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Perspective - Blog

Finally, a victory in the on-going battle against business rates

Published on 03 Mar 2017.

The Supreme Court ruling in Newbigin v Monks represents a welcome and important victory for UK property developers.

Perspective - Blog

Green belt development - don't forget the law!

Published on 13 Feb 2017.

A review of the housing white paper in relation to green belt development noting that the Green Belt (London and Home Counties) Act 1938 is a further hurdle.

Perspective - Blog

Electronic Signatures – the future of executing documents?

Published on 03 Feb 2017.

You could be forgiven for failing to spot the release of The EU Regulation on Electronic Identification and Trust Services in the Internal Market (910/2014/EU) (the Regulation), released post EU referendum. We consider the impact of this and the Law Society's Guidance Note on electronic signatures (the Guidance Note).

Perspective - Blog

Garden Villages - are they necessary?

Published on 09 Jan 2017.

A recent Government announcement has proposed 14 sites across England to be the first garden villages, with 3 further sites to be new garden towns. But with a country full of deserted and derelict buildings, are garden villages and towns the only way forward?

Perspective - Blog

Office to Residential Permitted Development Rights – an update

Published on 08 Aug 2016.

The rights to convert a building from office use to residential without needing to submit a planning application are not new, although a recent decision from the Planning Court have brought them back to the headlines and suggest that they may be more flexible than anticipated.

Perspective - Blog

Freedom of information: access denied by ministerial veto

Published on 04 Feb 2014.

Not since September 2012 when the Attorney General exercised powers under section 53(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) blocking the release of correspondence between Prince Charles and seven government departments has there been a matter likely to attract attention to the use of the ministerial veto.

Perspective - Blog

Court of Appeal's opinion on good faith clauses

Published on 11 Apr 2013.

In our February blog we reported on Compass Group UK and Ireland Ltd (trading as Medirest) v Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust [2012] EWHC 781 (QB) and the implications of the decision on the duty to act in good faith.

Perspective - Blog

Costs overruns in Target Costs contracts

Published on 22 Mar 2013.

Who is liable for costs overruns in a Target Cost contract, and to what extent? AMEC Group recently went to the TCC to appeal against an arbitration decision which found the Secretary of State for Defence ("the Authority") would only be liable for actual costs which were reasonably and properly incurred.

Perspective - Blog

NPPF – 1 year on: smooth transition or wasted opportunity?

Published on 21 Mar 2013.

Given that over 50% of Britain's local councils are still to adopt Local Plans, is the window of opportunity for local residents to take control of development in their local area about to close?

Perspective - Blog

New Kids on the Block : alternative funders in the real estate lending market

Published on 15 Mar 2013.

Over the last couple of years, there has been a surge in real estate lending by non-bank lenders as traditional banks started withdrawing from the market.

Perspective - Blog

Good Faith Clauses

Published on 26 Feb 2013.

There is no general doctrine of good faith in English law and it is not therefore implied into contracts.

Perspective - Blog

JCT Insurance Options: what's the right fit for fit-out?

Published on 18 Feb 2013.

Where a tenant is fitting out premises within a multi-occupied building, the JCT's standard insurance options are not always appropriate and, left unaddressed, place unintended and severe risks on the tenant.

Perspective - Blog

Government property, Kirstie and Phil style?

Published on 01 Feb 2013.

Ok, so Ms Allsopp and Mr Spencer haven’t quite been called in yet, but almost.

Perspective - Blog

Is the Green Deal a great deal?

Published on 29 Jan 2013.

There is no denying the Green Deal has many advantages but consider the deal in relation to short term leases and it may not be as great as it initially seems.

Perspective - Blog

NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract "Guidance Notes": more important than you realise for interpreting the ECC

Published on 18 Jan 2013.

Certain terms of the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract ('ECC') are open to interpretation, and the recent case of E-Nik Ltd v Department for Communities & Local Government [2012] EWHC 3027 (Comm) has cast into doubt whether even something as routine as VAT is crystal-clear under the ECC.

Perspective - Blog

Development incentives – but at what cost?

Published on 14 Jan 2013.

In light of what is starting to appear to be a wholehearted failure to persuade local communities to meet requisite housing targets, Nick Boles last week proposed self-proclaimed "bungs" to local communities.

Perspective - Blog

Leaving customers without signal: the task of re-building the Telecoms Code

Published on 05 Dec 2012.

Now almost 30 years old, the Electronic Communications Code (the 'Code'), falls far short of representing the needs of a swiftly developing communications network.

Perspective - Blog

H&M: Brave New World?

Published on 27 Nov 2012.

