News
Libel cases spur Kirwans to set up 'political' unit
Posted by Ben Schofield on December 2, 2008 10:48 AM
A MERSEYSIDE law firm has set up a dedicated political unit after taking on a large number of libel cases involving politicians and activists.
Kirwans Solicitors, which has offices in Liverpool and Wirral, made the move after acting in six such cases in six months. They say more are in the pipeline.
The new team is headed by defamation expert Michael Sandys, who is also a partner and head of Kirwans' commercial team. He is supported by senior partner David Kirwan, Wirral's only independent councillor.
Continue reading "Libel cases spur Kirwans to set up 'political' unit"
Portrait of a killer nets Mace & Jones writing award
Posted by Ben Schofield on December 2, 2008 10:48 AM
LIVERPOOL-BASED writer Cathy Roberts was crowned winner of law firm Mace & Jones's inaugural short story competition last week, at an awards evening at St George's Hall.
Ms Roberts, a guide at the Whistlefish Gallery, saw off stiff competition from more than 90 entries from around the world to win the £1,000 first prize.
Phil Redmond, creative director at Liverpool Culture Company, handed out the award for her story, The Appointment.
Continue reading "Portrait of a killer nets Mace & Jones writing award"
Arrow Global appoint Weightmans
Posted by Ben Schofield on December 1, 2008 11:19 AM
THE COMMERCIAL Recovery team at Weightmans has been appointed by international debt purchasing giant Arrow Global.
Large scale sales of consumer debts by financial institutions, utilities and telecom companies in Europe and Asia have fuelled the growth of Arrow Global's business and Jill Cox, Head of Commercial Recoveries at Weightmans, is enthusiastic about the potential of the new deal.
She said: "Arrow Global is an international player in this field and a welcome addition to our client base.
Continue reading "Arrow Global appoint Weightmans"
Solicitor's appointment to senior judicial post sets example, says Law Society
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 26, 2008 1:26 PM
THE LAW Society says it "warmly welcomes" the appointment of solicitor David Latham to the role of President of Employment Tribunals
His appointment, it added, should "set an example for the profession's judicial ambitions".
Law Society President, Paul Marsh, said:
"We congratulate Mr Latham on his appointment to this senior judicial role and hope this fuels the aspirations of other solicitors to seek appointment to the bench.
Continue reading "Solicitor's appointment to senior judicial post sets example, says Law Society "
Weightmans launches online disease database
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 24, 2008 1:21 PM
WEIGHTMANS has launched a new practical reference tool aimed at all those involved with disease claims.
Disease-i is aimed at claims handlers, employers who wish to broaden their knowledge of diseases and intermediaries who need to bring themselves quickly up-to-speed with current issues.
It is the brainchild of Jim Byard, partner in Weightmans Dedicated Disease Unit.
Continue reading "Weightmans launches online disease database"
Baby P death highlights a growing crisis - lawyer
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 21, 2008 4:07 PM
THE CASE of Baby P and the death of two children in Manchester last week have highlighted a growing crisis in child welfare in England and Wales, according to a leading North West lawyer.
Here, Mike Devlin, managing partner of the Stephensons Solicitors' family department, says there is disparity between the promises of politicians and the stark reality.
He said: "Red tape is putting the most vulnerable children in society at greater risk. Take care proceedings as an example. The legal framework provides that a local authority has certain statutory duties which include:
Continue reading "Baby P death highlights a growing crisis - lawyer"
Family dispute over inheritance reinforces value firm's contentious probate unit
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 19, 2008 12:00 PM
A PROTRACTED legal battle which saw a wrongly-drafted will tear a family apart is proof of the increasing need for fragmented families to take thorough legal advice over estates and trusts, according to a Liverpool law firm.
India Buildings-based Mace & Jones is launching a new contentious trusts and estates unit in response to increased demand for the service.
Private client partner Peter Houghton said this week's high profile case of the Sprackling family, which saw three adult children fall out spectacularly with their step mother, is a strong example of why "modern" families need good legal advice.
