General News

Head of 3PB’s Family Law Group Hamish Dunlop draws conclusions from The Blue Cross and others v. Heather Ilot [[2017] UKSC 17] On 15th March 2017, the Supreme Court gave judgment in the appeal of The Blue Cross and others –v- Heather Ilot [[2017] UKSC 17].  The case concerns Mrs Ilot’s application brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (‘the Act’). Although the Act is now over 40 years old, it...

3PB’s Graham Gilbert examines the trend for lesser sentences in offences of reckless arson. Two recent appeals against sentences passed for offences of reckless arson have been successful and the sentences passed in each case have been reduced. It appears that this represents a growing trend for lesser sentences for this offence. To read the full article, please click here.

3PB Barristers' Commercial law group brings you the Spring Edition of its Business & Commercial Legal Update Handout. Please click here to view it. Topics Incomplete contracts and implied terms: Wells v. Devani [2016] EWCA Civ 1106 Directions that override limitation provisions, when restoring a company to the register: Davy v Pickering [2017] EWCA Civ 30 Contract: remedies and loss of chance: Scottish Power v BP and McGill v SEM Civil Procedure: costs and security for costs: a.      departing from...

Many thanks to everyone who attended our Construction Law Breakfast at The Glassboat, Bristol on 16 March, with presentations from Paul Newman and James Davison. Feedback indicated that the presentations were informative and delegates enjoyed the hot bacon rolls. We welcomed your kind and appreciative feedback and the audience contributions to the question and answer session. Our upcoming events will be posted on 3PB's events page. We look forward to welcoming friends, both old and...

Former Birmingham City Council Principal Solicitor Matiss Krumins has joined 3PB's growing family team based in Birmingham on Colmore Circus. Matiss was called to the Bar in 2008 and qualified as a solicitor in 2011. As a specialist in public law children proceedings and judicial review he will be bringing to Chambers a detailed understanding of care proceedings and the regulatory framework of child protection/children in care. Matiss said: “Having made the decision to join the independent...

Many congratulations to Louis Weston for winning the 2017 International Advisory Experts Award: Sports Law Lawyer of the Year in England. This Award is yet another acknowledgement of Louis’ first class Sports Law expertise. Louis is also recognised as a Band 1 Counsel for Sports by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 Legal Directories. International Advisory Experts is a global alliance of well-established and experienced legal, financial and consulting firms that are committed to providing...

If a solicitor correctly interprets a term within a contract, but fails to advise the client as to the risk of a counter-interpretation, has there been a breach of duty?  And can there be a claim for damages? Matthew Cannings (Call 2006) analyses the most recent contribution of the Court of Appeal to the question of solicitors' duties, in Balogun v Boyes Sutton & Perry (a firm) [2017] EWCA Civ 75. Matthew is a Property...

David Richards, head of 3PB’s maritime team, hosted a seminar exploring the implications of Brexit for the UK fisheries industry. Together with Andrew Oliver of Andrew Jackson and Co. they discussed future regulation following Brexit with representatives of the industry from across England and Wales and from both fishers, POs and regulators. Following presentations and a round table discussion the meeting concluded that areas of most concern looking forward are: Whether the Great repeal Bill...

Nigel Lickley QC leading David Richards prosecuted Nicola Brown who was convicted of the murder of her child and causing serious injury on two earlier occasions. For information about the case please follow this link

Graham Gilbert examines the recent sentencing decision of a man who used a device to avoid detection by police speed traps and asks if the penalty handed down was justified.

3PB Family Barrister Nicola Frost provides an insightful summary of Re: MM (A patient) [2017] EWCA Civ 34, an appeal from the Court of Protection in which the appellant had been ordered to facilitate MM’s return to this jurisdiction, the court having found (on a number of occasions) it to be in MM’s best welfare interests to be cared for in the south west of England. The parties compromised the appeal and the court was...

3PB Planning Barristers William Webster and Graeme Sampson summarise and analyse the government's Housing White Paper. To read their analysis please click here.