar is calling upon law firms in the city to sign up to ambitious pro bono targets in a new initiative to coordinate standards.
DLA, Barclays and Ford lend a hand to young entrepreneurs
Young entrepreneurs and voluntary groups are being trained by City firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary as part of a series of events backed by Barclays Bank and Ford Motor Company.
LSC donates legal services for Crisis Open Christmas scheme
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) joined forces with charity Crisis over the festive period to offer homeless people free legal advice to help them make a new start in 2006.
LAC saves £23k for tenant in dispute over service charge
The Legal Advice Centre (LAC) offered by the College of Law's Store Street branch has dealt with hundreds of pro bono cases since its creation five years ago.
Liverpool firm EAD sticks with family in life and death battle
Liverpool-based law firm Edwards Abrams Doherty (EAD) acted pro bono for the parents of Eileen Doran, a sufferer of an incurable brain disease who passed away last month, in their widely publicised High Court battle to preserve their daughter's life.
Lawyers and publishers team up to provide core legal texts
A charitable initiative to divert second-hand law books around the world aims to replenish the Supreme Court of Grenada's law library following its destruction last year by Hurricane Ivan.
Harper Macleod supports autism advocacy service
Harper Macleod supports autism advocacy service" /Scottish firm Harper Macleod is providing pro bono support for a new advocacy service being launched by one of the UK's leading charities for people with autism.
SPBG launches study into university pro bono clinics
The Solicitors Pro Bono Group (SPBG) has launched a study into how law faculties at universities promote a culture of free legal help, with the aim of identifying the level of the pro bono work carried out by each institution.
Firms' pro bono work proves central to students' selection
Law firms' and chambers' commitment to pro bono is a major lure in attracting the best students, according to a new survey. Some 2,140 students at the College of Law took part in major new research, which sounded out students on their views about their future careers.
Southern Africa benefits from DLA Piper's human rights plan
DLA Piper's human rights plan" /DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary lawyers have helped to set the standards of human rights advocacy in southern Africa with the publication of a new litigation manual.
SPBG identifies in-housers as valuable pro bono patrons
A pro bono initiative for lawyers is targeting in-house legal teams as a new and relatively untapped market.
Weil Gotshal's new pro bono regime sets legal benchmark
Weil Gotshal & Manges is to increase its lawyers' minimum pro bono contribution to 50 hours per year. It has also relaunched its pro bono strategy in an attempt to change "the worldwide pro bono model that law firms use".
A&O set to donate £60,000 in interest from client accounts
Allen & Overy (A&O) expects to have donated almost £60,000 by the New Year through its new scheme to direct interest on client accounts to London's voluntary legal sector. It recently paid £14,000 to the London Legal Support Trust, which represents two months' interest. The firm anticipates that a further payment in the region of £45,000 will be made on 1 January.
Govt's CICA scheme for bomb victims attracts lawyers' ire
Lawyers taking part in the pro bono effort to help the victims of the London bombings have been attacking the government-run compensation scheme. Immediately after the attacks, the Law Society set up a helpline to direct the victims and their families to free legal advice.
North West start-up merges charity donations into its fees
A new firm has set up in the North West which wears its heart on its sleeve by committing to pay 2 per cent of income directly to charities. The lawyers behind Brunswicks, a new specialist firm in Birkenhead advising health and social care providers, have decided that they want to put ethics at the core of their practice. "We want to foster an environment where we take our responsibilities seriously and acknowledge that we are privileged to be among the higher-earning members of society," ...
US lawyers react to Hurricane Katrina with huge relief effort
The US legal profession has rallied around in the wake of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, with Michael Greco, president of the American Bar Association (ABA), calling on lawyers to "do our part to help the country recover and rebuild".
Covington provides back-up for Paralympic Committee
The London office of US firm Covington & Burling is advising the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) at next year's Winter Paralympic Games in Torino on a pro bono basis. The firm had two lawyers in Athens for the 2004 Paralympics to advise the IPC, the international governing body of sports for disabled athletes, on a number of issues for its three-week duration.
Internet bumps up use of Citizens Advice Euro arm
A specialist Citizens Advice cross-border advice service handled disputes valued at more than £1m over the last 12 months and acted for almost two-thirds more European consumers than it did the previous year.
15 New Bridge St overturns bans on British football fans
A district judge last month ruled that eight British football fans deported from Portugal during the Euro 2004 soccer tournament were not to be banned from attending future matches as they had not received fair trials. They would not have been able to clear their names if it were not for lawyers representing them on a pro bono basis.
Free Representation Unit appoints its first director
The Free Representation Unit (FRU) was founded by a group of bar students who used to meet every week in the early 1970s in a smoke-filled room above the Griffin Inn on Clerkenwell Road. Some 33 years later, the FRU has finally gone professional, with the appointment of its first dedicated full-time director.
ABA survey finds 66 per cent of US lawyers work pro bono
In the US last year, two-thirds of the legal profession gave free legal assistance to people of limited means and groups helping the poor, according to a new survey by the American Bar Association (ABA). The first national survey of lawyers' pro bono activity found that some 66 per cent of lawyers gave free legal assistance and volunteered an average of 39 hours of work during the year.
Nyas tackles LSC for funding to continue child asylum work
The National Youth Advocacy Service (Nyas) is a not-for-profit children's charity that offers advocacy services to children, young people, parents, carers and professionals. At present the service is struggling to deal with the demands of child asylum seekers looking for help.
Legal profession unites to support bombing victims
The legal profession has launched a pro bono initiative to help the victims of the London bombings and their families. The Law Society has set up a telephone helpline to direct those affected by the bombings to free legal advice.
Endeavour Partnership invents fee scheme to help the NSPCC
North East firm the Endeavour Partnership has joined forces with the NSPCC in a novel fundraising scheme. The firm was approached by the Institute of Directors, which sponsors the NSPCC, to back the charity, but instead came up with a new way of supporting the group and its projects, which involves splitting fees on selected areas of legal advice.
