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Noueiri v Paragon Finance Plc (Practice Note): CA 19 Sep 2001

Courts should be careful before allowing unqualified persons to represent other parties at court. Pleadings and similar documents must be signed by the party or their qualified legal representative. Others signing them may be in contempt of court and committing criminal offences. A McKenzie friend had no right to act as such, only the right … Continue reading Noueiri v Paragon Finance Plc (Practice Note): CA 19 Sep 2001

Ali v Solicitors Regulation Authority Limited: Admn 11 Oct 2021

The solicitor appealed from disciplinary findings after she had sent extraordinary text messages. She complained hat the tribunal had wrongly refused to anonymise the activity and or hat it had wrongly anonymised the identity of the two law firms she had worked for. Held: Judges: The Honourable Mr Justice Morris Citations: [2021] EWHC 2709 (Admin) … Continue reading Ali v Solicitors Regulation Authority Limited: Admn 11 Oct 2021

David Wyld and Co, Solicitors v Dadourian and Another: QBD 20 Jun 2011

The claimants had obtained summary judgment on their claim for their fees for complex litigation. The defendants sought leave to appeal saying that the bill was not a final statute bill. Judges: Cox DBE J Citations: [2011] EWHC 1517 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Solicitors Act 1974 70 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Legal Professions Updated: 29 … Continue reading David Wyld and Co, Solicitors v Dadourian and Another: QBD 20 Jun 2011

Cocking v Sandhurst (Stationers) Ltd: NIRC 1974

The Appellant employee had applied for leave to amend his first application by substituting the name of the parent company. The Tribunal held that the rules of procedure relating to time limits went to their jurisdiction and that the amended application would be allowed but would bear the date of the amendment and would accordingly … Continue reading Cocking v Sandhurst (Stationers) Ltd: NIRC 1974

BPE Solicitors and Another v Hughes-Holland (In Substitution for Gabriel): SC 22 Mar 2017

The court was asked what damages are recoverable in a case where (i) but for the negligence of a professional adviser his client would not have embarked on some course of action, but (ii) part or all of the loss which he suffered by doing so arose from risks which it was no part of … Continue reading BPE Solicitors and Another v Hughes-Holland (In Substitution for Gabriel): SC 22 Mar 2017

Acts

1267 – 1278 – 1285 – 1297 – 1361 – 1449 – 1491 – 1533 – 1677 – 1688 – 1689 – 1700 – 1706 – 1710 – 1730 – 1737 – 1738 – 1751 – 1774 – 1792 – 1793 – 1804 – 1814 – 1819 – 1824 – 1828 – 1831 – 1832 … Continue reading Acts

Bilkus v Stockler Brunton (A Firm): ChD 30 Jul 2009

The court upheld the refusal of the master to allow the claimant solicitors to submit an amended bill: ‘In his oral submissions, Mr Stockler . . frankly acknowledged that he had been in error in supposing that it was possible to charge an uplift for contentious work, and said that he tried to make the … Continue reading Bilkus v Stockler Brunton (A Firm): ChD 30 Jul 2009

Nicholas Drukker and Co v Pridie Brewster and Co: QBD 12 Dec 2005

The Master did not have jurisdiction under section 70 of the Solicitors Act to hear wholesale allegations of professional negligence and wide ranging criticisms of a solicitor’s conduct which affected not just the individual items in the bill of costs but went to the heart of the retainer. Judges: Openshaw J Citations: [2005] EWHC 2788 … Continue reading Nicholas Drukker and Co v Pridie Brewster and Co: QBD 12 Dec 2005

O Palomo Sa v Turner and Co; Turner and Co v O Palomo Sa: CA 28 Jul 1999

A solicitor’s bill could only be taxed within one year of its delivery, but the common law right to challenge a bill on the grounds that the amount charged was unreasonable could continue after that time limit. The common law right to object to paying more than was reasonable was not displaced by the Act, … Continue reading O Palomo Sa v Turner and Co; Turner and Co v O Palomo Sa: CA 28 Jul 1999