Continue reading "Family dispute over inheritance reinforces value firm's contentious probate unit"
Weightman's half year results
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 19, 2008 11:25 AM
LIVERPOOL law firm Weightmans have described their half year results as "solid".
The firm recorded turnover of £24m between May 1 and October 31, 2008. Last year Weightmans turnover totalled £50m after recording half year results of £22.6m.
Commenting on the firm's financial performance, managing partner Patrick Gaul said:
"We have increased overall production as compared to this time last year by 9% and all our core practice areas are performing well."
Continue reading "Weightman's half year results"
Proecutors 'too cautious' charging death case drivers
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 13, 2008 11:49 AM
PROSECUTORS are too cautious when making decisions about charging drivers involved in fatal accidents, a report found today.
Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate found cases where drivers had been charged with careless driving when the evidence supported a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
The inspectors said that in "a few cases" from a sample of 114, prosecutors tended to charge the lesser offence.
Continue reading "Proecutors 'too cautious' charging death case drivers"
John Pickering joins Industrial Disease elite
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 11, 2008 1:26 PM
A LIVERPOOL law firm has been ranked in the top tier for industrial disease firms in a nationwide industry guide.
The 2009 edition of Chambers Legal Directory lists John Pickering and Partners in the category along with two other firms.
Guide editors said the firm is an "established firm with an enviable reputation".
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Magistrates' schedules are 'causing morning hold-up'
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 11, 2008 1:26 PM
NEW scheduling policies meant to speed cases up at magistrates' courts are causing problems for criminal lawyers, a Liverpool law firm has warned.
They say because of a desire to cut the number of afternoons the magistrates sit, morning lists are being crammed with too many cases.
This has left criminal lawyers over-stretched in the morning, but with little court appointments later in the day.
Continue reading "Magistrates' schedules are 'causing morning hold-up'"
DWF bucks trend with 12.5% rise in fee income
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 10, 2008 11:30 AM
DWF recorded an increase of 12.5% fee income for the six months ending October 31, 2008, compared to the same period in the previous year.
And the firm says that it is on track for an increase of 12% fee income year on year which should take it to a record £62m turnover.
The firm says insurance (up 19%), litigation (up 23%), real estate (up 11%) and private client (up 21%) in particular have all shown a significant rise in income.
Continue reading "DWF bucks trend with 12.5% rise in fee income"
Solicitors issue apology after client is called "batty old tart"
Posted by David Higgerson on November 9, 2008 10:42 AM
A PENSIONER who lost a compensation claim after breaking her leg on holiday was branded a 'batty old tart' in official legal documents - by her own solicitor.
Wirral firm Aegis Law was forced to issue a groveling apology to stunned 78-year-old Irene Carmichael after the blunder.
The mother-of-six read the offensive words after she requested to see papers relating to her unsuccessful claim.
Continue reading "Solicitors issue apology after client is called "batty old tart""
"Payback" to criminals to be highlighted in Knowsley
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 6, 2008 11:44 AM
VICTIMS of crime in Knowsley are to get more support to ensure "payback" is meted out.
The borough is one of 60 pioneer areas across the country to sign up to the new Neighbourhood Crime and Justice scheme.
Backed up by £5.6m nationwide, the project will provide a dedicated Neighbourhood Crime and Justice (NCJ) Co-ordinator in Knowsley.
Continue reading ""Payback" to criminals to be highlighted in Knowsley"
Goldsmith Williams terminates Denis Whalley contract
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 5, 2008 11:45 AM
A FORMER lawyer who siphoned company funds to bankroll a "lavish" lifestyle has had his contract with a Liverpool law firm terminated.
Mersey Chambers-based Goldsmith Williams contracted Denis Whalley for around a year to build relationships with claims management firms.
Last week the Daily Post revealed that while running his own firm between 2002 and 2006, Mr Whalley used £500,000 owed to an expert witness to buy a BMW 7 series, cruises aboard the Queen Mary II and make a down payment on a French chalet.
