Research & legal analysis/blog/Future of LawResearch & legal analysis urn:uuid:579800a5-e0bc-44b2-a364-e2ff5f7eaf25/blog/research-legal-analysis/ai-in-arbitration-catalyst-for-efficiency-or-hidden-peril-to-our-core-valuesResearch & legal analysisAI in Arbitration: Catalyst for Efficiency or Hidden Peril to Our Core Values?In an era poised for transformation, AI stands on the cusp of revolutionising arbitration – promising unparalleled efficiency but also underpinned by significant risks at times. How can we best harness the potential of this emerging superpower whilst being cognisant of all the challenges it may pose? What are our genuine expectations from this digital ally? These pivotal questions framed the dynamic panel session AI in arbitration held at the ICC United Kingdom Arbitration & ADR conference on 24 October 2024.The panel consisted of Guy Pendell, Partner, CMS and Chair, ICC United Kingdom Arbitration & ADR Committee (acting as the moderator); Joseph Otoo, Senior Legal Counsel, Associate Director, Arup; Monica Crespo, Head of Product, Jus Mundi; Minesh Tanna, Global AI Lead, Partner, Simmons & Simmons; and Stephen Dowling, Senior Counsel and Founder, TrialView.The panel of experts unveiled AI tools that are reshaping hearing preparation and evidence management – think smart tech that predicts outcomes and flags discrepancies before they escalate. Welcome to the present (and future) of arbitration!The Three Pillars of AIThe consensus was unmistakable: AI delivers efficiency and adaptability, yet begs us to consider the implications on accuracy, transparency and reliability. As we lean into this brave new world, how do we address a chilling concern: AI’s voracious data appetite threatens confidentiality. Are we unwittingly compromising sensitive information?Accountability and Consent The dialogue heated as the panel tackled the appealability of AI-generated outputs. With ‘hallucinateMon, 11 Nov 2024 16:50:47 Z<p>In an era poised for transformation, AI stands on the cusp of revolutionising arbitration &ndash; promising unparalleled efficiency but also underpinned by significant risks at times. How can we best harness the potential of this emerging superpower whilst being cognisant of all the challenges it may pose? What are our genuine expectations from this digital ally? </p><p>These pivotal questions framed the dynamic panel session <strong><em>AI in arbitration</em></strong> held at the ICC United Kingdom Arbitration &amp; ADR conference on 24 October 2024.<strong><em></em></strong></p><p>The panel consisted of <em>Guy Pendell</em>, Partner,&nbsp;CMS&nbsp;and Chair,&nbsp;ICC United Kingdom Arbitration &amp; ADR Committee (acting as the moderator); <em>Joseph Otoo</em>, Senior Legal Counsel, Associate Director,&nbsp;Arup; <em>Monica Crespo</em>, Head of Product,&nbsp;Jus Mundi; <em>Minesh Tanna</em>, Global AI Lead, Partner,&nbsp;Simmons &amp; Simmons; and <em>Stephen Dowling</em>, Senior Counsel and Founder,&nbsp;TrialView.</p><p>The panel of experts unveiled AI tools that are reshaping hearing preparation and evidence management &ndash; think smart tech that predicts outcomes and flags discrepancies before they escalate. Welcome to the present (and future) of arbitration!</p><p><strong>The Three Pillars of AI</strong></p><p>The consensus was unmistakable: AI delivers efficiency and adaptability, yet begs us to consider the implications on accuracy, transparency and reliability. As we lean into this brave new world, how do we address a chilling concern: AI&rsquo;s voracious data appetite threatens confidentiality. Are we unwittingly compromising sensitive information?</p><p><strong>Accountability and Consent </strong><strong></strong></p><p>The dialogue heated as the panel tackled the appealability of AI-generated outputs. With &lsquo;hallucinate</p>urn:uuid:f209902e-957a-4744-8f04-6fca4e0ce7a2/blog/research-legal-analysis/prime-finance-london-conference-october-2024Research & legal analysisP.R.I.M.E. FINANCE London Conference October 2024!By Nina Hall LLB and Dr Gustavo Moser of UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Arbitration TeamOver 100 P.R.I.M.E. Finance Experts, banking finance lawyers and international arbitration specialists gathered in London for the annual P.R.I.M.E. Finance conference, hosted by Linklaters.The day opened with a well received speech by Mr Justice Henshaw, the latest member of the judiciary to take over the running of the London Commercial Court. Financial transactions dispute jurisprudence adds to the body of common law, with judicial rulings on mis-statements, reliance and the role of the regulatory bodies governing financial transactions playing their part in shaping the rule of law. Henshaw J discussed recent case law as well as commentary on the outlook for banking litigation expertly moderated by Mr Bob Pickel, chair of P.R.I.M.E. Finance.Rick Grove, member of the P.R.I.M.E Finance Management Board, CEO of Rutter Associates, New York and a Finance Expert with P.R.I.M.E. moderated the next session: Market Developments and Geo-political Tensions: Potential Sources for Disputes. The attendees heard from Dr Nigel Gould-Davies[1] who identified a current retraction from the past 40 years globalisation trend towards retraction of state participation in global industry as a minor participant, with many sovereigns reverting to national ownership models, with attendant asset ‘grabbing’ on sovereign lines. Dr Sharon Brown-Hruska[2] commented that amongst the obvious tensions of war, the impact of the Chinese economy slowing down in recent years on globalisation had yet to be felt. Franck Risler [3]  observed that not surprisingly these trends had resulted in a growing marketplace for private credit.A lively and timely debate on the role of Ethics in the financial industry moderated by Habib Motani of Clifford Chance accompanied by Helen Fletcher, General Counsel at BNP Paribas left the audience with key  takeaways  about the continued role of lawyers to consider their own professional duties – over and above contracts of employment where in-house or as advisers, as well asTue, 22 Oct 2024 14:40:41 Z<div><p><strong>By Nina Hall LLB and Dr Gustavo Moser of UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Arbitration Team</strong></p><p>Over 100 P.R.I.M.E.&nbsp;Finance Experts, banking finance lawyers and international arbitration specialists gathered in London for the annual P.R.I.M.E.&nbsp;Finance conference, hosted by Linklaters.</p></div><p>The day opened with a well received speech by Mr Justice Henshaw, the latest member of the judiciary to take over the running of the London Commercial Court. Financial transactions dispute jurisprudence adds to the body of common law, with judicial rulings on mis-statements, reliance and the role of the regulatory bodies governing financial transactions playing their part in shaping the rule of law. Henshaw J discussed recent case law as well as commentary on the outlook for banking litigation expertly moderated by Mr Bob Pickel, chair of P.R.I.M.E.&nbsp;Finance.</p><p>Rick Grove, member of the P.R.I.M.E&nbsp;Finance Management Board, CEO of Rutter Associates, New York and a Finance Expert with P.R.I.M.E.&nbsp;moderated the next session:&nbsp;<em>Market Developments and Geo-political Tensions: Potential Sources for Disputes.&nbsp;</em>The attendees heard from Dr Nigel Gould-Davies<a href="file:///C:/Users/stevensa/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/HPRYX5ZI/DY_PRIME%20FINANCE%20LONDON%20conference%202024%20(002)%20rev%20gm%20091024%20final%20nh%20(AS)%20gm%20101024%20nh.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup><sup>[1]</sup></sup></a>&nbsp;who identified a current retraction from the past 40 years globalisation trend towards retraction of state participation in global industry as a minor participant, with many sovereigns reverting to national ownership models, with attendant asset &lsquo;grabbing&rsquo; on sovereign lines. Dr Sharon Brown-Hruska<a href="file:///C:/Users/stevensa/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/HPRYX5ZI/DY_PRIME%20FINANCE%20LONDON%20conference%202024%20(002)%20rev%20gm%20091024%20final%20nh%20(AS)%20gm%20101024%20nh.