Search results

Perspective - Snapshot

Snapshots Spring 2024

Published on 17 Apr 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Perspective - Snapshot

Snapshots Winter 2023

Published on 12 Dec 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Perspective - Snapshot

Snapshots Autumn 2023

Published on 25 Oct 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Perspective - Snapshot

Snapshots Summer 2023

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Perspective - Snapshot

Snapshots Spring 2023

Published on 31 Mar 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Perspective - Snapshot

Snapshots Winter 2022

Published on 23 Dec 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Press and Media

The Times recognises RPC among Best Law Firms 2024

Published on 30 Oct 2023.

International law firm, RPC, has been recognised by The Times in its Best Law Firms 2024 report, an annual ranking of the top 250 law firms in England and Wales.

Perspective - Blog

EBA encourages banks to pool their resources for cloud audits

Published on 02 Jun 2017.

The EBA has set out that banks are no longer required to provide their auditors (or themselves) with an independent right to audit their cloud service providers.

Perspective - Blog

Parliamentary 'wash up' – which Bills made it through?

Published on 31 May 2024. By Paul Joukador, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer and Shahil Goodka, Trainee Solicitor

On 22 May 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that a General Election will take place on 4 July 2024. Parliament was then prorogued on 24 May 2024 which allowed a mere 2 days for 'wash up' - the process by which outstanding bills may be rushed through the parliamentary process.

Perspective - Blog

Ofcom's 'Roadmap to Regulation' underway with its consultation on illegal harms duties under the Online Safety Act

Published on 12 Jan 2024. By Jessica Kingsbury, Associate

In November, Ofcom, as new online safety regulator, published the first of four major consultations under the Online Safety Act ("OSA"), which sets out its proposals for how "user-to-user" ("U2U") services (essentially any online website or app that allows users to interact with each other) and online search services (i.e. Google, Bing and similar) should approach their illegal content duties under the new legislation. The consultation provides guidance in a number of areas including governance, content moderation, reporting and complaints mechanisms, terms of service, supporting child users, and user empowerment.

Perspective - Blog

The Online Safety Bill is set to become law

Published on 21 Sep 2023. By Rupert Cowper-Coles , Partner, Media and Nadia Tymkiw, Senior Associate and Jessica Kingsbury, Associate

The Online Safety Bill will shortly become law in the UK as soon as it receives Royal Assent. The legislation will introduce a new regulatory regime for online platforms and search engines which target the UK, imposing wide-ranging obligations on in-scope services with serious consequences for non-compliance.

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

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

Drones: don't fly out of bounds (legally)

Published on 27 Jul 2016.

Various commercial industries have already woken up to the myriad opportunities offered by drone technologies. Whilst the regulatory regime evolves, it is important that companies don’t fall foul of the law.

Press and Media

Leading media litigator Lindsay Warwick joins RPC as Partner

Published on 15 Jan 2024. By Lindsay Warwick, Partner

International law firm RPC announced today that Lindsay Warwick, a leading media litigator, joins as Partner. An already powerful bench of over ten media litigators, the appointment cements the firm's reputation as having the UK's leading media defence practice.

Perspective - Blog

Court considers requirements for a condition precedent to litigation in Local Authority application

Published on 26 Apr 2024. By Zack Gould-Wilson, Senior Associate and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Cat Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

In Lancashire Schools SPC Phase 2 Ltd v Lendlease Construction (Europe) Ltd [2024] EWHC 37 (TCC) a local authority failed in its application to have the claim against it stayed or struck out on the basis of non-compliance with a contractual dispute resolution mechanism.

Perspective - Publication

JCT 2024 has landed! This is the ideal time to update your contracts

Published on 24 Apr 2024. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Joshua Green, Associate and Claire Wilmann, Senior Associate

The JCT 2024 suite of contracts has arrived, with the Design and Build Contract being the first to be released.

Perspective - Blog

RICS PII Minimum Terms consultation – last chance to have your say

Published on 20 Dec 2023. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Catherine Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

RICS requires all regulated firms in the UK and Ireland to hold "adequate and appropriate" indemnity insurance which meets RICS' Minimum Policy Wording.

Perspective - Blog

First out the traps: Dissecting the first remediation order under the Building Safety Act

Published on 04 Oct 2023. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Joshua Green, Associate

Our non-contentious construction team have recently contributed an article to Practical Law considering the first remediation order made by the First-tier Tribunal under section 123 of the Building Safety Act 2022 in Waite and others v Kedai Ltd (2023) LON/00AY/HYI/2022/0005 & 0016.

Press and Media

Whistle-blowing on illegal cartels drops 70% in 5 years

Published on 18 Sep 2023. By Chris Ross, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently increased award to £250,000 Calls to the CMA hotline have plummeted from 1,442 in 2017 to 427 in 2022

Perspective - Blog

The proposed new RICS Residential Retrofit Standard

Published on 10 Aug 2023. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

We explain the proposed RICS Residential Retrofit Standard and offer practical tips for complying with the new Standard when it comes into force.

Perspective - Blog

CoA paves the way for the responsible developer

Published on 26 Jul 2023. By Katharine Cusack, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer

Our team explore a recent judgment that touches on crucial factors for developers and construction professionals when dealing with remedying defects in buildings.

