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NLJ this week: Covertly obtained evidence—tactics over truth?

01 August 2025
Issue: 8127 / Categories: Legal News , Commercial , Dispute resolution , Data protection , Privacy
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The murky rise of unlawfully obtained evidence in litigation is explored in this week's NLJ by Natalie Todd of Cooke, Young & Keidan and Nicholas Bortman of Raedas. From hacked emails to covert recordings and pretexting, investigators are pushing legal boundaries—and courts in England and beyond are increasingly admitting such material if it serves the public interest, even as they condemn the methods used

The authors warn that while claimants may feel forced to act when faced with dishonest opponents, the legal and ethical risks are real. Remedies for victims—like breach of confidence or misuse of private information—often fall short. As data privacy laws tighten, fraudsters gain cover while legitimate claimants struggle.

The authors call for clearer lines in this evolving legal battlefield, where the drive for truth collides with the rule of law. In today’s information age, the ends may not always justify the means.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
In NLJ this week, Ian Smith, emeritus professor at UEA, explores major developments in employment law from the Supreme Court and appellate courts
Writing in NLJ this week, Kamran Rehman and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper examine Operafund Eco-Invest SICAV plc v Spain, where the Commercial Court held that ICSID and Energy Charter Treaty awards cannot be assigned
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