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup><sup>[2]</sup></sup></a>&nbsp;commented that amongst the obvious tensions of war, the impact of the Chinese economy slowing down in recent years on globalisation had yet to be felt. Franck Risler <a href="file:///C:/Users/stevensa/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/HPRYX5ZI/DY_PRIME%20FINANCE%20LONDON%20conference%202024%20(002)%20rev%20gm%20091024%20final%20nh%20(AS)%20gm%20101024%20nh.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup><sup>[3]</sup></sup> </a>&nbsp;observed that not surprisingly these trends had resulted in a growing marketplace for private credit.</p><p>A lively and timely debate on the role of&nbsp;<em>Ethics in the financial industry</em>&nbsp;moderated by Habib Motani of Clifford Chance accompanied by Helen Fletcher, General Counsel at BNP Paribas left the audience with key&nbsp; takeaways &nbsp;about the continued role of lawyers to consider their own professional duties &ndash; over and above contracts of employment where in-house or as advisers, as well as </p>urn:uuid:cf34d889-7bb3-45ec-b87d-828ef1562e77/blog/research-legal-analysis/arbitration-statistics-2023-rising-caseloads-repeat-appointmentsResearch & legal analysisArbitration statistics 2023: rising caseloads and repeat appointmentsIn our seventh annual survey of international arbitration statistics, James Clanchy, arbitrator in independent practice and member of the Lexis®PSL Arbitration Consulting Editorial Board, notes that in 2023 caseloads rose to their second highest and appointments of arbitrators to their highest levels in the eight years covered by the study. He welcomes the return of the ICC’s detailed statistical reports and observes that they confirm the ICC’s uniqueness. The sectors which are the most productive of arbitrations worldwide, maritime and commodities, scarcely feature in the ICC’s caseload and remain in a footnote to the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest 2024. The ICC’s expedited procedure continues to grow as demand builds for faster arbitrations regardless of urgency.Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:34:50 Z<p><em>In our seventh annual survey of international arbitration statistics, James Clanchy, arbitrator in independent practice and member of the <a href="/legal/experts/887" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Lexis<em>&reg;</em><em>PSL Arbitration Consulting Editorial Board</em></a>, notes that in 2023 caseloads rose to their second highest and appointments of arbitrators to their highest levels in the eight years covered by the study. He welcomes the return of the ICC&rsquo;s detailed statistical reports and observes that they confirm the ICC&rsquo;s uniqueness. The sectors which are the most productive of arbitrations worldwide, maritime and commodities, scarcely feature in the ICC&rsquo;s caseload and remain in a footnote to the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest 2024.&nbsp; The ICC&rsquo;s expedited procedure continues to grow as demand builds for faster arbitrations regardless of urgency.&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>Arbitration on the rise again</strong></p><p>The last two posts in this annual series reported on drops in the numbers of new cases and of appointments of arbitrators across the six international arbitration bodies chosen for our survey. The highpoint on both counts had been seen in 2020, the year after the outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic. As the graphs below illustrate, the statistics from these bodies show renewed increases in 2023 with the number of appointments of arbitrators reaching a slightly higher total than in 2020.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Shortly after releasing its caseload numbers for 2023, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) published its detailed statistical reports not only for 2023 but also for 2021 and 2022. This was welcome. As is clear from its reports, the range, diversity and international reach of ICC arbitration are unique. The data which the institution collates and publishes is fascinating and instructive. </p><p>One of the motivating factors for our initial survey in 2018 was a suggestion circulating in the international arbitration community that London was already losing its pre-eminence as a seat, notably in ICC arbitrations, before the Brexit referendum in 2016 and that political uncertainty in its wake would further damage London&rsquo;s appeal to commercial users. We were keen to see </p>urn:uuid:b2f1130b-7747-4664-869c-9260f114ff49/blog/research-legal-analysis/cyber-2024-conference-chatham-house-londonResearch & legal analysisCyber 2024 conference—Chatham House, LondonCyber 2024 carried us through another series of engaging and insightful discussions, held on June 5th at the thought leadership hub that is Chatham House. Journeying through the security of Critical National Infrastructure, the realistic role of AI technologies, the interplay between cyberspace and trust and challenges to global governance, before ending with the always intriguing ‘Chatham House Rules’ sessions.Thu, 04 Jul 2024 10:02:04 Zurn:uuid:201d3317-1dfb-480e-ba28-5ddd46ed2e06/blog/research-legal-analysis/new-provisions-on-non-court-dispute-resolution-amendments-to-part-3-of-the-family-procedure-rules-2010Research & legal analysisNew provisions on non-court dispute resolution and amendments to Part 3 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010Here we summarise the discussion between family practitioners during #FamilyLawHour's session on non-court dispute resolution and new provisions in Part 3 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010).Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:09:41 Z<p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Earlier this month, family lawyers logged on to X (formerly Twitter) to join in #FamilyLawHour on the topic of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) and to discuss the new provisions in Part 3 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010).</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">This family law community event is organised by <a href="https://x.com/FamilyLawHour" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">@FamilyLawHour</a> and takes place on the first Tuesday of each month, with a different topic and host each time. The #FamilyLawHour team kindly invited me to host this month&rsquo;s event. I chose NCDR as a topical area of family law. Having drafted some questions in advance and prepared polls to gather views on key areas, it was great to see the level of interest in this area.</span></p><p><em><a href="/legal/family-law" data-sf-ec-immutable="">View family law practice notes, precedents and news articles</a></em><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Do you think FPR 2010, Pt 3 (non-court dispute resolution) has historically been underused and if so, why?</span></h4><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The first question considered whether FPR 2010, Pt 3 has been underused and if so, what the reasons for that might be. Has it just been a &lsquo;tick box exercise&rsquo;?</span></p><div><blockquote>transparency project @seethrujustice: <em>"</em><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><em>Probably it is under used. There&rsquo;s never been consistent policy on diverting suitable cases to ADR, NCDR etc"</em></span></blockquote><blockquote>Nadia Tawfik @nadiatawfik: <em>"I would say so. Even the introduction of the MIAM has just become a tickbox exercise in the majority of cases I see. I think there is an embedded culture of believing that Court is the only way of resolving disputes."