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Firms takes hardline over court disputes
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 4, 2008 12:37 PM
DLA PIPER has reported a marked increase in litigation as the challenging economic conditions cause a change in the attitude of many corporate clients to resolving business disputes.
Their commercial litigation team has seen an increase in turnover of 35%.
Mark Goodwin, who heads the team, says this is down to companies currently being less likely to settle out of court.
Continue reading "Firms takes hardline over court disputes"
Accident lawyers in face fur 'Movember' charity challenge
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 4, 2008 12:37 PM
SEVEN Southport lawyers are taking up a hirsute challenge for charity.
The male staff at road accident specialists Fletchers Solicitors are taking part in Movember. They will cultivate moustaches to highlight men's health issues and raise money for the Prostate Cancer Charity.
Participants in the annual event shave their top lips on Halloween night and then have one month to grow and groom the finest moustache they can muster.
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Barrister wins in tussle over Asbos
Posted by Ben Schofield on November 4, 2008 12:37 PM
A LIVERPOOL barrister has won a landmark legal victory in the war against gangs.
Exchange Chambers' Paul Burns last week successfully defended a Judicial Review bought by a 21-year-old who was seeking to appeal against a two- year extension to his Asbo.
West Lancashire District Council went to magistrates in 2007 to extend Ashley Langley's original three-year Asbo by two years. They said he had breached the terms of the order and been convicted of other offences since. They also successfully argued that the community required contin-ued protection from Langley. The Asbo was extended by two years.
Continue reading "Barrister wins in tussle over Asbos"
Struck off solicitor lands job at Goldsmith Williams
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 30, 2008 2:26 PM
A LIVERPOOL solicitor who siphoned company funds to bankroll a "lavish" lifestyle has been struck off the profession's roll.
Denis Whalley used thousands of pounds that were owed to an expert witness company to buy luxury cruise holidays, a chalet in France and a BMW 7 series.
Now the Daily Post can also reveal Mr Whalley is working in Liverpool for a firm run by the brother of the former Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith.
Continue reading "Struck off solicitor lands job at Goldsmith Williams"
Solicitor welcomes medic checks
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 29, 2008 10:41 AM
A LEADING clinical negligence solicitor has welcomed the news that revalidation and checks for all doctors, which will lead to improved patient care and safety, are one step closer.
The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, has confirmed the formation of the implementation team for England and £1million of funding to support it.
The team will comprise a panel of senior doctors to provide professionally informed leadership, support and advice to the NHS, patients and doctors' representatives for the design and delivery of the process, ensuring that all doctors meet the standards expected of them.
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Courts scheme opens up to quicker route to justice
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 28, 2008 10:36 AM
CASES in magistrates' courts are being dealt with in less than half the time they were a year ago, new figures show.
The estimated average time between a suspect being charged by police to a case being concluded fell from 91 to 37 days last March.
The Ministry of Justice are crediting the faster progress of cases to an initiative known as Criminal Justice: Simple, Speed Summary (CJSSS).
Continue reading "Courts scheme opens up to quicker route to justice"
Lawyer pounds streets to help hospice
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 28, 2008 10:23 AM
THE head of a Liverpool law firm is lacing up his running shoes for charity.
Mark Shipley, managing director of intellectual property law specialists Shipley Solicitors, will be taking part in this year's New York Marathon to raise money for Claire House Children's Hospice.
The solicitor has bought his flight, accommodation and race fee himself, so every penny he raises will go direct to the Bebington charity.
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City's first costs department opened by Civil Law
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 27, 2008 1:27 PM
Liverpool Civil Law has launched a costs department - the first in the city to offer a specialist service of its kind.
Barristers Chris Jackson and David Pilling will work as a team providing services to solicitors acting both for claimants and defendant insurers.
The pair hope the new department will be welcomed as an important addition to the Merseyside legal community, handling cases from the city, across the North West and the rest of England and Wales.
Continue reading "City's first costs department opened by Civil Law"
Scott Rees & Co founder retires
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 16, 2008 2:28 PM
A LEADING Lancashire law firm has announced the retirement of a founding partner who was among the first to recognise the benefits of a "technology driven" legal practice.