National pro bono scheme set up for employment law sector
The Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) and the Solicitors Pro Bono Group (SPBG) this month announced the launch of a national pro bono scheme to link employment lawyers with those in need of advice. It aims to be the UK’s premier mechanism for allocating employment-related pro bono work, with a panel of 30 firms. The groups have created a panel of assessors, all of whom are senior employment lawyers, to review cases and decide the work required, the assistance needed and whether the ...
CC gives 'Teardrop Relief' as tsunami funds reach $1bn
Six months after the Indian Ocean tsunami, Clifford Chance has raised more than $1m (£550,000) for the relief effort. Last December, the firm launched a fundraising exercise across all of its offices and committed to match fund collections up to $500,000 (£276,000). Over the past six months there has been a total of $538,000 (£297,000) raised through donations by individuals throughout the firm.
Bolt Burdon fights for longer limit to sue over child abuse
Islington-based compensation claims boutique Bolt Burdon Kemp is among a handful of firms at the forefront of a campaign to change the law relating to the time limit on suing over child abuse.
Citizens Advice wants lawyers to match others' pro bono work
The registered charity Citizens Advice took the opportunity afforded by National Pro Bono Week to call on more lawyers to back its bureaux and claimed that the efforts of law firms were being surpassed by other professions.
Bristol Uni kicks off Innocence Project to balance Govt stance
“It’s perhaps the biggest miscarriage of justice in today’s system when the guilty walk away unpunished,” said the Prime Minister Tony Blair in June 2002. Dr Michael Naughton, of the School of Law at the University of Bristol, is reminded of that comment as he describes the reasons for setting up the Bristol Innocence Project. The initiative had its official launch last week to tie in with the fourth National Pro Bono Week.
1 Pump Court raises funds for South African pre-school
Barristers at 1 Pump Court have raised funds to help build a pre-school in South Africa's Eastern Cape. In March, two members of the chambers, Melanie Johnson and Adrienne Barnett, drove from East London to seven miles outside Mthatha in the district of Libode to pay a visit.
Linklaters goes global with community pro bono effort
Linklaters is set to launch a month-long programme of volunteering initiatives throughout June to coincide with National Pro Bono Week. The series of events is designed to encourage as many people within the firm as possible to "step forward and volunteer". The events will follow on from the firm's 'Time to Volunteer' scheme, launched last year, where all Linklaters staff are allowed an extra day off every ...
A&O urges large firms to join Law Centre funding scheme
Allen & Overy (A&O) has called on its fellow City firms to join a new scheme in which the interest on client accounts is donated to prop up the increasingly thin civil legal aid budget via the London Legal Support Trust. "We expect this new avenue for raising funds to generate donations from Allen & Overy in excess of £200,000 over the next three years," comments senior partner Guy Beringer. "We hope ...
Cancer Research UK recruits Halliwells for pro bono panel
National law firm Halliwells has been added to Cancer Research UK's pro bono panel. The firm joins key players Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, which works on major projects, Field Fisher Waterhouse, which advises on general commercial work and provides more day-to-day involvement, and Landwell, ...
15 New Bridge St barrister fights for justice in Trinidad
Anand Beharrylal, a barrister of Trinidadian parentage who practises at specialist criminal set 15 New Bridge Street, is considering a possible forthcoming instruction.
Access to Justice Alliance pans Govt for legal aid laxity
There is "a demographic timebomb" ticking at the heart of publicly-funded community legal services, warned Nony Ardill, chair of the Access to Justice Alliance (AJA), at its first public meeting at London's City University, which was organised by this new coalition of community groups and lawyers.
Irwin Mitchell staff have a spell teaching kids to read
Lawyers went back to school in Sheffield last term to help fight the slipping levels of literacy. "I find it shocking that, although we might be the fourth-biggest economy on earth, according to research there are 3.5 million people who go to work who can't read," says Adrian Budgen, the Irwin Mitchell partner who has just launched the firm's 'Right to Read' scheme. "In the UK, one in four adults are ...
Lawyers lobby Govt over the disappearance of law centres
Some 50 Law Centre lawyers, plus clients and supporters, marched on 11 Downing Street this month to call on Gordon Brown to protect the civil legal aid budget and improve funding for community law projects, for which it has been a bad year. "Sadly, Humberside Law Centre was closed this year, leaving that community without recourse to independent legal advice for employment, discrimination and immigration issues," says Steve Hynes, director of the Law Centres Federation. "Can you imagine ...
Pro bono duo helps man in fight not to have IVF child with his ex
Howard Johnston has so far successfully fought off his ex-girlfriend's attempts to save frozen IVF embryos from destruction. He has always maintained that he neither wanted the financial or emotional burden of a child with Natalie Evans. She argued that the frozen embryos offered her the only chance to have children after her ovaries were removed to avoid a cancer threat.
Macfarlanes lawyers go back to school in e-mentoring role
Macfarlanes is currently running an e-mentoring scheme with an East London school. Under the scheme, the firm's lawyers have been paired with pupils facing their GCSEs in an attempt to demystify the City.
Faegre & Benson helps BPP Law School at Hackney clinic
"She was a single mother who got herself into debt because she had to give up work following the collapse of her marriage," relates Stephen Llewellyn, special counsel at US firm Faegre & Benson's London office. "Added to this, her former husband had tried to abduct their son to another country."
Outer Temple QC monitors Azerbaijan trials for OSCE
Outer Temple Chambers silk Paul Garlick QC has been acting as an international monitor for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in its fight for justice reform in Azerbaijan.
Matrix barrister takes stand on same-sex marriage recognition
Matrix Chambers barrister Karon Monaghan is acting pro bono for human rights charity Liberty in an attempt to have a same-sex marriage recognised by the English courts.
Norton Rose pledges time to Free Representation Unit
Norton Rose's employment department is blazing a trail for employment representation charity the Free Representation Unit (FRU).
Weil Gotshal puts Kids at the forefront of its pro bono efforts
Weil Gotshal & Manges has boosted its commitment to pro bono and charity work in London by picking disabled children's charity Kids as its UK charity partner.