</em></blockquote></div><blockquote>Clare Williams @ClareWPSL:&nbsp;<em>"I remember when the "new" rules came in thinking this was a real revolution but like you say it just became a tick box exercise, like the statement of reconciliation but a little bit more bother."</em></blockquote><h4><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Is the addition of the new Form FM5 (statement of position on non-court dispute resolution) a positive development?</span></h4><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The second question considered the new Form FM5 and whether this is a welcome development. Some were critical of the length of the </span></p>urn:uuid:22257de4-bfd1-4709-93b3-83cdc3b88a3b/blog/research-legal-analysis/report-on-istanbul-arbitration-days-2024Research & legal analysisReport on Istanbul Arbitration Days 2024The inaugural Istanbul Arbitration Days organised by Istanbul Arbitration Centre (ISTAC), held from April 17th to April 20th, 2024, garnered significant attention with participants hailing from diverse jurisdictions. Speakers representing different jurisdictions and a wide array of events catered to the 500+ registered participants. The historic Pera Palace Hotel hosted the Istanbul Arbitration Days’ opening reception on April 17. The inaugural Istanbul Arbitration Days organised by Istanbul Arbitration Centre (ISTAC), held from April 17th to April 20th, 2024, garnered significant attention with participants hailing from diverse jurisdictions. Speakers representing different jurisdictions and a wide array of events catered to the 500+ registered participants. The historic Pera Palace Hotel hosted the Istanbul Arbitration Days’ opening reception on April 17.Wed, 24 Apr 2024 13:28:14 Zurn:uuid:3ab3e654-9fab-4292-adc3-6b6fadb8457c/blog/research-legal-analysis/china-xmac-maritime-dispute-arbitration-rules-a-major-step-to-align-with-international-practiceResearch & legal analysisChina XMAC Maritime Dispute Arbitration Rules-a major step to align with international practiceOn 01 May 2024, the inaugural version of Maritime Dispute Arbitration Rules (MDAR Rules) promulgated by a Chinese leading arbitration institution, the Xiamen Arbitration Commission (XMAC) locates in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, P. R. China, will officially come effective. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the MDAR Rules, as an independent but also supplementary rules with the Arbitration Rules of Xiamen Arbitration Commission (XMAC 2020 Rules) would apply to the arbitration cases pertaining to the maritime disputes commenced on or after this date.Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:57:21 Zurn:uuid:06b49156-c3ae-4622-abd4-ff5cccb2fa55/blog/research-legal-analysis/the-online-procedure-rule-committee-the-digital-justice-systemResearch & legal analysisThe Online Procedure Rule Committee and the Digital Justice SystemWed, 27 Mar 2024 11:54:23 Zurn:uuid:2aa47c73-37de-447c-b58a-646d6c75ec27/blog/research-legal-analysis/international-arbitration-in-south-africaResearch & legal analysisInternational Arbitration in South AfricaInternational arbitration in South Africa has experienced a surge in recent years, especially after the introduction of the International Arbitration Act (IAA) in 2017, making South Africa a real ‘regional arbitration hub with considerable success.’ South Africa now has a modern and favourable legal framework encouraging arbitration as a process in the region. The IAA, in fact, has significant features that make South Africa an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction.Tue, 05 Mar 2024 14:03:50 Z<p>By <a href="https://www.acerislaw.com/arbitration-lawyers/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Alexandra Koliakou, William Kirtley,</a> Aceris Law LLC</p><p>International arbitration in South Africa has experienced a surge in recent years, especially after the introduction of the International Arbitration Act (IAA) in 2017, making South Africa a real &lsquo;regional arbitration hub with considerable success.&rsquo;<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/International%20Arbitration%20in%20South%20Africa%20nh.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[1]</a></p><p>Historically, arbitration in South Africa was governed by the Arbitration Act 42 of 1965, which primarily dealt with domestic arbitration. The need for a modern and comprehensive framework that catered to international commercial arbitration led to the enactment of the IAA. The IAA incorporates the UNCITRAL Model Law<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/International%20Arbitration%20in%20South%20Africa%20nh.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[2]</a> and the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, thus giving effect to South Africa&rsquo;s obligations under it.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/International%20Arbitration%20in%20South%20Africa%20nh.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[3]</a></p><p>Accordingly, South Africa now has a modern and favourable legal framework encouraging arbitration as a process in the region. The IAA, in fact, has significant features that make South Africa an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/International%20Arbitration%20in%20South%20Africa%20nh.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[4]</a></p><p><strong>Arbitral Institutions in South Africa</strong></p><p>A number of arbitral institutions administrating arbitration proceedings in South Africa have been established. The Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA), including the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa International (AFSA International), manages all types of dispute resolution, particularly arbitration. AFSA administers numerous local business disputes and has handled a wide range of international arbitration disputes since 2017. Its head office is in Sandton, Johannesburg, but it also has regional offices in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/International%20Arbitration%20in%20South%20Africa%20nh.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[5]</a></p><p>The China-Africa Joint Arbitration Centre (CAJAC Johannesburg) is a subsidiary of AFSA. CAJAC was established in answer to the increasing trade between China and Africa. The CAJAC offers disputing parties internationally-based rules, tailor-made for China-Africa disputes.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/International%20Arbitration%20in%20South%20Africa%20nh.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[6]</a></p><p><strong>Arbitrability</strong></p><p>Pursuant to Section 7 of the IAA, the parties are free to resort to arbitration for any international commercial dispute which relates to a matter that the parties are entitled to dispose of by way of arbitration.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/International%20Arbitration%20in%20South%20Africa%20nh.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[7]</a></p><p>International arbitration </p>urn:uuid:44caf381-6689-4ae6-b38d-825ba409a2b7/blog/research-legal-analysis/harnessing-arbitration-for-resolving-commercial-space-disputesResearch & legal analysisHarnessing Arbitration for Resolving Commercial Space DisputesArbitration is ideal for adjudicating space related disputes because it is speedy, efficient, neutral, final, and enforceable. However, to be an effective structure for adjudicating various disputes arising out of commercial space activity precedent has to become the benchmark of arbitral system(s), in tandem with an internal system that protects trade secrets and intellectual property.Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:11:25 Zurn:uuid:db73745f-be99-4b11-b0e7-1b72c1c64d24/blog/research-legal-analysis/indian-supreme-court-issues-landmark-judgment-on-the-application-of-the-group-of-companies-doctrineResearch & legal analysisIndian Supreme Court issues landmark judgment on the application of the ‘Group of Companies’ doctrineOn 6 December 2023, the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Cox & Kings v SAP, clarified the application of the ‘Group of Companies’ doctrine in the Indian context and affirmed that a non-signatory company within a group of companies can be bound by an arbitration agreement if certain conditions are satisfied.Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:26:36 Zurn:uuid:7affd502-f190-491b-9b35-5c62c0ca1b7f/blog/research-legal-analysis/background-to-pinqdr-new-online-arbitration-serviceResearch & legal analysisBackground to pinqDR - new online arbitration serviceWed, 17 Jan 2024 17:24:42 Zurn:uuid:2d07dd93-0961-4a7d-a2ed-2141dc3d27d6/blog/research-legal-analysis/international-practitioners-assessing-value-for-deals-disputes-take-note-proposed-updates-to-the-international-valuation-standards-ivs-to-include-requirements-to-consider-esg-factors-when-conducting-valuations-from-2024Research & legal analysisINTERNATIONAL PRACTITIONERS ASSESSING VALUE FOR DEALS AND DISPUTES TAKE NOTE - PROPOSED UPDATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL VALUATION STANDARDS (IVS) TO INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS TO CONSIDER ESG FACTORS WHEN CONDUCTING VALUATIONS FROM 2024By Sophie Munson (HKA) *and Colin Johnson (HKA)*The International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) is an independent, non-profit organisation which establishes and promotes global valuation standards to serve public interest.[1] The IVSC sets the International Valuation Standards (IVS) which guide valuation professionals globally to promote consistency and confidence in valuations.[2] The IVS are adopted voluntarily, however are used in more than 100 countries worldwide.[3]  The IVS are comprised of:[4]General Standards, which set requirements for all valuation assignments, andAsset Standards, which set requirements for the valuation of specific types of assets, and are to be used in conjunction with the General Standards.The IVSC has recently proposed updates to the IVS, including updates aimed at addressing factors now considered to have a potentially important and growing impact on valuations. These include proposed requirements to explicitly consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors within the valuation process.[5]These proposed updates were published in April 2023 in a draft version of the IVS denoted as an Exposure Draft For Consultation (2023 Exposure Draft). This 2023 Exposure Draft was subject to a 3-month public consultation period closing on 28 July 2023 during which feedback was sought from a range of stakeholders involved in either preparing, reviewing, or relying on valuations.[6] Subject to consultation responses, the next edition of the IVS is due to be published in January 2024 and become effective in July 2024.[7] The edition of the IVS which is effective currently has been effective from 31 January 2022 (January 2022 IVS).[8]At the time of writing, the latest publication is the 2023 Exposure Draft which proposes a number of updates to the IVS to include specific requirements to consider ESG factors when performing valuations. These updates have been made to both:the General Standards, and therefore apply toWed, 13 Dec 2023 16:12:44 Z<p><em>By <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiemunson/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Sophie Munson (HKA)</a> <sup>*</sup>and <a href="https://www.hka.com/expert-post/colin-johnson/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Colin Johnson (HKA)</a><sup>*</sup></em></p><p>The International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) is an independent, non-profit organisation which establishes and promotes global valuation standards to serve public interest.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/HKA%20Article%20-%20Proposed%20updates%20to%20the%20IVS%20to%20include%20requirements%20to%20consider%20ESG%20factors%20when%20conducting%20valuations%20v2%20RR%20amends.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup>[1]</sup></a>&nbsp;The IVSC sets the International Valuation Standards (IVS) which guide valuation professionals globally to promote consistency and confidence in valuations.<sup><a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/HKA%20Article%20-%20Proposed%20updates%20to%20the%20IVS%20to%20include%20requirements%20to%20consider%20ESG%20factors%20when%20conducting%20valuations%20v2%20RR%20amends.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[2]</a>&nbsp;</sup>The IVS are adopted voluntarily, however are used in more than 100 countries worldwide.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/HKA%20Article%20-%20Proposed%20updates%20to%20the%20IVS%20to%20include%20requirements%20to%20consider%20ESG%20factors%20when%20conducting%20valuations%20v2%20RR%20amends.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup>[3]</sup></a><sup>&nbsp;</sup> </p><p>The IVS are comprised of:<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/HKA%20Article%20-%20Proposed%20updates%20to%20the%20IVS%20to%20include%20requirements%20to%20consider%20ESG%20factors%20when%20conducting%20valuations%20v2%20RR%20amends.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup>[4]</sup></a></p><ol><li><strong>General Standards,</strong> which set requirements for all valuation assignments, and</li><li><strong>Asset Standards</strong>, which set requirements for the valuation of specific types of assets, and are to be used in conjunction with the General Standards.</li></ol><p>The IVSC has recently proposed updates to the IVS, including updates aimed at addressing factors now considered to have a potentially important and growing impact on valuations. These include proposed requirements to explicitly consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors within the valuation process.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/HKA%20Article%20-%20Proposed%20updates%20to%20the%20IVS%20to%20include%20requirements%20to%20consider%20ESG%20factors%20when%20conducting%20valuations%20v2%20RR%20amends.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup>[5]</sup></a><em></em></p><p>These proposed updates were published in April 2023 in a draft version of the IVS denoted as an Exposure Draft For Consultation (2023 Exposure Draft). This 2023 Exposure Draft was subject to a 3-month public consultation period closing on 28 July 2023 during which feedback was sought from a range of stakeholders involved in either preparing, reviewing, or relying on valuations.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/HKA%20Article%20-%20Proposed%20updates%20to%20the%20IVS%20to%20include%20requirements%20to%20consider%20ESG%20factors%20when%20conducting%20valuations%20v2%20RR%20amends.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup>[6]</sup></a> Subject to consultation responses, the next edition of the IVS is due to be published in January 2024 and become effective in July 2024.<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/HKA%20Article%20-%20Proposed%20updates%20to%20the%20IVS%20to%20include%20requirements%20to%20consider%20ESG%20factors%20when%20conducting%20valuations%20v2%20RR%20amends.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup>[7]</sup></a><sup> </sup>The edition of the IVS which is effective currently has been effective from 31 January 2022 (January 2022 IVS).<a href="https://reedelsevier-my.sharepoint.com/personal/reganr_legal_regn_net/Documents/Documents/Blog/HKA%20Article%20-%20Proposed%20updates%20to%20the%20IVS%20to%20include%20requirements%20to%20consider%20ESG%20factors%20when%20conducting%20valuations%20v2%20RR%20amends.