The Barrister Group makes waves with 2024 pupillage offering, Unions demand Labour toughens its workers' rights package
The Barrister Group makes waves with 2024 pupillage offering
The Barrister Group has sent out 10 pupillage offers today for the 2024-25 period. The occasion marks the highest number of pupillages to have been offered by any individual UK chambers, with the first set to commence in June 2024. The news comes following a previous announcement that the chambers would be disrupting the pupillage recruitment process and placing an emphasis on accessibility and objectivity in each stage of applications. The innovations included an anonymous first-stage assessment, a diverse panel of staff conducting interviews, and an emphasis on the way professional and life experiences outside of the Bar can help pupils to create sustainable self-employed practices.
Michaela Hardwick, Professional Standards Officer at The Barrister Group, said, “We were delighted to have a huge pool of high-quality applicants to choose from - even if that did make the marking process difficult! It was also wonderful to get consistent feedback on how refreshing the applicants found our flexible, accessible, and relaxed yet focused recruitment process.”
THE HOT STORY
Unions are demanding that Labour toughens its workers' rights package
Unions, including Unite, are demanding that Labour toughens its workers' rights package after objecting to a series of concessions made to reassure business leaders. The party's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, insists that Labour is “doubling down” on workers' rights and will promise new laws to protect interns and volunteers from sexual harassment. However, Unite has called the concessions a "betrayal" and its leader, Sharon Graham, claims that the reforms have been watered down and that the package will become "a charter for bad bosses." It is noted that some unions are frustrated with Unite and believe that concerns can be addressed privately, although many believe that Labour has gone too far in trying to appease employers. Labour has promised a “full and comprehensive” consultation with business and other groups on Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to improve UK worker rights in a new version of its “New Deal for Working People.”
LAW
Barrister admits errors in review of Post Office prosecutions
A barrister who reviewed the Post Office's prosecutions of sub-postmasters in 2013 has admitted to making "catastrophic errors" in his review. Brian Altman KC initially concluded that the investigations were handled efficiently, but now acknowledges that evidence existed that might have cleared the sub-postmasters. Altman also revealed that he failed to disclose a leading Horizon engineer's knowledge of bugs in the system, which may have led to perjury in a trial. Altman's review was used by the Post Office to defend itself against negative reports. The ongoing inquiry into the Post Office's handling of the prosecutions aims to deliver justice to the affected sub-postmasters. Over 700 sub-postmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 due to faults in the Horizon computer system.
Post Office's Capture software under scrutiny amid alleged shortfalls
The i
The Post Office's legal team was aware of a faulty IT system called Capture, which was unable to provide a clear audit trail, while subpostmasters were being accused of alleged shortfalls. The system, developed in-house by the Post Office, caused accounting problems for dozens of sub-postmasters in the 1990s. Despite evidence of faults, investigators refused to accept that the system was responsible and sub-postmasters were forced to hand over money, sacked, and even prosecuted. Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake has indicated that he does not believe alleged Capture victims can be exonerated in legislation currently before Parliament, which will overturn the convictions of about 900 sub-postmasters who used the Horizon computer system. Mr Hollinrake has said the government needs to establish a "body of evidence" before agreeing to expand what is already an unprecedented use of parliamentary power.
Members overturn 190-years of tradition at the Garrick Club
The Garrick Club had refused to admit women as members for over 190 years, but now members have voted in favour of change and approved the admission of women as members. The vote was roughly 60/40 in favour and came after several judges were pressured to give up their memberships, along with other prominent members Simon Case, the head of the Civil Service, and Richard Moore, the MI6 chief.
South Australia to abolish King's Counsel title for lawyers
The Times
South Australia is set to abolish the title of King's Counsel for senior lawyers, following a trend of weakening historical links between the Australian and UK legal professions. The state's attorney-general, Kyam Maher, plans to amend the Legal Practitioners Act to remove the prerogative power of the Crown to make such appointments. The move comes after a slow decline in the use of the Queen's Counsel title and the ascension of King Charles. Maher argues that the title is anachronistic and wants it permanently removed.
FAMILY LAW
Judge is warned after shouting at legal representative in family hearing
A judge has received a formal warning for misconduct after having been found to have shouted at and interrupted a legal representative during a family court hearing. The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) found District Judge Najma Mian to have been “sarcastic and condescending” during the hearing. Mian had “shouted, verbally lashed out and interrupted her legal representative throughout the hearing,” according to a litigant in family proceedings. The JCIO said: “The Guide to Judicial Conduct reminds office-holders to be courteous, tolerant and respect the dignity of all. They should also ensure that their conduct maintains and enhances public confidence in the judiciary.”