B&M doubles pro bono hours in London with Charity focus
A programme by the London office of Baker & McKenzie (B&M) aimed at ramping up levels of pro bono work (see The Lawyer, 27 October 2003) to match those in its US offices has seen the number of hours devoted to good causes almost double.
City coalition slates Law Soc’s planned education changes
City law firms have joined the chorus of opposition to the Law Society’s proposed changes to the training of lawyers, lobbying Law Society council members ahead of this month’s crucial vote on the proposals.
Court of Appeal: witness training is not acceptable
Lawyers involved in preparing witnesses for trial will need to keep transparent records following a Court of Appeal ruling on Wednesday (2 February).
Lovells acts for 200 UK MPs to overturn death sentence
A death row prisoner who was once only an hour away from execution will now be either set free or retried following a three-year campaign by Lovells.
Ofgem panel places up for grabs in massive rejig
Ofgem, the gas and electricity regulator, has launched a full-scale review of its external legal panel.
Law Soc, Bar Council press for selection of judges to be based on individual merit
The Law Society and the Bar Council are urging for radical reforms to the way judges are appointed.
Law school chums unite to fundraise for Aids education
A group of law school friends have taken the idea of pro bono one step further and set up a charity to help develop awareness of Aids in developing nations.
Market slates Law Society’s planned education shake-up
As part of the biggest shake-up in legal education for decades, the Law Society’s Standards Board has voted through far-reaching proposals that will allow students to sit final exams without having to undertake vocational or accredited courses.
The Roundhouse receives free Latham performance
Lawyers at Latham & Watkins’ London office have found a way to combine their passion for theatre with their legal expertise, after forging a pro bono relationship with Camden’s iconic theatre building the Roundhouse.
Opinion
The old QC selection system was not as bad as its press, but the new one should be better
Law Society under fire over plans for training revolution
The Law Society was last week accused of ambushing the legal profession with radical proposals to overhaul legal education.
Bar Council splits PCC and ‘trade union’ arms
Regulatory and policymaking functions part to deflect criticism of conflicts
SLG suffers in-fighting over training
Solicitors in Local Government (SLG), the professional body representing the 4,000 local government lawyers in England and Wales, has become embroiled in a spat over the future of its training unit.
Shearman elbows aside Freshfields to scoop mm02 corporate reorganisation
The London office of US firm Shearman & Sterling has secured a coup by beating Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to instructions ...
Law Soc, Bar Council seek QC selectors
The search for lay members of the selection panel that will choose the first group of QCs to be appointed under the new scheme was launched last week.
SPBG creates legal taskforce to aid victims of the tsunami
Several of the world’s largest law firms have responded overwhelmingly to an appeal from the Solicitors Pro Bono Group (SPBG) to help families and businesses hit by the Asian tsunami.
Exposed
The Government is facing calls for a public inquiry into chemical weapons tests carried out on soldiers at Porton Down during the 1950s. Jon Robins reports
Dutch justice minister touts Clementi-style legal review
Dutch firms face penalties for lawyers’ behaviour; bar to check service quality - Piet Hein Donner, Minister of Justice for the Netherlands
Brick Court’s Clarke set for High Court
Brick Court Chambers head Christopher Clarke QC will go to the bench upon completion of his role as counsel to the Saville Inquiry.
Zimbabwe legal system panned by bar leaders
An international coalition of lawyers has slammed the legal system in Zimbabwe.
Judges slate Victorian judicial reform
Judges working in the Australian state of Victoria have warned that proposals to introduce acting judges within the state court system could impinge the independence of the judiciary.
Home front
Since New Labour was elected, the Home Office legal team has been under pressure. Legal head David Seymour talks to Brendan Malkin about effective housekeeping
Freshfields’ finance lawyers get their hands dirty in Africa
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer sent members of its finance team to South Africa in the autumn to build houses for the poor of Durban’s townships.
Not enough money for licensing lawyers
Shortfalls in the proposed legal budget will make next year’s overhaul of the UK’s licensing system unworkable, the Government has been told.
Law Soc, Bar Council shake on new QC appointments scheme
The Law Society and the Bar Council have agreed on a revolutionary new scheme for the appointment of QCs, it was announced last week.
New laws to keep Home Office busy
The Home Office will be deluged with the mass of legislation proposed in the Queen’s Speech, say lawyers.
Record number of global firms achieve Paris Bar Council spots
International firms had their best ever showing in last week’s elections for the Paris Bar Council.
Croatia’s EU hopes ride on judicial reform
Judicial reform is the number one priority for Croatia’s bid to improve its civil, government and business systems to prepare for EU membership, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has said in its 2004 Transition Report.
Wragges fights for fair trial in Missouri death row case
Wragge & Co is advising pro bono on the firm’s first-ever death row case.
Blackstone backs up Refugee Legal Centre unfairness claim
Barristers from Blackstone Chambers acting pro bono have carried out two challenges in the Court of Appeal on key elements of the Government’s policy towards asylum seekers.
Brick Court QC heads up immigration intervention
A team of lawyers led by Richard Gordon QC of Brick Court Chambers is planning to make a third-party intervention on a pro bono basis into a Court of Appeal case concerning immigration detainees. Gordon will be appearing on behalf of refugee groups that have concerns over the rights of children detained in holding camps in the UK before their asylum applications are considered.
Grapevine - Lawyer News Weekly
For those of you who woke up this morning to the sound ofCharlie Falconer on The Today Programme criticising claimsfarmers – here’s the antidote.
Labour to take axe to government lawyers as civil service cuts bite
The government is planning to axe scores of its lawyers, reversing a rate of growth in its legal system that is 1,000 per cent higher under New Labour than under the Conservatives.
Shareholders United calls up Weil Gotshal for Glazer fight
Weil Gotshal & Manges has been taken on pro bono by Shareholders United, the shareholder group fighting Malcolm Glazer’s attempts to take over Manchester United Football Club, as exclusively revealed by www.thelawyer.com last Friday (5 November).