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title="" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><sup>[8]</sup></a></p><p>At the time of writing, the latest publication is the 2023 Exposure Draft which proposes a number of updates to the IVS to include specific requirements to consider ESG factors when performing valuations. These updates have been made to both:</p><ol><li>the General Standards, and therefore apply to </li></ol>urn:uuid:79e680f2-5866-4e57-81da-8f8bf557c0fd/blog/research-legal-analysis/2023-bclp-annual-arbitration-survey-on-ai-in-ia-resultsResearch & legal analysis2023 BCLP Annual Arbitration Survey on AI in IA ResultsWed, 29 Nov 2023 14:13:17 Zurn:uuid:7c09f0fe-2098-42b7-9ba6-0fe739ead3ae/blog/research-legal-analysis/arbitration-statistics-2022-ad-hoc-strengthens-as-institutions-recedeResearch & legal analysisArbitration statistics 2022: ad hoc strengthens as institutions recedeIn our sixth annual survey of international arbitration statistics, James Clanchy, arbitrator in independent practice and member of the UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Arbitration Consulting Editorial Board, notes that major institutions have seen declines in their caseloads while ad hoc arbitration is rising. He examines the attractions of ad hoc and considers lessons that could be learned by institutions and the wider international arbitration community. A decline in transparencyAs the international arbitration community absorbs the aftershocks of Mr Justice Knowles’ searing decision setting aside the award in Nigeria v P&ID [2023] EWHC 2638 (Comm), it is more important than ever that we should have reliable statistical data with which to defend and explain arbitration to others.Johnny Veeder QC made a call for such data in his Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Alexander Lecture, ‘What Matters – about Arbitration’, in 2015. He was concerned by growing discontent with investor-state arbitration and by arbitration’s ‘over-ambitious promoters.’  He memorably said, ‘arbitration cannot do everything.’ The demise of arbitration was ‘far from inevitable’ but it had to answer its critics and, for that purpose, comprehensive and user-based statistics were essential.It is disappointing therefore that the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), for the second year running, has not published a detailed report on its caseload data. However, it has kindly responded to enquiries from UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Arbitration, which has allowed us to complete the graphs below. These graphs contain respectively the numbers of new cases registered and numbers of appointments of arbitrators (including institutional confirmations of party appointments) for the five international arbitral institutions which the White & Case Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey 2018 found to be its respondents’ favourites with the addition of one association of arbitrators whose members conduct ad hoc arbitrations under its rules, the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA).The ICC’s 710 new cases is its lowest total since 2008. This represents aWed, 01 Nov 2023 16:36:55 Z<p><em>In our sixth annual survey of international arbitration statistics, James Clanchy, arbitrator in independent practice and member of the&nbsp;</em><a href="/legal/experts/887" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank">UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Arbitration Consulting Editorial Board</a><em>,</em>&nbsp;<em>notes that major institutions have seen declines in their caseloads while ad hoc arbitration is rising. He examines the attractions of ad hoc and considers lessons that could be learned by institutions and the wider international arbitration community.&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>A decline in transparency</strong></p><p>As the international arbitration community absorbs the aftershocks of Mr Justice Knowles&rsquo; searing decision setting aside the award in&nbsp;<em>Nigeria v P&amp;ID&nbsp;</em><a data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a><a href="https://plus.lexis.com/api/permalink/ca6c76c2-3da6-4d47-9d15-5985bdc14697/?context=1001073" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">[2023] EWHC 2638 (Comm)</a>,&nbsp;it is more important than ever that we should have reliable statistical data with which to defend and explain arbitration to others.</p><p>Johnny Veeder QC made a call for such data in his Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Alexander Lecture, &lsquo;What Matters &ndash; about Arbitration&rsquo;, in 2015. He was concerned by growing discontent with investor-state arbitration and by arbitration&rsquo;s &lsquo;over-ambitious promoters.&rsquo; &nbsp;He memorably said, &lsquo;arbitration cannot do everything.&rsquo; The demise of arbitration was &lsquo;far from inevitable&rsquo; but it had to answer its critics and, for that purpose, comprehensive and user-based statistics were essential.</p><p>It is disappointing therefore that the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), for the second year running, has not published a detailed report on its caseload data. However, it has kindly responded to enquiries from UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Arbitration, which has allowed us to complete the graphs below. These graphs contain respectively the numbers of new cases registered and numbers of appointments of arbitrators (including institutional confirmations of party appointments) for the five international arbitral institutions which the White &amp; Case Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey 2018 found to be its respondents&rsquo; favourites with the addition of one association of arbitrators whose members conduct ad hoc arbitrations under its rules, the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA).</p><p></p><p></p><p>The ICC&rsquo;s 710 new cases is its lowest total since 2008. This represents a </p>urn:uuid:a919219d-edc7-494a-a440-62331d16a442/blog/future-of-law/the-case-for-generative-ai-for-private-practice-lawyersFuture of LawThe case for generative AI for private practice lawyersA recent UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ report explored the role of generative AI in the legal sector. We look at why private practice lawyers are overcoming reluctance around generative AI and how to use the techMon, 18 Sep 2023 11:26:21 Z<p><strong>A recent UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ report explored the role of generative AI in the legal sector. We look at why private practice lawyers are overcoming reluctance around generative AI and how to use the tech</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The recent UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ report, <a href="https://preview.shorthand.com/QopG90rrOCk8WIe4" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Generative AI and the future of the legal profession</a>, aimed to understand awareness of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector, with a section specifically exploring the ways in which private practice lawyers can apply generative AI.</p><p>Private practice lawyers are using generative AI, but less than in-house lawyers, with just over a third (36%) using the tech. Private practice lawyers at small firms use it least of all. Indeed, the <a href="https://preview.shorthand.com/QopG90rrOCk8WIe4" data-sf-ec-immutable="">UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ report</a> broadly suggests the larger the organisation, the more likely they are to employ generative AI.</p><p>None of that is particularly surprising. Private practice is typically more risk-averse and more conservative in its approach to tech. But many private practice lawyers have started to use generative AI in thoughtful and innovative ways, and many have already noticed the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/tip/7-top-generative-AI-benefits-for-business" data-sf-ec-immutable="">substantial benefits</a> it brings.