Land Registry billing
The Land Registry has amended its billing policy for the new portal replacing Land Registry Direct, to reduce lawyers’ bank charges. There will be a £50 collection threshold for solicitors paying by direct debit.
Jury service age rise
The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation on raising the upper age limit for jury service to encourage more people to play a part in the criminal justice system. The current age limit is 70.
Libel action
Pressure group Lawyers for Media Standards has written to justice secretary Jack Straw threatening a judicial review of his decision to reduce the maximum success fees lawyers can charge in defamation cases to 10%.
New Resolution chair
David Allison, partner at London firm Family Law in Partnership, has taken over as chairman of family lawyers group Resolution, replacing Nicholas Longford.
Ofwat panel appointments
Water regulator Ofwat has appointed three firms to its new legal panel: national firm Addleshaw Goddard; City firm Norton Rose; and Birmingham firm Wragge & Co. The panel will be re-tendered in four years.
Boodle unveils arts group
City firm Boodle Hatfield has launched a dedicated arts group to advise wealthy individuals and families, institutional collectors, landed estates, galleries and art dealers. The group will be headed by dispute resolution partner Simon Fitzpatrick.
Italian president
Rocco Franco, partner at City firm Pini Franco, has become president of the British Italian Law Association, replacing Peter Wood, a partner at City firm Withers.