Music and the Deaf awards Cobbetts’ employment head
A love of music, plus support from his firm, has helped Cobbetts Leeds employment head Ronald Drake win an award for his work with Huddersfield charity Music and the Deaf.
A&O helps brighten futures for women living in hostels
Allen & Overy’s (A&O) pro bono initiatives have resulted in the magic circle firm providing invaluable support to Tower Hamlets-based self-help organisation Mosaada.
Addleshaws crowns pro bono efforts with Prince’s Trust aid
Addleshaw Goddard’s commitment to corporate social responsibility has led to a significant number of the firm’s employees joining the Prince’s Trust as volunteers. More than 100 staff from the firm’s Manchester office have agreed to provide personal or business mentoring and development assessments to the young people that the charity is helping.
Complaint feint
The Legal Services Complaints Commissioner is on a mission to get the Law Society’s complaints-handling in order and is now equipped with powers to impose a £1m fine. By Jon Robins
New Blackstone heads to target competition work
Blackstone Chambers’ newly-elected heads Ian Mill QC and Thomas Beazley QC have a tough task building on the success of their predecessors at the top public and commercial law set.
Garnier QC leads MP group in quest to impeach the PM
One Brick Court silk and Conservative MP Edward Garnier QC is leading the charge to impeach the Prime Minister over the invasion of Iraq.
MBR&M in Olympic arbitration role
Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw (MBR&M) is the first international law firm to be sent by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to arbitrate for athletes and sports bodies at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Three lawyers were sent to Athens to provide advice and take part in arbitrations on a pro bono basis in order to settle disputes in record times of no longer than 24 hours.
Watson Farley selected by Indian govt for Dabhol role
Watson Farley & Williams has won the role of legal counsel to the Indian government on the high-profile Dabhol arbitration following an urgent search which saw more than 35 firms turn it down for conflict reasons. It is understood that Watson Farley won the work late last month over four other shortlisted firms.
Peterborough Council legal head makes Lambeth promise
Peterborough City Council legal chief Mark Hynes has taken on the challenge of transforming Lambeth Council as its new director of legal and democratic services.
Firm profile: Hempsons
Established in 1890, Hempsons is anything but an old-fashioned firm. In the 115 years since it was created, when its partners broke away from Slaughter and May, the firm has remained independent, preferring, as managing partner Janice Barber puts it, to “slip the baton and ...
MoFo hires disabled office junior after charity IP work
US-based firm Morrison & Foerster’s (MoFo) efforts for London charity Choices 4 All has led to the firm employing an office junior with learning disabilities, an unlooked-for benefit of providing pro bono IP protection advice.
Public engagement
Partnering between public and private sector lawyers is an idea whose time has come. Matt Byrne reveals the results of The Lawyer’s first ever public sector survey
Grapevine
There’s no such thing as a free lunch, unless you’re a legal journalist. Certainly if you’re a local government lawyer, you’re expected to dish out something in return for all that friendly free advice, training and access to information that some firms are willing to offer in a partnering arrangement.
Swansea outsourcing prompts strike action
Swansea City Council has provoked an ongoing strike over plans to outsource its IT department, but new laws coming in next year may help make such disputes a thing of the past.
Community Legal Service slammed by DCA report
The Community Legal Service (CLS), which from 1 April 2000 replaced the old civil scheme of legal aid, has been criticised following an independent review on behalf of the Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA).
Court of Appeal rejects older workers’ discrimination case
Two men at the centre of a far-reaching fight for the rights of older workers have had their case turned down by the Court of Appeal and are now considering their next move.
Careers: in brief
Peter Godber, the driving force behind the LGG training unit for lawyers in local government, is to leave the organisation he set up 20 years ago. Godber, who launched LGG in 1984,will develop his own management and skills training consultancy, offering courses on in-house management and leadership skills. LGG represents around 3,200 lawyers working in local government and is frequently used by lawyers at City firms, including
Sybase Euro counsel quits to join Reckitt Benckiser
Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has appointed its second vice-president and general counsel in just over 18 months.
Speechly nabs Boodle Hatfield partner
Beleaguered law firm Boodle Hatfield has been dealt a blow by the loss of the head of its contentious trust and probate team to Speechly Bircham.
ICONECT offers free access to its software for pro bono
Web-based litigation software company iCONECT LLC has thrown its weight behind an unprecedented initiative by offering its law firm clients free licence access to its suite of products for use in pro bono cases. The move will give legal experts working on vital civil rights and justice litigation access to the same tools used in high-profile litigation cases.
Balancing act
Under the Northern Ireland Act 1998, public authorities have a duty to promote equality. Hilary Griffith considers the impact on public authorities undertaking PFI projects
Reckitt fill general counsel role with Sybase man
Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has appointed the European general counsel of IT group Sybase as senior vice-president and general counsel.
Tesco to review legal advisers
Tesco is reviewing its legal advisers in a bid to cut costs, with head of legal Martin Field inviting current advisers and others that the supermarket has not used before to pitch.
Paul Meadows: Coca-Cola Enterprises
The Dasani debacle may have left Coca-Cola with egg on its face, but it highlighted the excellence of its legal team. Husnara Begum reports
Africa 2005 launches with support from Herbert Smith
The launch of a year-long international campaign to promote Africa in a positive light is underway thanks to support from Herbert Smith’s Paris office.
Careers: people
Cobbetts has bolstered its IP, information, communications and technology and media teams with the hire of two solicitors for its Manchester office. Laura Harper arrives after a five-year stint at Pannone & Partners, while Sonia Luthra joins the top 50 firm from DWF Solicitors.
Lovells wins landmark criminal injuries case
The widow of a man killed by her son has won a substantial criminal injuries claim, thanks to the pro bono efforts of lawyers at Lovells.