</p><p>In this article, we want to explore how private practice lawyers are using generative AI to improve their comms, support user research, train staff, manage risk, and so much more. </p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><h4><strong>How private practice lawyers use generative AI</strong></h4><p>Private practice lawyers who fail to take advantage of AI will struggle in the marketplace. There are so many incredible uses for AI in private practice and we&rsquo;ll explore the best below, giving you a sense of how private practice lawyers might employ generative AI in the present and the future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h5><em><strong>To boost productivity</strong></em></h5><p>Most people have been using generative AI to complete small-scale and non-legal tasks. Private practice lawyers are mainly using text-based generative AI <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]DAB99E6B-08FF-4788-AE71-6B01D9199FDD/chatgpt-user-beware">platforms such as ChatGPT</a>. As referenced in the UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ report, the main uses for generative AI at present are early research (66%), briefing memos and documents (59%), and perform document analysis (47%).</p><p>Private practice lawyers are using generative AI largely in a non-legal way, similar to its use across the wider economy. In short, most lawyers are using AI to quickly and easily boost productivity. Many of the below tasks, for example, can be quickly improved, optimised, or automated using generative AI:</p><ul><li>Producing memos, briefs, e-mails, documents, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2023/06/02/demystifying-generative-ai-for-communicators/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">and other comms</a></li><li><a href="https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-generative-ai-is-changing-creative-work" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Producing content</a> &ndash; images, writt</li></ul>urn:uuid:16e33396-f8b4-40dd-95ec-6a23d700a34c/blog/future-of-law/how-will-generative-ai-shift-the-future-of-lawFuture of LawHow will generative AI shift the future of law?We explore how lawyers are benefitting from the application of generative AI at present and discover the ways in which generative AI may transform the legal sector in the future.Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:26:38 Z<p><strong>We explore how lawyers are benefitting from the application of generative AI at present and discover the ways in which generative AI may transform the legal sector in the future.</strong><br></p><p>The recent UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ report, <a href="https://preview.shorthand.com/QopG90rrOCk8WIe4" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Generative AI and the future of the legal profession</a>, aimed to understand awareness of <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]DAB99E6B-08FF-4788-AE71-6B01D9199FDD/ai-use-risks-ethics-in-annual-reporting">generative artificial intelligence</a> (AI) in the legal sector, how the sector is using generative AI tools, and how the sector might use the tools in the future. The report demonstrated, among other things, that the majority of respondents (87%) were aware of AI and almost all of those respondents (95%) felt AI would have a notable impact on the legal sector. </p><p>A clear consensus exists: AI will play a significant role in the <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E">future of law</a>. That much seems self-evident, but perhaps less appreciated is the <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2023/06/06/generative-ai-could-radically-alter-the-practice-of-law" data-sf-ec-immutable="">current role that AI and generative AI</a> plays in the sector. In this article, we look at the present and the future of AI. We explore the impact AI has already had on the legal sector and examine the ways in which AI might transform the sector in the future. </p><p id="blogTitle"></p><h4><strong>The current role of generative AI</strong></h4><p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/12/16/the-10-best-examples-of-how-ai-is-already-used-in-our-everyday-life/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">AI is everywhere</a>. Much of our daily life is made better by the use of AI. Consider, for example, that Google Maps uses AI to provide directions, that algorithmic AI dictates your next song choice or TV episode, that AI even guides you into purchasing decisions. Opening your phone relies on AI for facial recognition and all your social feeds rely on AI, too. Much of work life depends on AI: <a href="https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/artificial-intelligence-and-cybersecurity-research" data-sf-ec-immutable="">anti-virus software</a> for our computers, email spam filters, <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/the-ultimate-guide-to-conducting-legal-research">legal research software</a>, automated responders and customer services, invoice automation, contract analysis, internal comms systems, and so on.</p><p id="blogTitle"><a href="/legal/precedents/policy-use-of-generative-artificial-intelligence" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Policy&mdash;use of generative artificial intelligence</a></p><p></p><p></p>But the conversation in recent months has shifted towards a particular type of AI, namely generative AI. Generative AI depends on huge data sets, complex algorithms, and advanced machine learning to produce responses to prompts. Generative AI platforms generate text (<a href="https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt" data-sf-ec-immutable="">ChatGPT</a>, <a href="https://www.jasper.ai/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Jasper</a>, etc), images (<a href="https://deepai.org/" data-sf-ec-i href="https://deepai.org/"></a href="https://deepai.org/" data-sf-ec-i>urn:uuid:98481fbb-dc93-4139-baef-cf1273062cda/blog/dispute-resolution/tomlin-orders-when-how-should-they-be-used-in-personal-injury-clinical-negligence-litigationDispute ResolutionTomlin orders: when and how should they be used in personal injury and clinical negligence litigation?There is, in general, no need to use a Tomlin order where all that is required is an order that one party shall pay money to another. However, one party may request that the terms of settlement be recorded in a Tomlin order rather than an ordinary consent order. This article reviews the reasons that may be suggested for using a Tomlin order, examines the validity of such reasons, sets out the advantages and disadvantages of such a procedural step and discusses the safeguards which should be employed if a Tomlin order is used.Read our legal precedent on Tomlin Orders here.After trial in which the claimant has been successful, there will be judgment for the claimant and an order for costs in the claimant’s favour. An ordinary consent order follows this format, is entitled 'Consent Order' and, in its simplest form could be as follows: 1. Judgment for the Claimant in the sum of £x [or 'The Defendant shall pay to the Claimant £x'] in full and final settlement of the claim, such sum to be paid to the Claimant’s solicitors by [14 days]. 2. The Defendant do pay the Claimant’s costs of the action to be subject to detailed assessment if not agreed. A Tomlin order is a form of consent order which avoids the entering of judgment. It takes its name from a Practice Note issued by Tomlin J in 1927 though it was in use well before that date. A Tomlin order is in two parts. The first part is the court order proper which stays the proceedings on agreed terms contained in the second part, the schedule. The schedule records the terms of settlement agreed between the parties and amounts to a binding contract. The contract set out in the second part cannot be directly enforced as an order of the court but requires an application to carry the terms into effect in the case of breach, ie failure to pay the agreed damages. In its simplest form in the personal injury/clinical negligence context it is headed 'TomlinFri, 16 Apr 2021 14:20:19 Z<p>There is, in general, no need to use a Tomlin order where all that is required is an order that one party shall pay money to another. However, one party may request that the terms of settlement be recorded in a Tomlin order rather than an ordinary consent order. This article reviews the reasons that may be suggested for using a Tomlin order, examines the validity of such reasons, sets out the advantages and disadvantages of such a procedural step and discusses the safeguards which should be employed if a Tomlin order is used.