Mediation is a game-changer for business and family courts
Offering a 92% success rate and economic savings of over £6bn per year, mediation is revolutionising British business and family courts, the Times reports. With 72% of cases settled on the day of mediation and a further 20% in the weeks after, this confidential process is avoiding litigation and providing mutually agreeable solutions. Legislative changes and mandatory mediation for small claims court money disputes are driving demand for new mediators. The number of mediators has risen by 11% in the past year, but referrals are growing even faster. Salaries in the sector range from £20,000 to over £600,000, making it a flexible and rewarding career choice. Mediation is gaining popularity among career changers, but there is a need for elevated education to promote mediation as the preferred dispute resolution option.
Father plans gesture outside Hull court to protest 'contact denial' of children and parents
Hull Live
A father says he will lay a plaque outside Hull Crown Court to protest “contact denial” of children and parents. Andrew Teague is the founder of DADS (Dads Against Double Standards) and NAAP (National Association of Alienated Parents). He believes that many parents are "struggling with mental health and PTSD due to contact denial," telling Hull Live: "There's nobody there to help [fathers] and most of these fellas have to litigate themselves. They don't get Legal Aid, they have to litigate in person and they have to learn as they go along what many lawyers have learned in four to five years." Teague said the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service will advise for no contact between a child and a parent if there is an allegation of domestic abuse. "The first thing that they say is that any allegation of domestic abuse is a justified reason to stop contact," he said. The problem with that, Teague claims, is that the abuse does not have to be proven.
LEGAL TECH
Legal tech start-up raises £6m in funding round led by Octopus Ventures
A legal tech start-up, Definely, founded by two Freshfields lawyers, is raising £6m in a funding round led by Octopus Ventures. The start-up works with major law firms to aid more efficient drafting of contracts and generate substantial time savings for lawyers. It wants to use the new funding to expand to the US as well as to provide retention plans to key staff. Founder Nnamdi Emelifeonwu said: "In the ever-evolving landscape of law and technology, our commitment lies in harnessing the power of innovation to redefine excellence. With GenAI as our ally, we're poised to pioneer a new standard of proficiency in legal solutions, seamlessly navigating complexities across diverse industries."
COMMERCIAL LAW
Alphabet seeks to block £13.6bn lawsuit over online ad dominance
The Times
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has requested a London tribunal to block a £13.6bn lawsuit accusing it of abusing its dominance in the online ad market. The lawsuit, filed by UK publishers of websites and apps, claims that they have suffered losses due to alleged anticompetitive behaviour. The Ad Tech Collective Action, represented by lawyers, has asked the Competition Appeal Tribunal to certify the case for trial. Google has dismissed the claims as incoherent.
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Aldi faces legal proceedings over supplier's de-listing
City A.M.
Aldi faces legal proceedings from a Yorkshire-based Brussels sprout supplier, W Clappison, over being de-listed without reason. W Clappison, the last remaining supplier of brassicas in the northern county, filed a claim against Aldi in the High Court which alleged that Aldi assured the business it could have confidence in it as a customer, leading W Clappison to invest in a state-of-the-art packing facility. However, Aldi informed W Clappison in February 2023 that it had not won any business for the following season. The claim alleges that in light of the fact that sprouts were grown and procured on a yearly basis, it is averred that Aldi was required to provide W Clappison with at least 24 months' notice in advance of any de-listing, being 12 months' notice ahead of the final period of supply by W Clappison to Aldi. The claimants are seeking damages of £3,694,518.15 plus interest and costs.
LVMH sues Visa and Mastercard over credit card fees
Bernard Arnault's LVMH conglomerate, which includes luxury brands like Tiffany & Co, Christian Dior, and Bulgari, has filed lawsuits against Visa and Mastercard in the High Court. The legal claims are related to a dispute over credit card fees, specifically interchange fees paid by retailers. LVMH argues that these fees are anti-competitive and cost it billions of pounds, leading to higher prices for consumers. Other businesses, including Vodafone, Ocado, and Fortnum and Mason, have also made similar claims against Visa and Mastercard. The case will be heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in November.
Thames Water sues Redrow over pipe damage
Thames Water is claiming £3.5m in damages and interest from Redrow over damage to sewage pipes underneath one of its development sites in Maidenhead, accusing the developer of "negligence."
PROPERTY LAW
Council takes fight to High Court over development of 1,000 homes and business units
A council in Reading is taking legal action to stop the development of up to 1,000 homes and business units on a retail park. Finance firm Aviva applied to redevelop The Station Shopping Park in 2020, and the council had previously rejected the application. However, the decision was overturned by levelling up secretary Michael Gove. The Planning Inspectorate also turned down the application, but ministers deemed the proposed high-rise buildings acceptable. The council is challenging the decision in the High Court, stating that it will not allow Mr Gove to undermine the local democratic planning process. The council's lead councillor for planning, Micky Leng, expressed disappointment and questioned the value of local authorities' planning decisions if they can be easily overturned.