Tim Martin Interiors Ltd v Akin Gump Llp: ChD 17 Nov 2010

The company borrowed money from a bank, who instructed the defendants to act in the loan. On recovering the loan, the borrowers challenged the amounts charged by the solicitors. The court was asked what were the powers for a third party paying a solicitor’s bill to challenge the amount, and how any reduction might be … Continue reading Tim Martin Interiors Ltd v Akin Gump Llp: ChD 17 Nov 2010

Kris Motor Spares Ltd v Fox Williams Llp: QBD 12 May 2010

The claimant sought to challenge the After the Event Insurance (ATE) bought by its solicitors late in the day in their claim, before then withdrawing the conditional fee agreement. The premium was over andpound;90,000. Held: The appeal failed. It had been reasonable to take out the ATE policy because of decisions made by the claimants … Continue reading Kris Motor Spares Ltd v Fox Williams Llp: QBD 12 May 2010

British Newspaper Printing Corporation v Kelly: CA 1989

A group of employees had brought proceedings which appeared (though there was some ambiguity) to be intended as claims for redundancy payments. More than three months after the effective date of termination they sought to amend to plead alternative claims for unfair dismissal. Held: In hearing appeals from the EAT the first question the court … Continue reading British Newspaper Printing Corporation v Kelly: CA 1989

Lowick Rose Llp v Swynson Ltd and Another: SC 11 Apr 2017

Losses arose from the misvaluation of a company before its purchase. The respondent had funded the purchase, relying upon a valuation by the predecessor of the appellant firm of accountants. Further advances had been made when the true situation was revealed. Held: The accountants’ appeal succeeded. As a general rule ‘collateral benefits are those whose … Continue reading Lowick Rose Llp v Swynson Ltd and Another: SC 11 Apr 2017

The Law Society v Sephton and Co and others: CA 13 Dec 2004

The Society appealed dismissal for limitation of its claim against the defendant firm of accountants arising from alleged fraud in approval of a solicitor’s accounts. Held: The liability did not arise until the Society decided to make compensation to those who had been affected by the solicitor’s default. The claims in negligence were not time … Continue reading The Law Society v Sephton and Co and others: CA 13 Dec 2004

Rogers and Another v Freeguard and Another: CA 19 Oct 1998

The parties had drawn up and executed an option agreement. When a court considered an option to purchase ‘land known as . .’, it was able to consider extrinsic evidence to establish just what was included where the identification in the deed was ambiguous. No order for damages could be made, however where it was … Continue reading Rogers and Another v Freeguard and Another: CA 19 Oct 1998

Ivey v Genting Casinos (UK) Ltd (T/A Crockfords): SC 25 Oct 2017

The claimant gambler sought payment of his winnings. The casino said that he had operated a system called edge-sorting to achieve the winnings, and that this was a form of cheating so as to excuse their payment. The system exploited tiny variances in the appearance of the sides of playing cards, and the manipulation of … Continue reading Ivey v Genting Casinos (UK) Ltd (T/A Crockfords): SC 25 Oct 2017

Fage UK Ltd and Another v Chobani UK Ltd and Another: CA 28 Jan 2014

Lewison LJ said: ‘Appellate courts have been repeatedly warned, by recent cases at the highest level, not to interfere with findings of fact by trial judges, unless compelled to do so. This applies not only to findings of primary fact, but also to the evaluation of those facts and to inferences to be drawn from … Continue reading Fage UK Ltd and Another v Chobani UK Ltd and Another: CA 28 Jan 2014

Law Society of England and Wales and others v Shah and others: ChD 30 Nov 2007

Solicitor firms had been made bankrupt leaving a shortfall after thefts from client accounts of over 12 million pounds. The thief had diappeared, and the other partners were now discharged form bankruptcy. The Law Society accepted that it could not proceed to claim against the discharged bankrupts, but now sought recovery from their insurers. Held: … Continue reading Law Society of England and Wales and others v Shah and others: ChD 30 Nov 2007

