Regulator eyes greater role for legal expenses insurance
The Legal Services Board is set to explore whether and how legal expenses insurance can help to reduce unmet legal need, it confirmed this week.
Accepting cap on damages deduction “equals informed consent”
A solicitor telling a client that they will deduct up to 25% of damages to cover costs not recovered in a low-value personal injury case amounts to informed consent, a regional costs judge has ruled.
Time to take the ‘alternative’ out of ADR, says Master of the Rolls
The Master of the Rolls wants to “take the ‘alternative” out of ADR” and ensure it is integrated into every stage of the dispute resolution process, he said last week.
MoJ set to increase 133 court fees in bid to raise up to £17m
The Ministry of Justice is set to increase by inflation 133 court fees that have not changed since 2016, raising up to £17m as a result. Only certain types of fees are included.
Burford to raise $350m as it unveils record results
Top litigation funder Burford Capital is raising a further $350m (£255m) through debt in the wake of another record-breaking year that saw its income from investments top $500m for the first time.
CA to hear appeal on ‘informed consent’ to PI damages deduction
The Court of Appeal has agreed to consider whether personal injury clients need to give informed consent to paying their solicitor more costs than could have been recovered.
Trial delays continue to lengthen across civil courts
Delays in cases going through the civil courts continue to spiral upwards, with delays in fast-and multi-track cases approaching 18 months and the small claims court set for more cases after the whiplash reforms.
Court allows defendants to use statements disclosed by mistake
The High Court has granted permission to defendants to use the contents of four otherwise privileged witness statements which were disclosed by the claimants’ solicitors by mistake