Michael Gove urged to oppose M&S demolition again
The Daily Telegraph
Campaign group Save Britain's Heritage has written to Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove to urge him to act for a second time to block Marks & Spencer's plans to redevelop the firm's flagship Marble Arch store in central London - after the High Court told him to reconsider his initial decision. The group's director, Henrietta Billings, said M&S's plans "were conceived more than six years ago and they're looking increasingly outdated," pointing to proposals being considered by Westminster City Council to block the demolition of properties that could be successfully renovated.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Four female BBC presenters lose equal pay challenge
The Independent / The Times
Four senior female presenters, Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh, have lost their legal challenge against the BBC over equal pay. The presenters, aged 49 to 55, alleged age and gender discrimination but will not be able to argue this at an employment tribunal next year. However, the accusation that they were overlooked for chief presenter roles due to their age and gender will be considered. The judge blocked the women from bringing new equal pay claims after they settled a previous dispute. The full hearing has been set for March 17 next year. The women are expected to argue that they suffered victimisation, harassment, and reputational damage.
Waitrose accused of forcing reduced redundancy payouts on warehouse staff
Waitrose is facing accusations it forced reduced redundancy payouts on warehouse staff who were already at risk of losing their jobs. The retailer has been criticised for its decision to offer affected workers a lower redundancy package despite proposing a more generous payout in January. The John Lewis Partnership had told employees earlier this year that it was planning to halve redundancy payouts, making it cheaper for bosses to lay off workers. However, employees are now claiming that a review into the anticipated closure of a warehouse in Enfield, codenamed "Project Hazel," had started before changes to the partnership's redundancy package were made. The new proposals means departing employees will receive one week's pay per year of service. The move comes after the partnership has said its previous two-week policy was "higher than typical market practice and comes at a very high cost." The warehouse closure is expected to save Waitrose around £8.7m.
FIRMS
Freshfields boosts pay for NQ lawyers to £150,000
Financial Times / City AM
Magic circle law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has increased its newly qualified (NQ) lawyers’ salaries to £150,000 as the salary war in the legal market continues. Salaries for first and second-year trainees are also going up from £50,000 to £56,000 and £55,000 to £61,000, respectively. “We’re committed to embedding a culture that supports our people to deliver their best, knowing their contribution is valued and rewarded,” London managing partner Mark Sansom said. The move comes after rival Allen & Overy last week completed its merger with New York’s Shearman & Sterling.
CASES
Government's climate plan ruled unlawful
Sky News / The Guardian
The UK's latest strategy for meeting its legally binding targets on reaching net zero emissions has been ruled unlawful by the High Court. Campaign groups Friends of the Earth, ClientEarth and the Good Law Project brought a judicial review of Britain's most recent climate plan, arguing that it gave too little information on the government's assessment of the risk of policies not being delivered. The High Court upheld four out of five grounds for legal challenge and ordered the government to produce a new plan within the next 12 months. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero defended the UK's record on climate change and stated that the ruling contained no criticism of the detailed plans in place.
British treasure hunter denied salvage rights in landmark court ruling
British treasure hunter Ross Hyett has been denied salvage rights for the £32m worth of sunken silver he raised from the SS Tilawa shipwreck. The Supreme Court ruled that South Africa has "sovereign immunity" from Hyett's legal action. The silver cargo was being transported from Mumbai to the South African mint when the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. Lord Lloyd-Jones and Lord Hamblen ruled the silver was not intended for "commercial use" so is covered by the 1978 State Immunity Act. Jonathan Goulding, a solicitor at the London law firm HFW, which advised the South African government, said the ruling had international significance for treasure hunters. "As we continue to learn more about the ocean sea bed, many more historic wrecks have already been targeted by salvors for the potentially valuable cargo that they carry, and many more will be discovered in time," he said.
Lawyer with Nazi fixation ordered to pay back £109,000
A High Court judge has described a lawyer with a fixation on Nazi Germany as "a strange and deluded individual with a tenuous grasp on reality" in a dispute with his former professional partner. Domenico Pisano, a 23-year veteran of the legal profession, was ordered to pay back £109,000 and a total legal bill of £111,000 after being accused of transferring £95,000 of his firm's money into his own account. During evidence in court, it also emerged that Pisano had contacted the Law Society, the solicitors' professional body, and given "a rambling account of events" that included references to the Queen and Nazi Germany. He is scheduled to appear before a disciplinary tribunal this summer.
County Court Advocate I LPC & Quest I Called to the Bar of England and Wales by Inner Temple I Experienced at resolving consumer financial services disputes as an adjudicator (ADR)I Bilingual Spanish & English
7moI had the opportunity to be in their application process which was enjoyable, knowledgeable and rewarding. I thought they were going to offer 13 pupillages but from this announcement it appears only 10 were offered.
Operational Excellence / C-Suite Advisor / HR Expert / Sustainability & Business Strategies / Freelance
7moI trust that small businesses will not only endure but also such steps will contribute positively to a sustainable economy and the overall social advancement of the labor workforce.