We have all been involved in lease negotiations where there are differences of opinion as to what is or is not institutionally acceptable.

Perspective - Blog

End of the line for Village Greens?

Published on 14 Nov 2012.

Nothing can be more frustrating for a developer to see its scheme delayed or worse still derailed by an application for the registration of land as a town or village green ("TVG").

Profile

Saskia Mautner

Associate

Perspective - Blog

Lead market regulator's lawsuit includes professional advisers

Published on 09 Feb 2017. By Antony Sassi, Managing Partner, Asia and Samuel Hung, Partner

In another significant development in the Securities and Futures Commission's (SFC) efforts to combat market misconduct-type activity involving listed shares in Hong Kong, the lead market regulator has commenced civil proceedings under Section 213 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) in respect of China Forestry Holdings Co Ltd (in official liquidation). What makes the proceedings noteworthy is that besides naming the company and two of its directors as co-defendants, the regulator's civil complaint also names two co-sponsors and the auditor involved with the company's initial public offering (IPO) in 2009.(1)

Perspective - Blog

Silicon Valley, Signature and Credit Suisse: what do they all share(holder) in common?

Published on 28 Mar 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Oliver Knox, Partner and Jessica Pease, Associate

In what has been termed "the biggest banking crisis since 2008", both Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank have collapsed, and Credit Suisse has been rescued. Whether more banks are to follow suit is yet to be seen.

Perspective - Blog

Compulsory mediation in small claims: a quick guide for the busy lawyer

Published on 28 Jun 2024. By Kirstie Pike, Partner

A new pilot scheme requiring parties in money claims valued at up to £10,000 to take part in a compulsory free one-hour mediation appointment, provided by HMCTS' Small Claims Mediation Service – before the claim can then proceed to Court if no settlement is reached.

Perspective - Blog

Your statement or mine? Witness statements under Practice Direction 57AC

Published on 23 Feb 2023. By Richard Seymour, Associate and Simy Khanna, Partner

The judgment of Mr Justice Fancourt in Mackenzie v Rosenblatt Solicitors & Anor [2023] EWHC 331 (Ch) has highlighted, in no less than 36 paragraphs on the matter, the importance of ensuring compliance and understanding of Practice Direction 57AC - Trial Witness Statements in the Business and Property Courts ("PD 57AC"), when preparing witness statements.

Perspective - Blog

The collapse of FTX: lessons for many

Published on 14 Feb 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Matthew Wood, Senior Associate and Jessica Pease, Associate

From investors to regulators, FTX Trading Ltd (FTX) filing for bankruptcy was unexpected by all. A catalyst for litigation and regulation over the years to come, this collapse will serve as a warning, particularly to cryptocurrency insurers.

Perspective - Blog

SLAPPs – a round up of the latest developments for the SRA

Published on 02 Feb 2023. By Graham Reid, Partner

The last week or so has seen a burst of activity on SLAPPs, alongside criticism of the SRA. This will be of interest to lawyers and their insurers.

Perspective - Blog

The scope of a solicitor's duty to third parties in the spotlight again

Published on 26 Jan 2023. By Michelle Peacock, Associate and Rhian Howell, Partner & Head of Office, Bristol

The Claimant (Mr Syed Ul Haq), via his Estate, brought claims against the Defendants for damages arising out of two frauds in connection with the same property. It is central to this appeal to understand that Rees Page Solicitors never acted for the Claimant. It is indeed for that reason Rees Page Solicitors applied for summary judgment on the grounds that the Claimant had no reasonable prospects of success. After hearing the application, on 13 December 2019, Deputy Master Lloyd, granted summary judgment on the basis that as Mr Ul Haq was not a client of Rees Page Solicitors, they did not owe him a duty of care.

Perspective - Blog

FCA consultation on British Steel redress scheme published

Published on 31 Mar 2022. By David Allinson, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner

The FCA has now published its consultation paper on the proposed redress scheme for British Steel Pension transfers under s.404 of FSMA. The scope of this is wider than anticipated and the proposals contain some surprises around the lack of an opt-in process and potential involvement of FOS.

Perspective - Blog

UK tech cases warn of liability clause drafting pitfalls

Published on 21 Sep 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner

Excluding and limiting liability is a vital part of any commercial contract. The irony, though, is that despite its importance, almost any exclusion or limitation of liability — if pored over to the nth degree — will have some ambiguity in the face of complex and often unforeseen consequences of breach.

