Suzi Ring

March 29, 2012 | International Edition

Family disputes can now be resolved through arbitration, thanks to a new scheme launched this week that aims to help families deal with legal issues outside of the courts. The scheme, set up by the recently-formed Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA), will handle certain family law disputes relating to finance or property with arbitration for the first time, after years of lobbying from lawyers.

By Suzi Ring

3 minute read

March 29, 2012 | International Edition

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Slaughter and May are playing key advisory roles in the ambitious restructuring of Royal Mail as the UK Government prepares to take on the company's multibillion-pound pension deficit ahead of a potential float. Freshfields is advising the Government on the restructuring, which will see £37.5bn of Royal Mail's legacy pensions liabilities transferring to the state, including a deficit of around £9.5bn.

By Suzi Ring

3 minute read

March 29, 2012 | International Edition

Herbert Smith and Baker & McKenzie have been appointed to advise on the joint venture (JV) between Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and China's Chery Automobile as the British car giant looks to expand its presence in Asia. Herbert Smith, which is acting for JLR, has a longstanding relationship with the car manufacturer's Indian parent company, Tata Motors. The top 10 UK firm previously advised Tata on its acquisition of JLR from Ford in 2008.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

March 29, 2012 | International Edition

The introduction of a formal appraisal system for senior judges has been put forward as one of several recommendations in a House of Lords report on judicial appointments published earlier this week (28 March). The suggestion for a judge-led appraisal system is one of a number of measures intended to boost public confidence in the judiciary contained in the report, which is primarily aimed at increasing diversity.

By Suzi Ring

4 minute read

March 29, 2012 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has bulked up its City dispute resolution practice with the hire of Hogan Lovells partner Lawson Caisley. Caisley is set to join the magic circle firm in the coming months, although his start date is yet to be confirmed. He has been at Hogan Lovells for nearly 20 years, with a practice focus on financial institutions.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

March 28, 2012 | International Edition

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has become the first magic circle firm to announce its 2012 partner promotions, with five London lawyers made up in a 20-strong round. The new City partners are corporate lawyer Doug Smith, dispute resolution specialist Matthew Bruce and finance trio Ryan Beckwith, Geoff O'Dea and Michael Steele.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

March 28, 2012 | International Edition

Essex Court Chambers and Atkins Thomson Solicitors are representing former Big Brother winner Brian Belo on a legal action brought against ITV for copyright infringement over the hit TV show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). Belo has filed a lawsuit against ITV and TV production company Lime Pictures for allegedly infringing the copyright of his creation 'Totally Essex', which was rejected by the producers.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

March 27, 2012 | International Edition

Female and minority applicants to the judiciary could be appointed ahead of white men with equal skills according to a House of Lords report published today (28 March) aimed at increasing diversity in the judiciary. The report by the House of Lords Constitution Committee suggests positive action could be one measure used to boost diversity and therefore improve public trust and confidence in the justice system.

By Suzi Ring

4 minute read

March 27, 2012 | International Edition

Former Herbert Smith senior partner David Gold has been appointed by Prime Minister David Cameron to lead a Conservative party inquiry into the "cash for access" scandal. Gold, who is also a Conservative peer, has been asked by Cameron to lead a Party inquiry into procedures for donations after The Sunday Times revealed that former Conservative Party co-Treasurer,Peter Cruddas, had offered access to the Prime Minister in return for donations of £250,000 a year.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

March 27, 2012 | International Edition

Former Hogan Lovells litigation partner Christopher Grierson has pleaded guilty to defrauding the firm of £1.3m in false travel expenses. Grierson made his plea at Southwark Crown Court today (27 March) after he was charged by the City of London Police with four counts of false accounting in December last year.

By Suzi Ring

3 minute read