Issues

Trainees demand better feedback

Tim Miller reports TRAINEE solicitors in local authorities are demanding more feedback from their bosses, a survey reveals. Less than half meet their supervisors on a monthly or more frequent basis to review their progress. And two-thirds of trainees would welcome more communication with their superiors. The research, carried out on behalf of the local […]

Litigation Writs 07/02/95

A woman who became pregnant after her partner had a vasectomy operation is suing for damages. Moira Carson, of Purley, Surrey, and Robert Stevens, have issued a writ against Richard Harris-Jones, of Cassidy Road Medical Centre, Cassidy Road, London SW6. They say that in November 1989 Harris-Jones performed a vasectomy on Mr Stevens, but Ms […]

Somerset fights retrospective dismissal claim

Tim Miller reports Lawyers from Somerset Council will this month defend an unfair dismissal claim at the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) which is seen as a test-case for local authorities. Mary Biggs, who was sacked from her part-time job as a teacher 17 years ago, is seeking to challenge the UK’s three-month time limit on […]

Bid for global domination

Nicole Maley examines the work of the Alliance of European Lawyers and its fresh approach to cross-border business Royex House has long proven to be an influential address in the world of international law. The high-rise eyrie, looking out over the City of London, was once the headquarters of Clifford Chance, the UK’s top international […]

US partner boosts Linklaters

LONDON-BASED international practice Linklaters & Paines has appointed its first solely US-qualified partner. Stephen Thierbach, formerly a senior associate with New York practice Sullivan & Cromwell, starts work in Linklaters’ London office this week. The firm follows other UK-based international practices, such as Clifford Chance, in appointing US lawyers to handle financial work. A graduate […]

Litigation Recent Decisions 07/02/95

Home Office: illegal immigrants applied for habeas corpusImmigration Act – no power to detain asylum seekers R v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Anor, ex parte Khan; Same v Same, ex parte Virk; Same v Same ex parte Singh; Same v Same, ex parte Taggar (1995) (QBD 16/01/95) (Dyson J) Summary: No […]

PI lawyers reject 'second rate' tag

LEGAL aid lawyers have hit back at the senior partner of a City firm who has blamed the soaring cost of justice on “noisy campaigning solicitors” pursuing speculative cases. David McIntosh, senior partner of Davies Arnold Cooper, told Lord Woolf’s ‘Access to justice’ seminar that the public purse was leant upon too heavily and too […]

The young man of the hour

Roger Pearson talks to the lawyer who has been on the front line of the battle to free Private Lee Clegg There seems little doubt that sooner rather than later Private Lee Clegg, the paratrooper said to have fired the bullet which killed a girl passenger in a joy rider’s car at a Belfast road […]

Ensure you insure if going offshore

Guy Fitzmaurice examines how firms get the best deal on travel insurance for staff Given that staff are one of a law firm’s most valuable assets, arranging proper insurance cover for when they go abroad is an important exercise. Firms normally get their general insurance broker to arrange cover, or they may talk directly to […]

Litigation Disciplinary Tribunals 07/02/95

CHRISTOPHER JOHN HOBSON, solicitors clerk for Austerfields, Bridlington, North Humberside, banned from working for any further solicitors without written consent from Law Society and ordered to pay u570 costs. Allegations substantiated he misappropriated and/or misapplied funds held or received by firm for and on behalf of clients. Tribunal told investigations completed by 8 September last […]

Magistrates and clerks could be forced to pick up appeals costs bill

MAGISTRATES and their clerks could face potential financial ruin amid fears that cash-strapped court committees will be unable to bail them out if they are billed for appeal costs. Thousands of poll-tax cases, winging their way through the courts, have re-ignited the issue of liability. And the Lord Chancellor’s Department (LCD) has refused to give […]

Fimbra accused of bad faith

The financial services group, PVY are scheduled to keep a High Court date in March with investor protection agency, Fimbra. The case involves an estimated u6 million claim in which they accuse Fimbra of acting in bad faith by allegedly abandoning an agreement to provide professional indemnity insurance for Fimbra members.