Perspective - Blog

Thirty minutes in Decentraland: A metaverse adventure

Published on 14 Jun 2023. By Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate and Becky Baker , Associate

Decentraland is one of the best known 'metaverses' that currently exist. It is a giant virtual world where users can create 'avatars' (a digital representation of yourself) and interact with one another. Users can also buy and develop virtual land, the mechanics of which involve purchasing an NFT (non-fungible token) connected with the relevant land plot. Users can then develop their land and build unique 3D environments.

Perspective - Blog

The CAT's new approach: I can't afford a carriage (dispute)

Published on 02 Jun 2023. By Chris Ross, Partner and Leonia Chesterfield, Of Counsel

Since the collective proceedings regime in the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) kicked off, a number of carriage disputes have arisen. So-called 'carriage disputes' arise when there are two or more competing proposed class representatives (PCRs) seeking certification (and therefore 'carriage') of overlapping class actions.

Perspective - Blog

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) avoidance and corporate property deals – the importance of timing!

Published on 21 May 2019. By Ben Roberts, Partner

The First-Tier Tribunal has, in a recent decision, caused something of a stir for clients and advisors familiar with the well-trodden (and, usually, tax-efficient) use of offshore unit trusts to hold UK property.

Perspective - Blog

Unpacking the Building Safety Act's industry overhaul

Published on 06 Mar 2024. By Zoe Eastell, Partner and Zack Gould-Wilson, Senior Associate

On June 28, 2022, the Building Safety Act 2022 received royal assent, bringing about the biggest change to building safety in 40 years.

Perspective - Blog

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #2: engagement letters – worth more than the paper they're written on!

Published on 21 Feb 2024. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the second in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

Perspective - Blog

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #1: continuing professional development

Published on 16 Oct 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the first in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

Perspective - Blog

The El Niño year and impact on subsidence claims

Published on 13 Jul 2023. By Andrew Roper, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Insurers should be bracing for a wave of subsidence claims arising from the increasingly warm weather. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared that an El Niño climate event is in progress, which helps explain why June 2023 was the hottest on record in the UK.

Perspective - Blog

Building on renewable energy #3 – Anaerobic Digestion

Published on 24 Sep 2020.

Anaerobic digestion is the process by which biodegradable materials are broken down in a controlled environment. Whilst being broken down, the materials emit gas (which can be used as a source of renewable energy), and produce heat (which can also be harnessed on or near-to site). The process also leaves a waste material (digestate), which can be used as fertiliser, contributing to the circular economy.

Profile

Jessica Yates

Perspective - Blog

Court of Appeal finds that Bitcoin's developers may owe fiduciary duties to bitcoin owners

Published on 08 Feb 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate

In a highly anticipated judgment, the Court of Appeal has handed down its decision in Tulip Trading Limited v van der Laan and others [2023] EWCA Civ 83, allowing the claimant's appeal. The court found that the developers looking after Bitcoin arguably owed fiduciary duties in tort to an owner of bitcoin, and whether such a duty did arise in the specific proceedings would depend on the facts established at trial.

Press and Media

Legal claims against banks expected following collapse in Sterling

Published on 06 Dec 2022.

Legal disputes between banks and their business customers are expected following the collapse in the value of sterling against the U.S. Dollar and the volatility of other currencies, says international law firm RPC.

Perspective - Blog

Litigation risk arising from recent LDI related disruption in the UK gilt market

Published on 18 Oct 2022. By Simon Hart, Partner, Head of Banking & Financial Markets Disputes and Daniel Hemming, Partner and Charlotte Henschen (née Ducker), Partner and Tim Potts, Senior Associate

In this bulletin, we examine the role of Liability Driven Investment (LDI) in the widely publicised disruption experienced in the UK gilts market in recent weeks and consider the disputes which might result.

Perspective - Blog

Competing subordinated debts – the lessons learnt from Lehmans' insolvency

Published on 08 Jul 2022. By Jake Hardy, Partner

Some 13 years ago, Lehman Brothers' sudden and unexpected insolvency sent ripples across the banking and financial services market, some of which are still felt today. The Court of Appeal's decision in the consolidated cases of Lehman Brothers Holdings Scottish LP 3 v Lehman Brothers Holdings plc (in administration) and others [2021] EWCA Civ 1523 was the latest in a long line of cases seeking to unwind the issues arising from Lehman Brothers' unexpected collapse.

Perspective - Blog

High Court decides that reviving proceedings automatically stayed under CPR 15.11 requires relief from sanctions

Published on 29 Jun 2022. By Daniel Hemming, Partner and Tim Potts, Senior Associate

In a recent judgment, the English Commercial Court in Bank of America Europe DAC v CITTA Metropolitana Di Milano has provided guidance on the "automatic stay" provisions of CPR 15.11 and the circumstances in which parties can revive dormant proceedings subject to such an automatic stay.

