April 2008 Archives

In the last five years there has been a marked increase in the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and in particular mediation, as a means of settling disputes quickly and on a commercial basis. Despite the improvements to the litigation procedure in the post-Woolf era, litigation remains an expensive, time consuming and stressful process which can turn into a continuous drain on a businesses resources (management time and profits), often with costs in excess of the sum in dispute.

It is estimated that mediation saves UK businesses nearly £1 billion a year. As well as being quicker and cheaper, the mediation process lends itself to settlement as it brings about a more conciliatory attitude on the parties than might prevail in preparation for trial. Most mediators have a settlement success rate of over 70 per cent and in some cases as high as 95 per cent.

CANTER Levin and Berg launched a new series of free employment seminars delivered by the firm’s new head of department, Will Burrows and solicitor John Booth.

TWO prominent Merseyside legal professionals have been named among the country’s most powerful in a definitive list.

THE theme of this week's blog is leadership, something which comes in all styles and shades, but which every serious business or organisation needs to make a priority.

Weightmans' employment partner on health screening

EMPLOYMENT specialists are warning about key changes to the law governing sex discrimination and maternity rights .

A LIVERPOOL divorce lawyer have warned of the dangers of posting messages on the internet after a British woman launched a six minute rant against her soon to be ex-husband on YouTube.

THE Law Society has launched an information campaign to make consumers across England and Wales aware of how solicitors can help them solve a wide range of problems.

THE family of a Liverpool man shot dead while naked and unarmed when police raided his home were this week given the go-ahead by the House of Lords to bring a civil action for misconduct.

Five Law Lords dismissed an appeal by Sussex Police against a court ruling that James Ashley’s father and son, both also called James, can bring an action alleging misfeasance in public office and assault and battery.

JST Lawyers is holding a free seminar for property and construction professionals seeking to strengthen health and safety policies to minimise risk and comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.