Golder v The United Kingdom: ECHR 21 Feb 1975

G was a prisoner who was refused permission by the Home Secretary to consult a solicitor with a view to bringing libel proceedings against a prison officer. The court construed article 6 of ECHR, which provides that ‘in the determination of his civil rights . . everyone is entitled to a fair . . hearing’, … Continue reading Golder v The United Kingdom: ECHR 21 Feb 1975

P S and others v Law Society: ChD 16 Jul 2004

The applicants sought orders directing the respondent to withdraw its intervention in the solicitors practice of the first claimant. They had become concerned at the possibility that investment schemes managed by one partner were being being used for money laundering. Held: In view of matters since the commencement of the proceedings the court could not … Continue reading P S and others v Law Society: ChD 16 Jul 2004

Haycocks v The Law Society: CA 17 Jun 2003

The solicitor had agreed a resolution of a complaint, but failed to implement it. The case was returned to the Law Society who imposed a andpound;5,000 penalty. He complained that the OSS had no jurisdiction to entertain the renewed complaint because it related to conduct occurring after the termination of his retainer, and that the … Continue reading Haycocks v The Law Society: CA 17 Jun 2003

Mohamud v WM Morrison Supermarkets plc: SC 2 Mar 2016

The claimant had been assaulted and racially abused as he left a kiosk at the respondent’s petrol station by a member of staff. A manager had tried to dissuade the assailant, and the claim for damages against the supermarket had failed at first instance and at the court of appeal. Held: The appeal was allowed.Lord … Continue reading Mohamud v WM Morrison Supermarkets plc: SC 2 Mar 2016

Jemma Trust Company Ltd v Liptrott, Forrester, Kippax Beaumont Lewis: CA 24 Oct 2003

Solicitors sought to challenge an order disallowing a costs item for the administration of an estate which included a percentage of the estate. Held: Despite advances in time recording, ‘we see no reason to say that it is no longer appropriate for solicitors to make a separate charge based on value, provided always that one … Continue reading Jemma Trust Company Ltd v Liptrott, Forrester, Kippax Beaumont Lewis: CA 24 Oct 2003

Conister Trust Ltd v John Hardman and Co: CA 21 Jul 2008

The court was asked whether an agreement by the defendant solicitors under a personal injury litigation funding scheme, to discharge a client’s ‘remaining liability’ under a loan agreement applies on its true construction where the loan agreement is unenforceable by virtue of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Held: In the context of the panel solicitor’s … Continue reading Conister Trust Ltd v John Hardman and Co: CA 21 Jul 2008

Sritharan v Law Society: CA 27 Apr 2005

The Law Society had intervened in the applicant’s legal practice as a solicitor, and his practising certificate had been automatically suspended. He applied to the court to remove the suspension. Held: The powers exercised were statutory. The court did not have a power to lift the suspension without at the same time directing the Law … Continue reading Sritharan v Law Society: CA 27 Apr 2005

Dedman v British Building and Engineering Appliances: CA 1973

The claimant sought to bring his claim under a provision which required a complaint to the industrial tribunal to be made within four weeks of the dismissal unless the employment tribunal was satisfied that this was not ‘practicable’. He did not meet the limit. Held: Time limits in all statutory tribunals are jurisdictional in nature, … Continue reading Dedman v British Building and Engineering Appliances: CA 1973

Gray v Avadis: QBD 30 Jul 2003

The claimant had made complaints against the defendant solicitor to the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors. In answer the defendant made assertions about the claimant’s mental health, and she now sought to bring action iin defamation on those statements. The defendant said the statements were protected by absolute privilege. Held: Given the status and … Continue reading Gray v Avadis: QBD 30 Jul 2003

Surrey County Council v Bredero Homes Ltd: CA 7 Apr 1993

A local authority had sold surplus land to a developer and obtained a covenant that the developer would develop the land in accordance with an existing planning permission. The sole purpose of the local authority in imposing the covenant was to enable it to share in the planning gain if, as happened, planning permission was … Continue reading Surrey County Council v Bredero Homes Ltd: CA 7 Apr 1993