Peter Scott, 63, has formally retired from Scott Rees & Co Solicitors in Skelmersdale which he co-founded with Daniel Rees in 1992.
Today, the firm handles thousands of personal injury claims from across the UK with more than 170 members of staff.
Continue reading "Scott Rees & Co founder retires"
Madonna and Guy - biggest divorce in history?
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 15, 2008 12:59 PM
ONE OF the world's most glamorous couples, Madonna and Guy Richie, could be set to announce the largest divorce battle in showbiz history, according to city lawyers.
Rumours suggest the American pop star and British movie director, who married in a lavish Scottish ceremony in 2000, are set to finalise divorce proceedings before Christmas.
Leading divorce lawyer Paul Barrow, of Quinn Barrow solicitors, in Liverpool, said: "Madonna and Guy Richie's divorce will certainly cause shock waves across the showbiz community and is likely to result in another huge celebrity settlement."
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Chambers hosts Northern administrative law group launch
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 14, 2008 5:49 PM
SENIOR legal figures descended on Liverpool on Tuesday as the city played host to the launch of the Northern Administrative Law Association (NALA).
The group is being established to promote the practice of administrative law in the North.
Lawyers are anticipating that the Ministry of Justice will open the first Administrative Court outside London in the region.
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Globe-trotting Law Society returns from Mombasa trip
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 14, 2008 5:41 PM
THE TWINNING of Liverpool Law Society with its Mombasa counterpart moved a step closer last week.
A delegation from the city have returned from a fact-finding trip to the Kenyan port.
Led by Liverpool Law Society (LLS) President Anne Heseltine the group met with senior members of the Mombasan judiciary and city's mayor.
Continue reading "Globe-trotting Law Society returns from Mombasa trip"
Solicitors welcome complaints service climbdown
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 14, 2008 12:07 PM
LIVERPOOL lawyers have welcomed the decision not to publish complaints made against solicitors.
Industry body the Legal Complaints Service (LSC) last week announced it was stepping back from plans to put complaints in the public domain.
The LSC said it could not find a scheme that was both "equitable" to both customers and solicitors.
Continue reading "Solicitors welcome complaints service climbdown"
Complaints body hangs back from publishing lawyers' records
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 10, 2008 12:24 PM
THE LEGAL Complaints Services are stepping back from plans to publish solicitors' complaints records.
But the LCS board say they still think the public should know about allegations reported to them about legal professionals.
They chose not to go ahead with the plans because they had not yet come up with a scheme that was both "equitable" to both customers and solicitors. More work will now be done, including consultation with stakeholders and looking at data reliability.
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'Barristers cost more in care cases despite providing same service as solicitors' - Law Society
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 7, 2008 1:19 PM
THE LAW Society has spoken out against an attempt by barristers to maintain the "indefensible discrimination" between barristers and solicitor-advocates in family legal aid cases.
Barristers are paid more than their solicitor counterparts for advocacy, the society says, even though they perform the same role. The Law Society is supporting moves by the Legal Services Commission (LSC) towards harmonisation between fees paid to solicitors and barristers for the same work.
Continue reading "'Barristers cost more in care cases despite providing same service as solicitors' - Law Society"
Law society departs on Mombasa mission
Posted by Ben Schofield on October 2, 2008 12:01 PM
LIVERPOOL Law Society have sent a delegation to Kenyan city Mombasa in the hope of becoming their twin city. Here, society president Anne Heseltine outlines the trip
We were approached by the International Division of the national Law Society at the instigation of the now Immediate Past President Andrew Holroyd who is a former President of LLS and a solicitor practising in Liverpool.
The Law Society Charity supports a number of projects around the world. It had previously supported the setting up of the Newcastle Law Society twinning project with the Rift Valley in Kenya, now in existence for about 10 years and running very successfully.