</p><p><a href="/legal/guidance/how-do-you-enforce-a-tomlin-order-do-you-need-to-apply-for-the-tomlin-order-to-be-made-a-judgment-first" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><a href="/legal/precedents/tomlin-order" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Read our legal precedent on Tomlin Orders here.</a></a></p><p>After trial in which the claimant has been successful, there will be judgment for the claimant and an order for costs in the claimant&rsquo;s favour. An ordinary consent order follows this format, is entitled 'Consent Order' and, in its simplest form could be as follows: </p><p><em>1. Judgment for the Claimant in the sum of &pound;x [or 'The Defendant shall pay to the Claimant &pound;x'] in full and final settlement of the claim, such sum to be paid to the Claimant&rsquo;s solicitors by [14 days]. </em></p><p><em>2. The Defendant do pay the Claimant&rsquo;s costs of the action to be subject to detailed assessment if not agreed.</em> </p><p>A Tomlin order is a form of consent order which avoids the entering of judgment. It takes its name from a Practice Note issued by Tomlin J in 1927 though it was in use well before that date. </p><p>A Tomlin order is in two parts. The first part is the court order proper which stays the proceedings on agreed terms contained in the second part, the schedule. The schedule records the terms of settlement agreed between the parties and amounts to a binding contract. The contract set out in the second part cannot be directly enforced as an order of the court but requires an application to carry the terms into effect in the case of breach, ie failure to pay the agreed damages. In its simplest form in the personal injury/clinical negligence context it is headed 'Tomlin </p>urn:uuid:f5b370eb-18be-4d5e-8fa5-a78480376baa/blog/brexit/brexit-highlights-29-january-2021BrexitBrexit highlights—29 January 2021These Brexit highlights bring you a summary of the latest Brexit news and legislation updates from across a range of UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥Â® practice areas, collated on 29 January 2021.Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:00:00 Z<p>These Brexit highlights bring you a summary of the latest Brexit news and legislation updates from across a range of UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥&reg; practice areas, collated on 29 January 2021.</p><section><h1>General Brexit headlines</h1><p>This section contains key overarching Brexit news headlines.</p><section><h2>Brexit Bulletin&mdash;Cabinet Office briefing examines support needed for traders</h2><p>The Cabinet Office has published a release following a briefing with businesses to discuss continuing challenges that traders face and solutions to outstanding issues in light of the end of the Brexit transition period. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, held a meeting of the Brexit Business Taskforce on 28 January 2021 'to reaffirm the government&rsquo;s commitment to help companies adjust to new trading rules with the EU'.</p><p>See:&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.lexisnexis.com/uk/lexispsl/publiclaw/document/412012/61WB-B7B3-GXFD-82T1/linkHandler.faces?psldocinfo=Brexit_highlights_29_January_2021&amp;ps=null&amp;bct=A&amp;homeCsi=0&amp;A=0.7998347227861339&amp;urlEnc=ISO-8859-1&amp;&amp;remotekey1=DIGEST-CITATION(LNB%20News%2029/01/2021%2025)&amp;remotekey2=All%20Subscribed%20Current%20Awareness%20Sources&amp;dpsi=0S4D&amp;cmd=f:exp&amp;service=QUERY&amp;origdpsi=0S4D" title="References to">LNB News 29/01/2021 25</a>.</p></section><section><aside><hr data-sf-ec-immutable=""></aside><h2>Brexit Bulletin&mdash;ESC reports on the Northern Ireland Protocol and EU climate policy</h2><p>The European Scrutiny Committee (ESC) has published its 34th report on recent draft EU legislation and policy documents deposited in Parliament by the government. The ESC gauges the legal and political importance of each legislative proposal and, where appropriate, inquires further on its implications and/or recommends it for debate. Subjects identified as legally and/or politically important include EU financial support for regions and sectors impacted by the UK&rsquo;s withdrawal, EU climate policy and how the EU electric vehicle battery Regulation will apply in Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Protocol to the Withdrawal Agreement.</p><p>See:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lexisnexis.com/uk/lexispsl/publiclaw/document/412012/61WB-B7B3-GXFD-82T1/linkHandler.faces?psldocinfo=Brexit_highlights_29_January_2021&amp;ps=null&amp;bct=A&amp;homeCsi=0&amp;A=0.7998347227861339&amp;urlEnc=ISO-8859-1&amp;&amp;remotekey1=DIGEST-CITATION(LNB%20News%2026/01/2021%2077)&amp;remotekey2=All%20Subscribed%20Current%20Awareness%20Sources&amp;dpsi=0S4D&amp;cmd=f:exp&amp;service=QUERY&amp;origdpsi=0S4D" title="References to">LNB News 26/01/2021 77</a>.</p></section><section><aside><hr data-sf-ec-immutable=""></aside><h2>Brexit Bulletin&mdash;EFRA launches urgent inquiry into border delays for meat and fish exports</h2><p>The Environment,&nbsp;Food&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;Affairs (EFRA)&nbsp;Committee has launched an urgent inquiry into border delays for meat and fish exports since 1 January 2021. The inquiry will explore how the government can support meat and fish exporters, long and short term action plans for exports to the EU, and scrutinise the government's immediate response to disruptions over the past month. The EFRA Committee is also asking questions relating to UK preparedness for checking food imports from the EU and what lessons have </p></section></section>urn:uuid:872cb025-3f62-4463-bcb2-e245eeae3847/blog/future-of-law/why-is-advancing-the-rule-of-law-so-importantFuture of LawHow does advancing the rule of law protect our rights and freedoms?Uncover why advancing the rule of law is vital for a fair and thriving society. Learn how UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ leads this mission and explore meaningful ways businesses can get involved to drive real change.Fri, 21 Feb 2020 10:42:46 Z<p>Have you ever considered your <a href="/blog/dispute-resolution/supreme-court-human-rights-litigation-costs" data-sf-ec-immutable="">human rights</a>? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines our various rights under the law, the most basic being:</p><blockquote>&ldquo;We are all equal before the law.&rdquo;</blockquote><p>But, is this really the case?</p><p>Across the globe this very basic human right, and many others are being challenged. UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://rolfoundation.org/">Rule of Law foundation</a> identified that 57% of the world&rsquo;s population lives outside the umbrella protection of the rule of law. This equals roughly five billion people who are struggling for basic human rights on a daily basis.</p><p>As advancers of the <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/what-is-the-rule-of-law">rule of law</a>, UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥&rsquo; mission is to reduce this number down to zero. </p><p>This mission was recently recognised by the United Nations, seeing Mike Walsh, CEO of UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Legal &amp; Professional, receive a Global Leadership Award from the United Nations Foundation in recognition of the company&rsquo;s contributions to advancing the rule of law globally.