The Perth office of Australian firm Freehill Hollingdale & Page has finally merged with Perth firm Parker & Parker following the resolution of a major conflict of interest. The merger took place on 1 September, nearly a year after talks between the two firms commenced. Marketing manager Mike Godrich said the merger will “position us […]
The Society of Licensed Victuallers is taking its former financial controller, William Hall, to the High Court. It is suing him for damages in respect of an alleged seven-year fraud. The society is seeking damages for breach of employment contract, conversion of a series of cheques, and fraud between 1990 and 1997. Inter alia, it […]
The tribunals watchdog has warned that many of the country’s tribunals are losing their independence from government because they lack the leadership of an appointed president. In a report, the Council on Tribunals argues that most of the UK’s 78 tribunals should be led by presidents capable of asserting their independence and fighting for resources. […]
THE GOVERNMENT is considering relaxing client confidentiality rules to allow lawyers to report unscrupulous immigration advisers who are preying on the vulnerability of immigrants. A consultation paper is due to be unveiled by the government later this month proposing a regulatory regime for legally qualified and unqualified immigration advisers. There are growing concerns about advisers […]
Leading criminal lawyers Mark Haslam and Aileen Colhoun have both deserted the niche commercial and legal aid firm Magrath & Co. Haslam, secretary of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association, is joining fraud practice Burton Copeland as a salaried partner after being a partner at Magrath & Co for four years. Colhoun, who acted for […]
Nine top law firms, including one US practice, have been placed on a panel to provide emergency advice to companies faced with embarrassing scandals which could hit their share price. Insurer AIG (Europe) has developed a new “crisis containment” policy which gives companies 30 days free legal, PR and other advice in the event of […]
LawShare is planning to increase its charges for members who do not make use of the electronic share-dealing service, Crest. The company is currently looking at how it can balance out charges for those using Crest and those who prefer to use share certificates. Spokesman Chris Bishop said: “The costs of not being in Crest […]
Young v Lewisham and Southwark Health Authority – QBD 21 July 1997 Claimant: Eleanor Young, 13 Incident: Medical negligence Injuries: Claimant born with several congenital abnormalities including a missing left kidney and right thumb and an enlarged heart, which was damaged after heart surgery went wrong when she was nine months old. During the operation […]
The Middle East Association (MEA) has published a directory of its law firm members for use by businesses and organisations working in the UK and the Middle East. The MEA was set up by British companies to promote trade between the UK and the Middle East. It is the largest organisation of its kind. The […]
Relaxation of strict exchange controls means greater financial freedom for the republic’s investors, says David Lancaster. David Lancaster is a partner at Webber Wentzel Bowens. Since 1961, South Africa has been subject to stringent exchange controls under the Exchange Control Regulations 1961. But on 1 July 1997 the republic introduced important relaxations to these restrictions. […]
Chris Fogarty reports Six months service in the legal minefield of Bosnia has left barrister Jessica Simor with a renewed faith in the English justice system. The Monckton Chambers junior has just returned from the city of Sarajevo where she was a legal adviser for Bosnia’s Human Rights Ombudsperson, Dr Gret Haller. “It made me […]
Lucian Pollington says BT shareholders have little choice on the MCI acquisition. Lucian Pollington is a lawyer at Simmons & Simmons. At the trial of a dentist for negligence, the presiding judge remarked that “there can be no doubt that… he was a disgrace to his profession. Conduct of this kind seriously undermines the confidence […]