Can You Find Out If Your Opponent Is Insured Before You Sue?
In this guest blog, Johanna Smallman, a Partner and Solicitor at HM3 Legal, explores whether a defendant can be forced to provide their insurance details to a claimant. Winning in court should mean getting paid. But what if your opponent can’t afford to pay the judgment -or your legal costs? That’s a real financial risk […]
When the Economy Slows, Contracts Come Under Pressure: How to Reduce Litigation Risk in 2026
As the dust settles on the Autumn Budget 2025, one message is clear: the UK economy is entering a slower, more fragile phase. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) now forecasts GDP growth of 1.5% in 2025, but this will slow to 1.4% in 2026 and remain subdued through the rest of the decade. Inflation, […]
Valuers, Brackets, and Legal Lessons: Insights from Bratt v Jones
In professional negligence claims, expert evidence is essential. If there’s a concern that a professional has made a serious error, the court relies on input from someone qualified in the same field to assess whether that concern is justified. Without it, the claim is unlikely to succeed - except in cases involving lawyers, where judges […]
The End of the Shareholder Rule: What It Means for Your Business
A recent change in the law relating to shareholders has created an opportunity for family-run businesses and other small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to rethink how they share information within their organisations. In this blog, I’ll explore how this shift creates an opportunity to enhance governance and streamline decision-making. For 137 years, a peculiar rule […]
The Consequences of Delayed Insurance Notifications: Protecting Your Coverage
In the world of insurance, timing is everything. Missing notification deadlines, whether for claims or incidents that could lead to claims, can have serious consequences for businesses and their clients. The recent case of Archer v Biplob Restaurant serves as a stark reminder of these risks, showing how failing to meet notification obligations can completely […]
Think Before You Injunct: Lessons in Co-operation, Fairness, and Caution
Background Applying for an injunction requires not only caution but also a deep understanding of the responsibilities involved. The case of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals Ltd v Burrell ([2025] EWHC 1602 (KB)) highlights the vital roles of co-operation, transparency, and fairness in such situations. Sinclair Pharmaceuticals, a company specialising in medical aesthetics, became embroiled in a legal […]
Understanding CCJs – What You Need to Know
Ever heard of the term “CCJ” before? It pops up in all sorts of financial conversations, application forms, and even in advertising. But what exactly is it? A County Court Judgment (or "CCJ") is an official ruling by a county court that states you must pay a certain amount of money to someone else. Once […]
How to Prepare for Your First Conversation with a Litigation Solicitor
Thinking of contacting a litigation solicitor about a business dispute? It can feel a little daunting, can’t it? But don’t worry — a bit of preparation goes a long way in making that first conversation as productive and stress-free as possible. Plus, it's not as intimidating as you might think. Here’s a simple guide to […]
Navigating Legal Disputes: Strategies for Success
Dealing with business disputes is no one’s idea of a good time. They're often pricey, stressful, and time-consuming, sucking away precious resources you could better spend running your business or growing your profits. And even if you win in court, the process may leave you lighter in the pocket, with only a fraction of your […]
Why You Should Be Careful with "Without Prejudice" Letters
The recent case of Morris v Williams [2025] EWHC 218 (KB) gives us a valuable lesson in legal letter writing. Spoiler alert – just simply putting "without prejudice – save as to costs" on a letter doesn't guarantee its contents are off-limits in court. What Was the Case About? This case started with a road […]