Continue reading "Law society departs on Mombasa mission"
New head of Chester law firm announces drive to encourage mediation, not litigation
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 29, 2008 12:37 PM
THE new head of one of Cheshire's longest-established law firms is launching a drive to encourage more people to try mediation instead of rushing to court to resolve a dispute.
Mediation can be much cheaper than a court battle, said Brian Dawson, who takes up his post as senior partner at Walker Smith Way solicitors on October 1.
He said not enough people know that mediation is an option for both personal matters, such as a dispute with the builder installing your new kitchen, and business disputes, such as a disagreement between two companies over a commercial contract.
Continue reading "New head of Chester law firm announces drive to encourage mediation, not litigation"
Time to stop talking and start mediating - lawyers say
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 26, 2008 2:55 PM
IT IS time for lawyers to put their words into action and increase the use of mediation in commercial disputes - according to research released by Management Partners Merseyside.
LDP Legal asked leading lawyers their views on mediation.
Click here to read what they said.
Continue reading "Time to stop talking and start mediating - lawyers say"
Lawyer nominated to solicitors for the elderly panel
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 26, 2008 2:43 PM
SOUTHPORT solicitor Eve Austin has been accepted as a member of the national 'Solicitors for the Elderly' association (SFE).
SFE is an association of lawyers who specialise in legal services for older people and their carers.
Members of SFE have a wealth of experience within this key legal area and they are required to have spent a substantial amount of time working for elderly clients.
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Judge warns of jail terms for knife possession
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 24, 2008 12:40 PM
A LIVERPOOL judge has given a stark warning that people caught carrying knives can expect to be locked up.
Judge Mark Brown made the comments as he jailed Steven Honey for eight months for having a blade as he clashed with his brother.
Judge Brown said: "There is a knife culture, a belief that the carrying of knives is the right thing to do."
Continue reading "Judge warns of jail terms for knife possession"
Aintree law student triple award winner
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 24, 2008 12:32 PM
A LAW student from Aintree has scooped three top industry awards.
Claire Fitzgerald was awarded the DLA Piper Prize, one of the major national law student awards in the UK. She also won two Norh West regional awards.
The triple-winner grew up in Aintree and studied at Liverpool University where she picked up a 2:1 honours degree in law.
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Hill Dickinson awards pensions advice contract to Liverpool firm
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 24, 2008 11:32 AM
LIVERPOOL-BASED independent financial advisers, Parker Kelly, has been awarded a contract to provide pension advice to a number of employees of local law firm Hill Dickinson.
Hill Dickinson has 143 partners and more than 900 hundred staff based in Liverpool, Manchester, Chester and London.
Parker Kelly will provide advice to members of Hill Dickinson's old pension scheme in respect of a transferral of benefits.
Continue reading "Hill Dickinson awards pensions advice contract to Liverpool firm"
Reporting restrictions on Rhys Jones accused end
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 17, 2008 1:05 PM
BY DAILY POST CORRESPONDENT
A TEENAGER accused of murdering schoolboy Rhys Jones in Liverpool can now be named as Sean Mercer.
Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, turned 18 on Wednesday and loses the legal protection banning publication of the names of juveniles.
He has pleaded not guilty to murder and is expected to stand trial next month along with six others in connection with the shooting in August last year of 11-year-old Rhys.
Continue reading "Reporting restrictions on Rhys Jones accused end"
New law GCSE introduced
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 17, 2008 12:38 PM
A NEW GCSE in law is being offered by exam board OCR.
Canidates will cover consumer rights, police stop and search powers, fundamental human rights, consumer protection and product liability and safety, and rules on termination of employment and protection from discrimination.
It is one of 93 new exams the board introduced on Tuesday.
Continue reading "New law GCSE introduced"
Four companies win UK gold in law league tables
Posted by Ben Schofield on September 16, 2008 12:36 PM
FOUR Liverpool law firms are listed in a gold standard run-down of the UK's top companies.
Hill Dickinson, DLA Piper, Halliwells and DWF are listed in the top tier of the Legal 500, published last week.
Weightmans are listed in the second tier of top North West firms.
Continue reading "Four companies win UK gold in law league tables"
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