Food for thought
The ECHR is set to decide whether multinationals should be able to sue individuals for libel. Jon Robins reports on how the McLibel case could change the rules of the game
Lester Aldridge ace becomes the ‘Flying Lawyer’
Ex-Lester Aldridge partner James Daly has left private practice to launch the Flying Lawyer, a new mobile legal concept designed to meet the needs of businesses in the asset, consumer and motor finance sectors. Daly, who has 20 years of expertise in asset and consumer financing and on industry committees, aims to provide a client-tailored service. Specifically, the Flying Lawyer will offer an in-house ...
PepsiCo wins US Justice Department heavyweight
PepsiCo has hired the former number two at the US Department of Justice as its new general counsel and head of government affairs.
Part-time students ramp up BPP’s interim results
The parent company of BPP Law School has announced flat profits in its interim results, despite a strong performance by the law division, which has been boosted by an explosion of part-time students.
White and Bowker scoops Salisbury contract
Hampshire firm White and Bowker has successfully tendered for a two-year contract to provide legal services to Salisbury District Council. The 15–partner practice fought off competition from 40 other firms this month and is now set to work alongside the council’s in-house team on employment, conveyancing, contracts, litigation, housing and environmental services.
Simmons scoops Next share scheme project
Simmons & Simmons has completed an executive share incentive scheme for Next, demonstrating that the firm still has a solid relationship with the retailer despite the fact that Herbert Smith muscled in on Next’s corporate work last year.
CC mentoring scheme offers black students a helping hand
British African and Caribbean students may find the path to a corporate career more accessible thanks to the involvement of Clifford Chance in a programme aimed at improving educational potential among this group.
Careers: in brief
Reed Smith is to launch a professional development and leadership initiative for its staff this autumn. Reed Smith University will be run in conjunction with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and its executive education division.
Careers: people
City firm Dawsons has boosted its corporate department with the promotion to partner of Ute Mueller. Mueller, who qualified in Germany in 1997 and joined the firm three years ago, specialises in international law.
Bevan Ashford poaches top staff from rival Wragge & Co
Bevan Ashford has raided regional rival Wragge & Co to scoop a top local government specialist and an associate to bolster its public sector team.
Citizens Advice forewarns swingeing cuts to legal aid
Legal aid proposals put forward by the Legal Services Commission (LSC) late last month are set to limit access to justice for many people, according to charity Citizens Advice.
Herbert Smith secures ABF portfolio for best friend Cravath
Cravath Swaine & Moore has won Associated British Foods (ABF) as a new client, thanks to Herbert Smith.
International trainees launch Brussels’ first pro bono group
In an unusual show of solidarity, 10 trainees from nine international law firms have banded together under the newly-formed Brussels Pro Bono Project in order to investigate and initiate pro bono opportunities for UK lawyers and trainees based in Brussels.
New panel for English Partnerships
English Partnerships is about to put law firms through their paces after launching a review of its advisers.
Pictons
Pictons chief executive officer (CEO) David Lambert is unusual in having a vision for the firm that he describes as “transient”. Some CEOs and managing partners might bridle at the suggestion of ‘transience’ in their thinking. But not Lambert.
LSC initiates telephone and internet-based legal service
A free telephone and web-based national advice service was launched in July by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). The scheme aims to provide answers to common legal problems for anyone across England and Wales, and offers additional help to those eligible for legal aid.
Careers: in brief
A senior figure at Scottish firm Pagan Osborne has been named as a trust law specialist by the Law Society of Scotland. Bill Pagan, who heads the 10-partner firm’s tax, trust and strategic financial planning department, joins a select band of 14 Scottish solicitors to receive the recognition, considered by many as one of the highest accolades handed out by the society. Pagan said: “For most of my legal career I’ve been working within the field of trust law and it’s an honour to receive ...
Birmingham City Council in law panel revamp
Birmingham City Council is in the final throes of reviewing its legal panel.
Clarke Willmott in Equitable Life battle
Clarke Willmott’s financial services department is acting for 700 Equitable Life policyholders in fresh claims against the mutual society. The policyholders have formed an action group, Equitable Life Trapped Annuitants (ELTA), which two weeks ago launched an action for compensation for its reduced annuity rates. Class Law and Irw
Andrew McCarthy: Procter & Gamble UK
Procter & Gamble is one of the most ambitious consumer goods companies in the world. Joanne Harris reports on how head of legal Andrew McCarthy keeps ahead of the game
PI firms to donate £100 per claim to benefit community
In a nationwide first, more than 70 law firms throughout England and Wales have pledged to donate a proportion of their fees from personal injury (PI) cases in order to benefit local communities. The Community Claims scheme, launched in May this year, will see solicitors donate £100 for each PI claim they accept.
Lifting the lid
The introduction of the Freedom of Information Act is still months away, but it is already worrying those involved in public sector projects. Jon Robins reports
Exchange Chambers christens bumper year with mass hire
Liverpool set Exchange Chambers is continuing to grow with the arrival of four new tenants, including a former Clifford Chance lawyer.
Winckworth Sherwood closes healthcare group
Westminster law firm and parliamentary agent Winckworth Sherwood is hiving off its healthcare group, as the head of the practice leaves to set up a new outfit. The firm will close down healthcare to concentrate on its core clients. Simon Eastwood, head of the group at Winckworth Sherwood, is establishing his own practice with a team of lawyers. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 14 July
Allen & Overy team triumphs in Jamaican death row case
A man facing Jamaica’s mandatory death penalty has seen his sentence overturned as a result of pro bono work by Allen & Overy (A&O).
Where credit's due
Will the new consumer credit regulations help the customer or just lead to more confusion? asks Jonathan Guest
Pension check
New legislation aims to make pensions more simple, but Chris Clarke warns that the changeover might not be so easy
Linklaters in multiple M&S roles
Linklaters has emerged as a multiple adviser on Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) bid battle with Philip Green, as the retail entrepreneur last week returned his gaze to the company’s pension fund trust.
Cobbetts loses PZ Cussons
PZ Cussons has ditched Cobbetts in favour of Addleshaw Goddard.
Irwin Mitchell gifts law student £1K pro bono trip to Australia
Northumbria University student Martin Wilson has become the first student to win a month working in the pro bono office of Australia’s Monash University on an all expenses paid trip, courtesy of Irwin Mitchell.