Perspective - Blog

APP fraud: Commercial Court considers approach to unjust enrichment and knowing receipt claims

Published on 15 Jun 2022. By Jonathan Cary, Partner

The recent Commercial Court decision of Tecnimont Arabia Limited v National Westminster Bank PLC(1) considered the court's approach to a claim for unjust enrichment against a recipient bank in an authorised push payment (APP) fraud context. In particular, the Court examined whether the enrichment can be said to be at the 'expense' of the claimant, what factors amount to enrichment being 'unjust' and when the defence of 'change of position' is available. In relation to knowing receipt, the court considered the question of when property is 'trust property' for the purposes of the cause of action.

Perspective - Blog

Are you a "person discharging managerial responsibility"? High Court clarifies meaning of PDMRs under FSMA

Published on 23 May 2022. By Jake Hardy, Partner

In a recent interim decision in Allianz Global Investors GmbH and Ors v G4S Ltd (formerly G4S plc) [2022] EWHC 1081 (Ch), Mr Justice Miles clarified the scope of the expression "persons discharging managerial responsibility" ("PDMRs") for the purpose of establishing liability under s.90A and Schedule 10A of Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA").

Perspective - Blog

Privy Council decides that banks owe no Quincecare duty to a beneficial owner of monies in an account

Published on 17 May 2022. By Tom Hibbert, Partner, Global Head of Commercial Disputes and Jonathan Cary, Partner and Alan Williams, Partner and Jake Hardy, Partner and Chris Ross, Partner and Olivia Dhein, Knowledge Lawyer

A bank does not owe the beneficial owner of account monies any duty of care in negligence, including any Quincecare duty: this was the conclusion of the Privy Council in the Isle of Man case Royal Bank of Scotland International Ltd v JP SPC4 and another. The appeal concerned a fraud where the account holder had defrauded the beneficial owner of the monies, an investment fund, by paying funds out of the relevant bank accounts in contravention of a legitimate investment scheme.

Perspective - Blog

Court of Appeal strikes out defences that funds' losses resulting from FX manipulation have been passed on to investors following redemption

Published on 06 May 2022. By Simon Hart, Partner, Head of Banking & Financial Markets Disputes and Christopher Wheatley , Senior Associate and Olivia Dhein, Knowledge Lawyer

In Allianz Global Investors GmbH & Ors v Barclays Bank PLC & Ors(1), the Court of Appeal allowed an appeal by the claimant funds (the Funds) and struck out defences by the Defendant banks (the Banks) that losses incurred by the Funds had been avoided or passed on upon redemption by their investors.

Perspective - Blog

Court of Appeal holds that Quincecare duty can arise in principle where customer gives instructions in authorised push payment fraud

Published on 21 Apr 2022. By Jonathan Cary, Partner and Olivia Dhein, Knowledge Lawyer

The Court of Appeal has clarified in Philipp v Barclays Bank UK Plc [2022] EWCA Civ 318 that the Quincecare duty, which requires a bank to refrain from acting on a payment instruction and to make inquiries when it is on notice of a serious possibility of fraud, can arise for a bank even where it is the customer themselves giving instructions to pay money out of their account to a fraudster.

Perspective - Blog

Court of Appeal draws distinction between claims for recovery of tax and restitution for tax paid out fraudulently

Published on 07 Apr 2022. By Alan Williams, Partner

In Skatteforvaltningen v Solo Capital Partners,(1) the Court of Appeal investigated in detail the operation of rule 3(1) of Dicey, Morris & Collins on the Conflict of Laws (edition 15) (Dicey rule 3), which provides that English courts do not have jurisdiction over actions for "the enforcement, either directly or indirectly, of a penal, revenue, or other public law of a foreign State". The Court decided that the Danish tax authority's claim did not fall within Dicey rule 3 as it concerned the restitution of monies misappropriated by fraud rather than enforcement of tax.

Perspective - Blog

Where's the damage? High Court dismisses jurisdiction challenge in US$495 million claim

Published on 10 Mar 2022. By Jake Hardy, Partner and Charlotte Henschen (née Ducker), Partner

The High Court has dismissed UBS' challenge to jurisdiction in a ca. US$495 million claim – and in doing so set out useful guidance in terms of how the Court will determine "where the damage has occurred" in cases of economic loss. The judge looked for the most "natural analysis" in determining the manifestation of the loss, and broadly agreed that "the usual answer [in bad investment cases] will be that the loss occurs in, and at the place of, the bank account which was depleted."