Archive

Jersey backs third-party litigation funding

For the first time ever, a court in Jersey has backed the use of third-party litigation funding agreements.

System 'not to blame' for mySRA delays

Antony Townsend, chief executive of the SRA, has given a spirited defence of the regulator's much delayed 'mySRA' online renewal system.

Bar claims credit for delaying competitive tendering

Michael Todd QC, incoming chairman of the Bar Council, said the government's decision to delay competitive tendering for criminal legal aid by two years was the result of “a sustained effort by the Bar”.

Lord Judge calls for 'careful reform' of murder laws

Lord Judge has said a “careful reform” of the law on murder might reduce calls for the mandatory life sentence to be abolished.

Is there still a place for a moral compass in the business of law?

Jill King, Consultant and Former Global HR Director, Linklaters

Claims game

Increasing the qualifying period for dismissal and introducing fees for tribunal litigation have caused concern in the employment law community, but are the proposed government reforms all bad? James Davies says the proposals contain some useful ideas, as Jane Wheeler welcomes process improvements, but Edward Cooper warns about possible abuses

Tax returns: Ana Wisdell considers an HMRC investigation of a UK resident with a Swiss bank account

My client is a non-UK domicile and has been a resident and ordinarily resident in the UK for five years, while completing and submitting his tax returns claiming the remittance basis of taxation. His family have a significant international business empire, of which he is a shareholder. These holdings were settled into an offshore trust before coming to the UK. Also, a substantial capital appointment was made from the foundation settled by his grandfather, the monies being placed in a bank account with HSBC, Switzerland. The interest on the capital was accumulated in a separate bank account and capitalised each April up until 2008; since then the interest has been accruing in a segregated account.

Not worth the wick

The courts have taken a pragmatic approach in abuse of process claims, but it will be to a party's detriment if they don't put all their cards on the table, says Nathalie Burn