Perspective - Blog

RICS disciplinary process: guidance for surveyors on sanctions (4 of 4)

Published on 27 Jun 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Laura Sponti, Associate

This fourth article considers the sanctions the RICS can impose and the next steps for surveyors following a disciplinary decision.

Perspective - Blog

BSA: new guidance for principal accountable persons to assist in registration with BSR

Published on 09 Jun 2023. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

Our team explain the Health & Safety Executive's new guidance for Principal Accountable Persons detailing what key building information they need to provide when registering a high-rise residential building with the Building Safety Regulator, and what PAPs should be doing now in preparation for registration, which closes on 30 September 2023.

Perspective - Blog

The fit-out problem

Published on 24 May 2023. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Jon Ely, Partner

An article considering the insurance strategy of fit-out works, which looks at co-insurance following the Court of Appeal's judgment in FM Conway Ltd v The Rugby Football Union and others [2023] EWCA Civ 418, the approach under JCT contracts, public liability insurance and the tenant's liability.

Perspective - Blog

Responsible Actors Scheme forecast for Summer 2023

Published on 11 May 2023. By Katharine Cusack, Partner and Olivia Bradfield, Associate

The Government has recently published secondary legislation setting out its intention to implement its Responsible Actors Scheme (RAS) with further guidance to come by this Summer.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 5 May 2023

Published on 05 May 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Blog

BSA: Higher-Risk Buildings Regulations now in force - Property Managers Take Note

Published on 14 Apr 2023. By Katharine Cusack, Partner

The Government has been working on safety measures for high rise buildings following the Grenfell Tragedy to provide comfort to residents in order for them to feel safe in their homes.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 24 March 2023

Published on 24 Mar 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Blog

To be or Knot to be, a nuisance?

Published on 02 Mar 2023. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

One year on , has the recent decision of Davies v Bridgend County Council (BCC) helped or hindered that goal?

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 17 February 2023

Published on 17 Feb 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

New building safety requirements

Published on 16 Feb 2023. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Brooke Reed, Associate

The Building Safety Act 2022 (the Act) is the central plank in the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower disaster. The Act was enacted with the aim of improving the standard of buildings in England and securing the safety of people in or about those buildings, with a particular focus on fire safety.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 3 February 2023

Published on 03 Feb 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 20 January 2023

Published on 20 Jan 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Blog

St James’s Oncology v Lendlease: the value of project-specific amendments to JCT contracts

Published on 12 Jan 2023. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Claire Wilmann, Senior Associate

The recent judgment of the TCC in St James’s Oncology SPC Ltd (Project Co) v Lendlease Construction (Europe) Ltd and another provides a fascinating commentary on the importance of drafting a building contract that is tailored to deliver the needs of the employer and the end-user.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 23 December 2022

Published on 23 Dec 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate and Arash Rajai, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 16 December 2022

Published on 16 Dec 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Blog

Building Safety Levy – Government Undertaking Second Consultation

Published on 28 Nov 2022. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer

The Government has just announced it is commencing another consultation on building safety, this time by way of second consultation on the Building Safety Levy ("the Levy").

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 25 November 2022

Published on 25 Nov 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

Fire Safety Act 2021: New tool to assist 'Responsible Persons' to prioritise reviewing fire risk assessments

Published on 22 Nov 2022. By Lauren Butler, Associate and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner

The Home Office has published the Fire Safety Act Commencement Prioritisation guidance , to be used by 'Responsible Persons' in complying with their duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), as amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021 (FSA).

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 18 November 2022

Published on 18 Nov 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 11 November 2022

Published on 11 Nov 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Blog

Two-stage procurement: some key considerations for PCSAs

Published on 02 Nov 2022. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Claire Wilmann, Senior Associate

In our previous blog post, we introduced two-stage procurement and two key options for documenting it (a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) followed by a separate main works contract and a Combined PCSA/Main Contract) noting that the differences were generally presentational or mechanical. For the purposes of this post, we will refer only to the PCSA and main contract option, but please note that the same principles apply to the Combined PCSA/Main Contract.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 28 October 2022

Published on 28 Oct 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Blog

Cladding and Valuation: Important RICS guidance under consultation until 31 October 2022 – have your say!

Published on 20 Oct 2022. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

The consultation is part of RICS' plan to introduce a new professional standard for valuing properties in multi-storey, multi-occupancy residential buildings with cladding. This will take the form of an RICS-approved technical guidance note, with the objective of supporting an effective homebuying market.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 14 October 2022

Published on 14 Oct 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 7 October 2022

Published on 07 Oct 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

The Week That Was - 30 September 2022

Published on 30 Sep 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Blog

Two-stage procurement

Published on 26 Sep 2022. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Claire Wilmann, Senior Associate

In a recent survey undertaken as part of the RIBA Construction Contracts and Law Report 2022, it was reported that over a third (37%) of respondents had used two-stage procurement over the last 12 months. We are similarly seeing two-stage procurement being used more and more in the construction industry, particularly for major building projects. In fact, the majority of recent development projects we have advised on in the UK were procured on a two-stage basis.