The legal software house, Solicitec, is introducing a “robot” to its office case management system for law firms. The company says its Solcase Robot adds increased automation to existing workflow procedures. The concept, which aims to save time by means of built-in actions, already exists in other professions, such as banking. Managing director Neil Ewin […]
Solicitors for a woman detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act and forced to have a Caesarean are to appeal a High Court decision that she waited too long to challenge the legality of her detention. Leigh Day & Co solicitor Richard Stein, who is representing the woman known only as Ms S, said […]
Principled, radical, thoughtful, charming, but courageous and with a hard core. The adjectives have been flowing about the Lord Chancellor since he announced his retirement from his post last week. Lord Mackay of Clashfern is adhering to one of his own principles relating to the judiciary and stepping down before he reaches 70. His decision […]
Eric Ashley Bell, 47, admitted 1988, practising at material times with Graham and Bell Partnership and then as a sole practitioner as Eric A Bell & Co, Bedlington, fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,500 costs. Allegations substantiated that he delayed or alternatively failed to act with reasonable expedition in affairs of clients; failed or […]
A case which some might see as adding insult to injury is on its way to the High Court. Roger Daniel of Oxford was given a seven-day ultimatum by South Shropshire District Council to make a house he owned in Ludlow safe. When he failed to meet the deadline the council moved in and demolished […]
The new president of the Association of District Judges has warned that the radical proposals to reform the civil justice system are under threat. District Judge Godfrey Evans, who sits at the Cardiff Civil Justice Centre and is an assistant recorder on the Wales and Chester Circuit, was elected by the association’s 340 members at […]
The London-based reporting company Smith Bernal International, which provided the transcription technology for the OJ Simpson trial, has set up an operation in Bermuda. The new arm will provide the same range of reporting services as the company’s offices in London, Hong Kong and Philadelphia. Its chief executive, Graham Smith, said the company chose to […]
THE CPS lawyers’ union has drawn up an internal code of ethics for the service to prevent its members from breaking their own professional rules. The CPS section of the Association of First Division Civil Servants (FDA) is planning to present the code, which is so far only in draft form, to Dame Barbara Mills […]
Local authorities responsible for fire fighting operations could face legal challenges from disgruntled property owners and higher insurance premiums following a ground-breaking Court of Appeal decision. In a series of three cases the Appeal Court ruled that fire brigades could be held liable for negligence. But in a bizarre twist, under the court’s rulings, fire […]
Many parents, grandparents and other relatives who are in the financial position to make gifts to succeeding generations are reluctant do so because of the family risks involved. These may include assets intended for minors falling under the unwanted control of their parents, assets falling into the hands of the immature, irresponsible or even predators. […]
After 10 years at the helm the Lord Chancellor, Lord Mackay, is to step down at the General Election in May. And what an eventful 10 years it has been. Law reform has taken on a new meaning with Lord Mackay. Lord Woolf says Lord Mackay has earned a place in the history books – […]
Cases pending in the Queens Bench Division include: Earl & anor v News Group Newspapers (not before 24 March); Colchester Oyster Fishery v Purslow (not before 8 April); Joseph & ors v Commissioner of Police (not before 8 April); Pallen v Commissioner of Police (not before 14 April); Glaum v Commissioner of Police (not before […]