</p><p><strong>Core principles and global importance of the rule of law</strong><br></p><p>The rule of law is the foundation for the development of peaceful, prosperous societies and global equality.</p><p>In 1885 Professor A V Dicey broken the concept down into three sections:</p><ul><li>no man could be lawfully interfered or punished by the authorities except for breaches of law established in the ordinary manner before the courts of land</li><li>no man is above the law and everyone, whatever his condition or rank is, is subject to the ordinary laws of the land</li><li>the result of the ordinary law of the land is constitution</li></ul><p>UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ has followed suit with its own definitio</p>urn:uuid:229d90d7-e7b7-49fb-995a-9289e0f24d4f/blog/future-of-law/why-law-firms-are-still-reluctant-to-adopt-technologyFuture of LawWhat are the top challenges holding law firms back from embracing technology innovations?Explore the hesitations of law firms in embracing technology, from concerns over costs to the impact on client relationships.Tue, 07 Jun 2016 01:30:12 Z<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Lawyers struggle to grasp what true technology adoption means</strong></p><p>One of the recurring themes running through all of our UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ reports this year is the growing importance of <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/technology-the-law">technology</a>. The vast majority of lawyers we&rsquo;ve interviewed agreed that they &ldquo;must&rdquo; invest in and adopt new technology to survive the next five years.</p><p>But, according to the latest <em><a href="/bellwether/assets/pdfs/Lexis-nexis-report-2016_interactive%20version03.pdf" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Bellwether Report; The Riddle of Perception,</a> </em>it seems many lawyers are still reluctant to use it throughout the business. And a whopping 87% of firms don&rsquo;t see the advantages of using artificial intelligence tools to inform their decisions at all.<strong></strong></p><p>So what&rsquo;s the problem? Why if we&rsquo;re agreed that <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/how-to-grow-your-law-firm">law firms</a> won&rsquo;t survive without investment in technology are so many lawyers still not adopting these powerful new tools?</p><p><strong>Why many lawyers settle for outdated practices</strong></p><p>The report suggests that it&rsquo;s because most lawyers have a tendency to believe their own practice is better equipped than others to confront technology challenges. That it&rsquo;s simply a matter of seeing what they want to see.</p><p>It also suggests that lawyers are not always clear about what it means to adopt new technology. Some think that simply having a website and social media account is embracing technology, while others are looking at technology solutions throughout the business, driving efficiency of client servicing, adopting Bespoke Precedents and Calculators, Drafting and Proof-reading tools, <a href="/products/lexis-plus-practical-guidance.html#:~:text=checklists%2c%20calculators%20and%20flow%2dcharts,legal%20work%20and%20ensure%20accuracy.&amp;text=clear%2c%20up%2dto%2ddate,with%20q href="/"></a href="/products/lexis-plus-practical-guidance.html#:~:text=checklists%2c%20calculators%20and%20flow%2dcharts,legal%20work%20and%20ensure%20accuracy.&amp;text=clear%2c%20up%2dto%2ddate,with%20q></p>urn:uuid:7a62550b-aad8-48c4-b674-da249a3c5adf/blog/dispute-resolution/brussels-i-reformDispute ResolutionBrussels I reformLast Friday, 10 October, saw EU Ministers finally ratify the Choice of Convention 2005.  It will now come into force 3 months after that date ie 10 October 2015. For the press release on the ratification, see here.  For practitioners dealing with international disputes involving the EU, this is an important moment as both the Convention and Brussels I (recast), which will apply from the same date, deal with Choice of Court Agreements. Note: For subscribers to LexisPSL assistance guidance is provided on both the Convention andTue, 14 Oct 2014 12:18:40 Z<p>Last Friday, 10 October, saw EU Ministers finally ratify the Choice of Convention 2005.  It will now come into force 3 months after that date ie 10 October 2015. For the press release on the ratification, see <a href="europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-1110_en.htm">here</a>.  For practitioners dealing with international disputes involving the EU, this is an important moment as both the Convention and Brussels I (recast), which will apply from the same date, deal with Choice of Court Agreements.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>Note: For subscribers to LexisPSL assistance guidance is provided on both the <a href="http://www.lexisnexis.com/uk/lexispsl/disputeresolution/document/393750/55KX-HP91-F18B-81VK-00000-00/Convention%20on%20choice%20of%20court%20agreements%20" target="_blank">Convention</a> and <a href="http://www.lexisnexis.com/uk/lexispsl/disputeresolution/document/393750/5d0t-k0f1-f18b-84jj-00000-00/brussels%20i%20(recast)%e2%80%94choice%20of%20court%20agreements%20(art%202 href="/"></a href="http://www.lexisnexis.com/uk/lexispsl/disputeresolution/document/393750/5d0t-k0f1-f18b-84jj-00000-00/brussels%20i%20(recast)%e2%80%94choice%20of%20court%20agreements%20(art%202></em></p>urn:uuid:5fff2347-7860-4705-9872-3909ba56512c/blog/future-of-law/large-law-firms-ponzi-schemesFuture of LawIs the traditional law firm model a ponzi scheme?Uncover the shocking parallels between large law firms and Ponzi schemes in our insightful blog. Stay informed on the legal landscape and learn how to safeguard your practice from potential pitfalls.Tue, 16 Jul 2013 09:17:57 Z<p>By <a href="http://lexislegalintelligence.co.uk/intelligence/blawg/nick-jarrett-kerr/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Nick Jarrett-Kerr</a></p><p>The traditional large <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/law-firms-think-like-a-business-first-a-law-firm-second">law firm</a> model has often been likened by its detractors to a Ponzi Scheme &ndash; a giant pyramid structure in which those at the top of the pile benefit unfairly from the hard work of the <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]989FB383-18F1-4B05-860D-C7607CBE56BA/key-skills-junior-lawyers-need-to-succeed">junior lawyers</a> who are building up from the bottom.</p><p>Ponzi Schemes of course are fraudulent, and whilst the description unfairly applies to law firms given the emphasis on <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/5-key-steps-to-improve-your-regulatory-compliance">compliance</a>&nbsp;and <a href="/blog/dispute-resolution/the-only-way-is-ethics" data-sf-ec-immutable="">ethics</a>, there are elements of truth in it. The polite and more correct description for the large law firm <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/new-types-of-business-models-for-the-legal-profession">business model</a> has included the word &ldquo;leverage&rdquo;. At the start of their careers, junior lawyers have traditionally worked their fingers to the bone in the hope that their efforts will be rewarded in future years and that one day they in turn will benefit from the endeavours of lawyers more junior than them.</p><p>This model relies on three essential features, all of which are under challenge now. The first is that the model can only work if law firms grow at a sufficient rate to allow career progression and for the leverage structure to be rebuilt under each promoted partner as he or she moves up the pyramid. Hence a firm with a leverage ratio of five <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/how-to-be-a-more-productive-lawyer">lawyers</a> for every partner essentially needs to continue to grow at the rate of five lawyers for every young lawyer that it adds to its partner comple</p>