Regina v Law Society ex parte Birkett: Admn 30 Jul 1999

Some twenty years after the events, the claimant still sought compensation following the alleged negligence of his former solicitor. He now sought it from the Law Society’s compensation fund. The Law Society said the nature of his claim was outside the provisions for the compensation fund, since it was not a matter arising from dishonesty … Continue reading Regina v Law Society ex parte Birkett: Admn 30 Jul 1999

Dooley v The Law Society (No 1): ChD 15 Sep 2000

When considering an application for the Law Society to be ordered to withdraw an intevention in a solicitor’s practice, the court undertakes a two stage process: ‘First it must decide whether the grounds under paragraph 1 are made out; in this case, primarily whether there are grounds for suspecting dishonesty. Secondly, if the Court is … Continue reading Dooley v The Law Society (No 1): ChD 15 Sep 2000

Golden Strait Corporation v Nippon Yusen Kubishka Kaisha (‘The Golden Victory’): HL 28 Mar 2007

The claimant sought damages for repudiation of a charterparty. The charterpary had been intended to continue until 2005. The charterer repudiated the contract and that repudiation was accepted, but before the arbitrator could set his award, the Iraq war broke out, under which the charterer could have terminated the charter as of right. The defendant … Continue reading Golden Strait Corporation v Nippon Yusen Kubishka Kaisha (‘The Golden Victory’): HL 28 Mar 2007

Wright v The Law Society: Admn 4 Sep 2002

‘The Law Society has to take into account the public interest in deciding whether to exercise its powers of intervention at all. The public interest requires a balance to be struck between the draconian effect of intervention and the matters referred to earlier in this judgment. Second, I have considerable doubts about the jurisdiction of … Continue reading Wright v The Law Society: Admn 4 Sep 2002

Radford and Another v Frade and Others: QBD 8 Jul 2016

The court was asked as to the terms on which solicitors and Counsel were retained to act for the defendants. The appeals did not raise any issues concerning costs practice, and were by way of review of the Costs Judge’s rulings, and not by way of re-hearing; the question was whether the rulings had been … Continue reading Radford and Another v Frade and Others: QBD 8 Jul 2016

Makudi v Baron Triesman of Tottenham In London Borough of Haringey: QBD 1 Feb 2013

The claimant, former chairman of the Thailand Football Association, claimed in defamation against the defendant who had been chairman of the English Football Association. The defendant asked the court to strike out the claim, saying that some of the claims were based on privileged evidence given to a parliamentary committee, and associated publications, and the … Continue reading Makudi v Baron Triesman of Tottenham In London Borough of Haringey: QBD 1 Feb 2013

Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002

Capacity for Litigation The claimant appealed against dismissal of his claims. He had earlier settled a claim for damages, but now sought to re-open it, and to claim in negligence against his former solicitors, saying that he had not had sufficient mental capacity at the time to accept the offer. Held: There is no definition … Continue reading Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002

Kahn and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue; In re Toshoku Finance plc: HL 20 Feb 2002

A company went into liquidation, being owed substantial sums by another company in the same group, but itself insolvent. A settlement did not include accrued interest, but was claimed to be taxed as if it had, and on an accruals basis. If so, was this an expense properly arising in the insolvency, and payable as … Continue reading Kahn and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue; In re Toshoku Finance plc: HL 20 Feb 2002

Mannai Investment Co Ltd v Eagle Star Assurance: HL 21 May 1997

Minor Irregularity in Break Notice Not Fatal Leases contained clauses allowing the tenant to break the lease by serving not less than six months notice to expire on the third anniversary of the commencement date of the term of the lease. The tenant gave notice to determine the leases on 12th January 1995, although the … Continue reading Mannai Investment Co Ltd v Eagle Star Assurance: HL 21 May 1997

National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Former HL decision in Siebe Gorman overruled The company had become insolvent. The bank had a debenture and claimed that its charge over the book debts had become a fixed charge. The preferential creditors said that the charge was a floating charge and that they took priority. Held: The appeal was allowed. The debenture, although … Continue reading National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Goodman v Gallant: CA 30 Oct 1985

