Archive

Off on the right foot

2012 will be a challenge for the justice system – but the outcome of the Stephen Lawrence case is a good start to the year, says Felix

Successive renewal of short-term contracts not always unlawful, court rules

The systematic renewal of short-term contracts is not necessarily a breach of the employment law even where the posts fulfil a permanent function within an organisation, the European Court of Justice has ruled.

Jackson to push for provisional costs assessments in all courts after pilot success

Lord Justice Jackson has said he has prepared a draft rule for the introduction of provisional costs assessments on a national basis after the success of a pilot at Leeds County Court.

Energy drinks company cannot register 'Viaguara', court rules

A drinks company has been refused the right to register the trademark 'viaguara' because it was too similar to 'viagra', the protected name of the drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Inheritance tax planning and section 11 - a missed opportunity?

Working as a private client solicitor, it is important to know and make the most of the few tax allowances the government has left us with. But how often do advisers forget about section 11 of the Inheritance Tax Act?  

First legal aid concession on means testing at police stations

The government has made what appears to be its first substantial concession on the legal aid bill by abandoning a plan to means test police station advice.

Working not a precondition to right to paid holiday, court rules

Workers' right to paid holiday cannot be subject to a minimum period of actual work during the reference period used to calculate entitlement, the European Court of Justice has said.

Lord Neuberger calls for debate on scrapping disclosure and live evidence

Lord Neuberger, the Master of the Rolls, has called for a debate on scrapping disclosure and live evidence in commercial cases.