McDonald’s counsel faces Parliament committee
McDonald’s Restaurants general counsel Julian Hilton-Johnson has been called upon to defend the company at a second Parliament committee in the space of eight months.
Julian Hilton-Johnson: McDonald's Restaurants
McDonald’s, the world’s most famous fast food chain, is changing its image. Steve Hoare meets the lawyer at the sharp end of the salad revolution
Oxfam gets sound advice on music plan from Bird & Bird
Oxfam has taken the unprecedented step of becoming the first charity to launch a music download site, with Bird & Bird advising on a pro bono basis.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC
Eloquently, passionately and with no little wit, the man can most certainly talk. Fortunately, on this occasion, he restricted himself to one gag, and to the delight of some in the audience, it was at Campbell’s expense. Opening his copy of the Civil Service (No 2) Bill at Section 6(3) Lord Lester turned his steely gaze on the evening’s host to quote “from one former special adviser to another: ‘Special advisers shall not exercise executive powers over civil servants’.”
Irwin Mitchell loses public sector team
Walker Morris has poached Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield public sector team.Partners Andrew Uprichard and Julie Muscroft will join the commercial, public sector and projects team in the Leeds firm later this year, leaving Irwin Mitchell with no public sector partners. They are expected to take some assistants with them.
Yukos shareholders take on Russian govt
The battle surrounding embattled Russian oil giant Yukos has escalated, with its core shareholders instructing lawyers to act against the Russian authorities should the company be forced into bankruptcy.
King’s College forms its first law firm panel
King’s College London is to establish its first legal panel, posing a potential threat to Herbert Smith’s long relationship with the university.
White & Case gets involved in Homeless World Cup 2004
Adding to the current international football fever pitch brought about by the 2004 European Championship, White & Case has teamed up with the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) and Scottish firm Shepperd + Wedderburn to kickstart the Homeless World Cup 2004, to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in September.
Awards preview: in-house commerce & industry team of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: niche firm of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: barrister of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: assistant solicitor of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: public sector team of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
L-Cat super-panel met with disdain by the public sector
Central Government’s super-panel L-Cat is preparing to roll out to local government, but it faces receiving short shrift from some local authority lawyers.
Dickinson Dees bags Sainsbury’s
Newcastle firm Dickinson Dees has won J Sainsbury as a new client.Dickinson Dees was first introduced to Sainsbury’s when it was on the other side of the supermarket chain’s £22m acquisition of Bells Stores from the Bells family.
Gucci general counsel walks as company is bought by PPR
Gucci’s general counsel Alan Tuttle has quit following the multibillion-pound acquisition of the fashion house by French conglomerate Pinault Printemps Redoute (PPR).
Nabarros lures BLP construction expert
Nabarro Nathanson has raided rival Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) for the latest addition to its construction team.
Bird & Bird secures head of public law for Paris base
Bird & Bird Paris has taken on a second partner within a month, recruiting the head of public law from French independent August & Debouzy.
FFW steals a march on Lawrence Graham as Londis switches firms
Lawrence Graham as Londis switches firms" /Convenience store group Londis has dropped Lawrence Graham in the middle of its takeover battle.
Green picks Freshfields for M&S bid
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer corporate partner Barry O’Brien has scooped the City’s hottest deal with a mandate to act for retail entrepreneur Philip Green on his £8bn-plus bid for Marks & Spencer (M&S), displacing usual adviser Allen & Overy.
Retail therapy
The Philip Green bid for M&S is just the latest twist in the ongoing saga that is the retail sector. Joanne O’Connor talks to four of the industry’s key in-house lawyers
Careers: in brief
Scottish firm Balfour & Manson has merged with learning disability charity Disability Legal Services (DLS) this month. DLS, established by mental health lawyer Liz Craigmyle, has become a separate practice within the firm’s private client department, with Craigmyle joining the firm as a partner to head the new team.
Opinion
Judgment in the divorce of Arsenal footballer Ray Parlour is expected from the Court of Appeal in mid-June. Should the court decide in Karen Parlour’s favour, the decision is likely to have far-reaching consequences for maintenance in high net income divorces, and represent a significant increase in the threshold for maintenance awards.
Car alarm
With local transport plans, the Government is keen to reduce the public’s dependency on the car. Robbie Owen reports
Public providers
The past year has been an eventful time in the technology outsourcing sector. Alistair Maughan gives the lowdown
Good medicine
In his review of the legal regulators, Clementi might do well to look at the well-established medical model. Matthew Lohn reports
Blake Lapthorn gets specific
Blake Lapthorn Linnell has completed a review of its practice groups and is introducing a series of sector teams aimed at specific industries.
Orrick and Swidler to tie the knot in summer
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe’s merger with Washington DC’s Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman is racing to conclusion, with a partnership vote expected before the summer.
Careers: people
Specialist pensions law firm Sacker & Partners has promoted three associates to the partnership: Claire Carey, Alison Cribbs and Joanna Matthews.
Firm profile: JS Miller Solicitors
JS Miller Solicitors senior managing partner Jeanette Miller knows more than just the technical side of personal injury (PI) litigation. As a trainee solicitor she became a victim herself after she fell down some faulty steps and injured her back at work. She successfully sued and the experience motivated her to form her own eponymous practice. Its ethos would ...
S+W posts record revenues
Scottish heavyweight Shepherd + Wedderburn has posted a 13.4 per cent increase in revenues for the year 2003-04, with annual income rising from £25.6m to a record £29m.
Trevisan focuses on food in Parma
Italian intellectual property (IP) boutique Trevisan & Cuonzo is to launch a new office in Parma specialising in IP issues for the food and food-related sectors.
Heatons firms up Baugur relationship after winning Goldsmiths brief
Niche Stoke-on-Trent firm Heatons is cementing its relationship with retail giant Baugur after winning its third instruction from the Icelandic company, this time to advise on the £110m acquisition of UK jewellery retailer Goldsmiths.
