New business models
Although it is early days, the new rules on whiplash claims and the launch of the new digital portal are prompting firms to reassess their business approach in this area, says John Cuss, vice-chair of the Law Society’s Civil Litigation Section Committee. The reforms, first announced by chancellor George Osborne (pictured) in 2015 and originally meant to come into force in April 2019, have been repeatedly delayed so many firms are still working on a wait-and-see basis. Others have exited the market (either altogether, or to focus only on the higher end), while some have evolved to adopt new funding models to serve lower-value claims, for example under either conditional fee agreements or damages-based agreements, according to Cuss. A small number of firms are also considering ‘unbundled legal services’ where they would provide a limited legal advice service on aspects of claims such as a complicated self-employed loss of earnings claim or a complex liability
By John Hyde2021-04-30T09:43:00+01:00
An employment claim against a leading personal injury firm will resume after the complainant showed she was not aware of a hearing date.
Regional Employment Judge Robertson cancelled his decision to set aside the claim against Yorkshire firm Minster Law after finding that the claimant, named as Miss K Wright, had not necessarily been aware of when her hearing was happening.
The judge stressed his reconsideration
decision said nothing about the likely outcome of the case but that Wright should have another chance to argue her side.
The claimant pursues complaints of unfair dismissal, unlawful disability discrimination and unpaid wages. The tribunal heard the proceedings have a lengthy history during which Wright has repeatedly not complied with case management orders and on at least occasion has not attended a hearing.