The court reviewed the conflicting authorities with regard to the creation of trusts and held that the overwhelming preponderance of authority was that, in the absence of any claim for rectification or rescission, provisions in a conveyance declaring that the plaintiff and the defendant were to hold the proceeds of sale of the property ‘upon … Continue reading Goodman v Gallant: CA 30 Oct 1985

Darker v Chief Constable of The West Midlands Police: HL 1 Aug 2000

The plaintiffs had been indicted on counts alleging conspiracy to import drugs and conspiracy to forge traveller’s cheques. During the criminal trial it emerged that there had been such inadequate disclosure by the police that the proceedings were stayed as an abuse of process. The plaintiffs then instituted civil proceedings alleging conspiracy to injure and … Continue reading Darker v Chief Constable of The West Midlands Police: HL 1 Aug 2000

Vadim Schmidt v Rosewood Trust Limited: PC 27 Mar 2003

PC (Isle of Man) The petitioner sought disclosure of trust documents, as a beneficiary. Disclosure had been refused as he had not been a named beneficiary. Held: Times had moved on, and trust documents had taken more and more indirect ways of conferring benefits. The settlements were badly drafted, but that should not be used … Continue reading Vadim Schmidt v Rosewood Trust Limited: PC 27 Mar 2003

Bilkus v Stockler Brunton (A Firm): CA 16 Feb 2010

Solicitors appealed against the rejection of their claim for an uplift in their fees amounting to andpound;50,000, based on the value element in the transaction in the 1994 Order. The court had to decide whether the matter came under the rules as a contentious or non-contentious matter. There had been a dispute as to the … Continue reading Bilkus v Stockler Brunton (A Firm): CA 16 Feb 2010

Golden Ocean Group Ltd v Salgaocar Mining Industries Pvt Ltd and Another: ComC 21 Jan 2011

The defendants sought to set aside orders allowing the claimants to serve proceedings alleging repudiation of a charterparty in turn allowing a claim against the defendants under a guarantee. The defendant said the guarantee was unenforceable under the 1677 Act not being in writing and signed. Held: There was no limit to the number of … Continue reading Golden Ocean Group Ltd v Salgaocar Mining Industries Pvt Ltd and Another: ComC 21 Jan 2011

Devenish Nutrition Ltd v Sanofi-Aventis Sa (France) and others: CA 14 Oct 2008

The defendant had been involved in price fixing arrangements, and the claimant sought damages for breach of its proprietary rights. The claimant appealed refusal of an award an account of profits for what was akin to a breach of statutory duty. Held: The appeal failed. An account of profits should be available in a cartel … Continue reading Devenish Nutrition Ltd v Sanofi-Aventis Sa (France) and others: CA 14 Oct 2008

Kohli v Lit and Others: ChD 13 Nov 2009

The claimant asserted that the other shareholders had acted in a manner unfairly prejudicial to her within the company. Held: The claimant was allowed to bring in without prejudice correspondence to contradict evidence by the defendant which amounted to an implied waiver of the rule. Considering the evidence some elements of unfair prejudice had been … Continue reading Kohli v Lit and Others: ChD 13 Nov 2009

Allied Maples Group Ltd v Simmons and Simmons: CA 12 May 1995

Lost chance claim – not mere speculative claim Solicitors failed to advise the plaintiffs sufficiently in a property transaction. A warranty against liability for a former tenant’s obligations under leases had not been obtained. The trial judge held that, on a balance of probabilities, there was a real and not a merely speculative chance that … Continue reading Allied Maples Group Ltd v Simmons and Simmons: CA 12 May 1995

Investors Compensation Scheme Ltd v West Bromwich Building Society: HL 19 Jun 1997

Account taken of circumstances wihout ambiguity The respondent gave advice on home income plans. The individual claimants had assigned their initial claims to the scheme, but later sought also to have their mortgages in favour of the respondent set aside. Held: Investors having once assigned their causes of action to the ICS, could not later … Continue reading Investors Compensation Scheme Ltd v West Bromwich Building Society: HL 19 Jun 1997

Abacus Trust Company (Isle of Man) Colyb Limited v Barr, Barr, and Barr: ChD 6 Feb 2003

