AI Mistakes and Legal Reasoning: Why Lawyers Still Matter
I’ve been using AI in two very different parts of my life this year. At work, Copilot has become part of my daily routine: drafting, summarising, organising, and occasionally rescuing me from the administrative black hole that litigation can become. Outside work, I’ve been using AI in a completely different context - marathon training. Not […]
Refusal to Mediate - MJS Projects v RPS and the Limits of Costs Sanctions
The 2024 amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules reinforced the court's expectations around the use of ADR. As a result, solicitors now routinely advise clients that refusing to mediate may lead to adverse costs consequences. I recently explored this issue in my article on whether the court can order parties to engage in ADR. Against that […]
Dispute With a Better‑Resourced Opponent: How to Level the Playing Field
If you’re in a dispute with a better‑resourced opponent, it can feel as though the odds are stacked from the start. They may have deeper pockets, more advisers and more time to burn. But disputes aren’t won by volume. They’re won by clarity, evidence and strategy. What follows is a practical framework for levelling the […]
SLAPP Reform Stalls - But the SRA’s Expectations Are Crystal Clear
SLAPP reform may have stalled, but the SRA’s updated Warning Notice makes the regulatory position crystal clear. This article explains what the anti‑SLAPP bill was designed to achieve, how the SRA is responding in its absence, and what solicitors must do to manage SLAPP‑risk disputes in line with current regulatory expectations.
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 […]