Heinz full of beans over DuPont legal capture
Food giant Heinz has raided DuPont’s respected in-house team for the appointment of its new European general counsel Janice Leiper.
Boots dispenses with legal staff in rejig of head office
Boots is slashing lawyers and support staff from its in-house legal team as part of the pharmacy retailer’s radical drive to streamline its head office.
Axa general counsel defects to Danone
Christianne Butte, the general counsel of Axa, has resigned after 13 years in the job to take the same role at food and drinks company Groupe Danone.
Sainsbury’s set for sweeping review after real estate hire
J Sainsbury is gearing up for a major overhaul of its property panel following the appointment of its first in-house property lawyer.
Dentons bids farewell to its global ambitions
DWS becomes latest City firm to abandon global model; culls Asia in bid to add £2m to profit pool
Pro Bono - Dechert restructures pro bono into practice groups
In a bid to support and encourage transactional lawyers undertaking pro bono work, Dechert has taken the unusual step of introducing distinct pro bono practice groups in its Philadelphia office.
The Leader - Alternative Silks List
There is renewed hope for the long-term future of the QC – and not just because The Lawyer has assumed the role of Lord Chancellor to offer its own annual quality mark, the TLC.
Top-up fees to be sky high on law degrees
Law degrees at England’s top universities will be among the most expensive courses to read if the Government is able to push through its controversial top-up fees policy, a survey by Lawyer 2B can reveal.
EU accession countries hit language barrier
The European Commission has raised fears that citizens of some countries joining the EU in May could defy EU regulations because they may not all have been translated into their national language. News service MaltaMedia has reported concern from officials working for EU Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen that the translation of the 85,000-page ‘acquis communautaire’ was behind schedule, especially in small countries such as Malta and Estonia, where few specialist translators ...
ECJ and Court of First Instance suffer serious backlog of cases
The caseload of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has increased by more than 17 per cent in the last year. According to the institution’s 2003 annual report, there were 561 new cases brought to the ECJ last year and 466 to its sister court, the Court of First Instance. This is compared with 477 being brought to the ECJ in 2002 and 411 to the Court of First Instance.
Clause for thought
The proposed Exclusion of Judicial Review in the Asylum and Immigration Bill is an affront to the rule of law, says Richard Plender QC
Rights turn
If the Human Rights Act 1998 is expanded, commercial and voluntary providers of public services should take note, warns Helen Mountfield
University challenge
The Higher Education Bill has grabbed its fair share of headlines, mainly over top-up fees. Carola Geist-Divver outlines the rest of the proposals
Dickinson Dees lands Croydon
Newcastle-based Dickinson Dees has scooped a place on the Croydon Borough Council legal panel.
Law Lords rule the inquest juries should explain their verdicts
Inquest juries must give explanations for their verdicts in death in custody cases but have to stop short holding individuals liable, following a groundbreaking ruling of the Law Lords last week.
Shadbolts carves out new management role
Shadbolt & Co has created a new management position in London to maintain its current development push. Liz Jenkins, head of the national and international projects and procurement group, has been appointed as managing partner and head of Shadbolts’ London office. Jenkins has recently worked on the £200m Colchester garrison project, acting for service providers Sodexho and WS Atkins. Her new role will include promotion of the firm’s projects/public finance initiative/public-private ...
Weil Gotshal litigation devolves power after record expansion
The management of Weil Gotshal’s global litigation practice is being decentralised following 100 per cent departmental growth in the past five years.
Lawyers reveal audit secrets
Maltese lawyers have won a major victory in the ongoing Parmalat investigation by reversing an order by the food giant’s special administrator Enrico Bondi not to disclose audits into the company.
Reckitt Benckiser loses vice-president
The senior vice-president and general counsel of Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has quit after just one year in the post.
Harper MacLeod wins SLC contract
McGrigor Donald has been ditched by the Student Loans Company (SLC) in favour of Harper MacLeod. The Scottish firm beat seven others to win the three-year contract, believed to include MacRoberts and Shepherd+ Wedderburn.
Eversheds partner joins Mills & Reeve
Eversheds PFI/projects partner Jason Poole is set to join the Cambridge office of Mills & Reeve as a partner later this year. Poole specialises in advising public and private sector clients on a wide range of PFI/public private partnership schemes, project financings and outsourcings. Pooles recent transactions ...
Candid cameras
As programme makers persist with dramatic reconstructions of court cases, the drive to broadcast the real thing is reaching fever pitch. Jon Robins reports
The rights path
Although the pattern varies in each of the UK's jurisdictions, human rights is weaving its way into the fabric of the legal systems
Information Commissioner on how to can 'spam'
New legal restrictions on email marketing ahead of next month's clampdown on 'spam' were clarified last week, when the Information Commissioner published guidelines to help businesses comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (SI 2426/2003).
Masons wins IP2IPO Group work
Masons had triumphed in a beauty parade against Jones Day Gouldens to advise IP2IPO Group on its own initial public offering (IPO) last week.
Allen & Overy and DLA: the unlikely best friends
Why two very different firms have decided to form an alliance on IT projects.
OFT stands firm on QC system
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has confirmed its belief that the QC system distorts competition and does not serve customers' best interests.
Reynolds Porter acts for IDS in 'Betsygate' fray
Tory party leader Iain Duncan Smith (IDS) has drafted in Reynolds Porter Chamberlain partner David Hooper (left), the lawyer who acted for John Major in relation to the Edwina Currie affair, to advise on 'Betsygate'. Parliamentary Standards ...
London Underground picks five firms to join legal panel
Berwin Leighton Paisner, Bird & Bird, Hammonds, Manches and Nicholson Graham & Jones have been appointed to the London Underground legal panel.
Personnel privacy
The Government is as keen as ever to pursue PFI, but as Caroline Carter and Logan Mair report, problems may arise when transferring employees to a private contractor
Who to trust
...