The court considered the Rule in Hastings-Bass, and specifically (1) whether the trustee’s decision is open to challenge when the failure to take a consideration into account is not attributable to a breach of fiduciary duty on the part of the trustee; and (2) whether, where a decision is open to challenge on the ground … Continue reading Abacus Trust Company (Isle of Man) Colyb Limited v Barr, Barr, and Barr: ChD 6 Feb 2003

Reardon Smith Line Ltd v Yngvar Hansen-Tangen (The “Diana Prosperity”): HL 1976

In construing a contract, three principles can be found. The contextual scene is always relevant. Secondly, what is admissible as a matter of the rules of evidence under this heading is what is arguably relevant, but admissibility is not decisive. The real issue is what evidence of surrounding circumstances may ultimately be allowed to influence … Continue reading Reardon Smith Line Ltd v Yngvar Hansen-Tangen (The “Diana Prosperity”): HL 1976

Massey v Crown Life Insurance Company: CA 4 Nov 1977

Massey worked as Crown Life’s manager under 2 contracts, one a contract of employment, the other a contract of general agency. Tax and other contributions were deducted from wages paid under the former, while commission was paid under the agency contract. Under the agency contract Massey could work for other insurance brokers. Later, with Crown … Continue reading Massey v Crown Life Insurance Company: CA 4 Nov 1977

In re H and R (Minors) (Child Sexual Abuse: Standard of Proof): HL 14 Dec 1995

Evidence allowed – Care Application after Abuse Children had made allegations of serious sexual abuse against their step-father. He was acquitted at trial, but the local authority went ahead with care proceedings. The parents appealed against a finding that a likely risk to the children had still been been found. Held: A care order could … Continue reading In re H and R (Minors) (Child Sexual Abuse: Standard of Proof): HL 14 Dec 1995

Reardon Smith Line Ltd v Yngvar Hansen-Tangen (The ‘Diana Prosperity’): HL 1976

References: [1976] 1 WLR 989, [1976] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 621, [1976] 3 All ER 570 Coram: Lord Wilberforce Ratio:In construing a contract, three principles can be found. The contextual scene is always relevant. Secondly, what is admissible as a matter of the rules of evidence under this heading is what is arguably relevant, but admissibility … Continue reading Reardon Smith Line Ltd v Yngvar Hansen-Tangen (The ‘Diana Prosperity’): HL 1976

Regina v Law Society, ex parte Matthews; 17 Mar 1994

References: Unreported, 17 March 1994 Coram: Latham J The court considered the management of the statutory Solicitors Compensation Fund: ‘Given, however, what I have already said about the statutory purpose of the compensation fund, it seems to me that it is appropriate to say that the clearest case in which a grant will be made, … Continue reading Regina v Law Society, ex parte Matthews; 17 Mar 1994

Reardon Smith Line Ltd v Yngvar Hansen-Tangen (The Diana Prosperity”): HL 1976″

References: [1976] 1 WLR 989, [1976] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 621, [1976] 3 All ER 570 Coram: Lord Wilberforce In construing a contract, three principles can be found. The contextual scene is always relevant. Secondly, what is admissible as a matter of the rules of evidence under this heading is what is arguably relevant, but admissibility … Continue reading Reardon Smith Line Ltd v Yngvar Hansen-Tangen (The Diana Prosperity”): HL 1976″

Judges

This is an incomplete list of the senior judicial appointment holders for England and Wales. See also more generally: http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/about-the-judiciary/the-judiciary-in-detail http://www.supremecourt.gov.uk/about/biographies-of-the-justices.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Chief_Justice_of_England_and_Wales#Lord_Chief_Justices_of_England_.28later_England_and_Wales29.2C_1875.E2.80.93present http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_Family_Division https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senior_President_of_Tribunals

Reports

The English legal system has been producing law reports since time immemorial, and the Scots for even longer. These pages are full of codes making reference to such series, with their wonderful array of abbreviations. You cannot enquire about the law without beginning at least to understand and use them. Here is a brief, but … Continue reading Reports