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The insider: 12 February 2021

10 February 2021 / Dominic Regan
Issue: 7920 / Categories: Opinion , Procedure & practice
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In his new column, NLJ columnist Dominic Regan shares his insights and predictions for litigators in and out of court

Our new Master of the Rolls is a formidable character. Some will remember him for his annihilation of media star personality Chris Evans (pictured) when defending an action brought against SMG Television (Evans v SMG Television and others [2003] EWHC 1423 (Ch)). As the judge (Lightman J) observed: ‘Mr Evans could be very difficult (plainly an understatement)’.

Agenda

What is on the agenda of Sir Geoffrey Vos QC? While I have never met the man, I have taken note of his views expressed when off the Bench.

  • He thinks that the courts should recognise the time has come to address judge-led mediation. The old authority of Halsey back in 2004 has been widely criticised. Alternative dispute resolution is a noble pursuit and should be embraced by the judiciary and litigants.
  • He has expressed disquiet about the relentless flow of decisions about the workings of Part 36, a measure implemented
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Writing in NLJ this week, Ceri Morgan analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Johnson v FirstRand Bank
Tech companies will be legally required to prevent material that encourages or assists serious self-harm appearing on their platforms, under Online Safety Act 2023 regulations due to come into force in the autumn
Commercial leasehold, the defence of insanity and ‘consent’ in the criminal law are among the next tranche of projects for the Law Commission
In this month's update, employment guru Ian Smith reveals the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s pivotal role in the ongoing supermarket equal pay litigation, upholding most findings and confirming that detailed training materials are valid evidence of actual work
County court cases are speeding up, with the median time from claim to hearing 62 weeks for fast, intermediate and multi-track claims—5.4 weeks faster than last year
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