Who to trust
To give each NHS trust its autonomy, the Government is pressing ahead with foundation trusts. But will the process of decentralisation knock it off its axis? asks Trevor Blythe
Legacy Biddle partners to quit Pinsents after strategy review
Pinsents is saying goodbye to three partners and four assistants, originally from its 2001 London merger partner Biddle, following strategy and performance reviews.
Chief executive quits Bevan Ashford
Bevan Ashford’s non-lawyer chief executive Ann Conway-Hughes has resigned after just 18 months in the role.
Building support
For a market-leading DIY retailer, B&Q relies surprisingly heavily on help from its external counsel. Husnara Begum finds out why Gary Shillinglaw believes that outsourcing is best
Family man
After a rocky start in 2001, for which it has received much criticism, Cafcass's legal director Charles Prest says that the organisation is getting on track. Emma Vere-Jones reports
Motor head
With a £45bn turnover per year, no one could argue the might behind the motor industry, and SMMT is at the forefront of the action
Best seller
The legal director at the Institute of Sales Promotion, Philip Circus, does a pretty good job of selling himself. Husnara Begum reports
Citizen Smyth
He's no-nonsense, committed and just a little bit scary. Catrin Griffiths meets Clifford Chance's new head of public policy
Older and wiser
Customs & Excise has been patrolling the UK's borders since Roman times, and now has one of the Government's biggest legal departments. Jennifer Currie meets head of legal David Pickup
The Asda way
Although Asda is a tough cookie to crumble, with its laid back family-like attitudes it is a valuable and faithful client to have. Kathryn Hobbs meets head of legal Denise Jagger
Altered image
Kathryn Hobbs meets Robin Allen QC, who says he is determined to revamp the image of the Bar
Thomson direct
From sleaze-busting to dealing with local unrest over the proposed expansion of Stansted, Essex County Council's Philip Thomson takes it all in his stride. Naomi Rovnick reports
GE whizz
GE Capital European general counsel Susan Crichton's policy of seeking a firm on a job-by-job basis ensures that lawyers are kept on their toes. Emma Vere-Jones reports
Legal drive
RAC director of legal services Jonathan Gulliford thinks his organisation is more trusted than most lawyers. Caroline Davies meets the man who wants to take on the Law Society.
Holding council
Newham's Gifty Edila was a one-council woman, that is until Kensington and Chelsea swept her off her feet with the offer of a new challenge. Jennifer Currie reports
Our fair lady
Head of legal at the Office of Fair Trading Pat Edwards is relishing her growing remit and increased responsibility. Jennifer Currie investigates the world of the shark killers
The Hackney wizard
Claer Lloyd-Jones of Hackney Council has got a hard job ahead of her, but remains unfazed. Brendan Malkin finds out how she intends to work her magic on the beleagured authority
Keeping tabs
For Baker & McKenzie's Harry Small, keeping Levi's little red tab sacred was a must - despite the fact that he doesn't wear jeans very often
Surrey Council and Trowers take to the road
Trowers & Hamlins is to advise Surrey County Council on its £300m highway services contract. The contract will cover the repair and maintenance of the local authority's road network, and Trowers will work with the council to achieve 'best value'.This is the first time that a local authority has used a partnering process for such a large procurement plan.Partner David Mosey is leading ...
The knowledge
Satish Mistry is the new head of legal at the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Eleanor Levenson reports on the man who, after working for six boroughs, knows London inside out
Live and learn
NYLS learned so much from Eversheds on its first PFI that it didn't bother with an outside law firm a second time. Vanessa Pawsey asks head of legal Richard Daly how he does it
National treasure
The Treasury Solicitor's Department may be short of lawyers and snowed under with work but, as Brendan Malkin discovers, it is still managing to keep its standards up
Water Works
Britain's waterways haven't been this active since the industrial revolution, and British Waterways has got its hands full. Julia Cahill finds out that the organisation's legal team is moving with the times
A little dab'll do ya
As head of legal at Sara Lee, Howard Rubenstein's remit encompasses standing up for and protecting a plethora of his company's products. But cake isn't one of them. Naomi Rovnick reports
The law of the land
Working in the public sector takes a different type of lawyer, one whose priorities lie in the work rather than in the remunerative aspects of the job. Naomi Rovnick meets one such lawyer, the head of legal at Worcestershire County Council
Cadwalader gains political capability with triple hire
New York firm Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft is taking on the former national chairman of the Democratic National Committee to chair a new global public affairs group.
The engine room
By working in Government Legal Services, one has the opportunity to participate in the creation of new laws. Kelly Harrison talks to the rail regulator's head of legal about the pressures of keeping the industry on track
Accidents And Emergencies
With the legal aid budget slashed and the NHS claims increasingly complex, the Royal College of Nursing's legal department is being forced to rely on outside advisers to make up the numbers. Naomi Rovnick reports
Cleary advises on Dixons-Wanadoo bond exchange
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is advising managers Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter on Dixons' indirect issue of exchangeable bonds only a month after investing in French internet company Wanadoo.
Talking Shop
With plans to open new stores and international expansion on the cards, the compact legal team at Debenhams certainly has enough to keep it occupied for the time being. Mary Murphy reports
Break on the border
Fiona Callister finds out how Bevan Ashford chief executive Nick Jarrett-Kerr is reacting to a reduction in work for English firms due to changes prompted by Welsh devolution
New world, new challenge
Clifford Chance's rising star Rae Lindsay thrives on a challenge, and her task of heading the firm's new international unit is certainly that. Vanessa Pawsey reports
Man of the cloth
The five-lawyer team at Next have had their hands full with the level of success enjoyed by the retail company. Fiona Callister asks whether a predicted downturn in consumer spending will pile on the pressure
Unilever
Over the past year, ice cream has been the bane of Unilever's life.
J Sainsbury
Sainsbury's has built its reputation on being a wholesome family-run company. But this year will be the first that a family member is not head of the company, following chairman Lord Sainsbury of Turville's handover to non-executive chairman Sir George Bull.
One tea, no sugar
Jack Straw is a man with teeth. But he's more likely to bare them than reveal them in a grin, Fiona Callister discovers.
