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Smear tactics— a sign of the times?

23 February 2018 / Khawar Qureshi KC
Issue: 7782 / Categories: Features , Profession
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Smears, complaints, abuse…it seems all’s fair in love, war & litigation, but where will it all end, asks Khawar Qureshi QC

It is perhaps evidence of ageing that almost all of us will say at some point in our lives, ‘it was better in the past’. However, anecdotal evidence suggests the litigation arena is becoming increasingly aggressive, and more focus is being applied to ask—why is this happening?

Lest we assume this does not apply to the five-star, relatively relaxed and confidential environs of international arbitration we would soon be disabused of our naivety.

As soon as lawyers convince themselves that they are the living embodiment of Von Clausewitz’s ‘total war’ approach, there are no red lines, there is no trust and any means (however devious and foul) justify the end.

Why is this happening?

What are the causes of this change, which can only be detrimental in terms of the well-being of the system and the legal profession long term?

First, the increasingly competitive environment with highly

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Muckle LLP—Rachael Chapman

Muckle LLP—Rachael Chapman

Sports, education and charities practice welcomes senior associate

Ellisons—Carla Jones

Ellisons—Carla Jones

Partner and head of commercial litigation joins in Chelmsford

Freeths—Louise Mahon

Freeths—Louise Mahon

Firm strengthens Glasgow corporate practice with partner hire

NEWS
One in five in-house lawyers suffer ‘high’ or ‘severe’ work-related stress, according to a report by global legal body, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
The Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO’s) plea for a budget increase has been rejected by the Law Society and accepted only ‘with reluctance’ by conveyancers
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
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