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Plans to cut conditional fee agreements (“CFA”) success fees for libel cases by up to 90 per cent have been dropped owing to lack of Parliamentary time.
The controversial plans, which were opposed by many claimant libel lawyers, would have capped the success fee chargeable in CFAs from a maximum 100 per cent to ten per cent. The reforms had previously failed to pass the committee stage in the House of Commons after four labour MPs joined opposition parties to vote it down.
Claimant libel lawyers have criticised the reduction to a ten per cent success fee on the basis that solicitors would be unable to bear the risk of bringing many otherwise deserving cases. They say that in practice the lawyer never recovers the full costs involved.
They have also pointed out that the risk is staged, with the 100 per cent success fee only applying at trial and most cases settling at an early stage in proceedings. This has the benefit that lawyers need carefully to assess the risks involved at every stage.
The Law Society has called for substantial research and consultation before any further proposals are put before Parliament. Robert Heslett, President of the Law Society, said: “Attempting to rush legislation, delegated or otherwise, through Parliament fails to consider the impact it can have.”
All three of the main parties have pledged to reform the libel laws after the general election.
Claimant libel lawyers have criticised the reduction to a ten per cent success fee on the basis that solicitors would be unable to bear the risk of bringing many otherwise deserving cases. They say that in practice the lawyer never recovers the full costs involved.
They have also pointed out that the risk is staged, with the 100 per cent success fee only applying at trial and most cases settling at an early stage in proceedings. This has the benefit that lawyers need carefully to assess the risks involved at every stage.
The Law Society has called for substantial research and consultation before any further proposals are put before Parliament. Robert Heslett, President of the Law Society, said: “Attempting to rush legislation, delegated or otherwise, through Parliament fails to consider the impact it can have.”
All three of the main parties have pledged to reform the libel laws after the general election.
Plans to cut conditional fee agreements (“CFA”) success fees for libel cases by up to 90 per cent have been dropped owing to lack of Parliamentary time.
The controversial plans, which were opposed by many claimant libel lawyers, would have capped the success fee chargeable in CFAs from a maximum 100 per cent to ten per cent. The reforms had previously failed to pass the committee stage in the House of Commons after four labour MPs joined opposition parties to vote it down.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
