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Cats in a flap

'Cat herder required' would, according to many observers of our profession, be an appropriate advertisement for the post of managing partner at a modern day law firm (Herding Cats by Gerald Riskin and Patrick J McKenna,1995). It seems that the authors of textbooks in this area categorise us as difficult individuals who prove tricky to manage and relish independence to the extent that teamwork can prove problematic. How rude.

Vodka wins protection from VODKAT

Diageo, producer of Smirnoff vodka, has won a High Court passing off action against the producers of VODKAT, a mixture of vodka and fermented alcohol.

University lecturers lose unfair dismissal test case

Three university lecturers have lost their challenge to the imposition of a national pay agreement. The lecturers, chosen from a group of 68, argued at the EAT that their contracts had been terminated by the change and that they had been unfairly or constructively dismissed.

DPP under fire for attempted murder charge against mother

Keir Starmer QC, the DPP, has been criticised by a High Court judge for pursuing an attempted murder charge against a mother who pleaded guilty to assisting the suicide of her daughter, who was crippled by ME.

"Back to the bad old days" as Straw demands huge cap on libel success fees

Claimant libel lawyers have reacted angrily to justice secretary Jack Straw's demand for a cut in the maximum uplift charged on success fees from 100 per cent of base costs to ten per cent.

In safe hands

Employers that ensure they adhere to health and safety regulations will not only protect their employees but will also improve their productivity and keep insurance premiums down, says Jeremy Brooke

Update: employment

Sue Ashtiany reviews cases on age discrimination and default retirement age, upper age limit for applicants, evidential issues, and religious or belief discrimination

Plotting an escape

Time-barred claimants who brought proceedings against the wrong defendant by mistake may be allowed to pursue their cases, but the circumstances need further clarification, says Paul Stanley NO