A City solicitor who was sued along with his firm for libel after giving the press documents that were available from the court settled his case and admitted liability last week.

Dale Langley, founding partner at Dale Langley & Co, settled the dispute with investment bank Collins Stewart for an undisclosed sum, costs and an apology in open court.


The dispute related to allegations made against the bank by its former employee James Middleweek. Mr Langley, who acted for him, was sued by the bank in the High Court for the act of publication of the allegations, which were contained in court documents available to the public.


In the apology, Mr Langley acknowledged that 'these allegations were entirely without foundation', and accepted that they should not have published copies of the document.


Oliver Smith, partner at City firm Rosenblatt who acted for Collins Stewart, said that solicitors should be wary of supplying such documents to third parties. 'This is a trap - they are exposing themselves to the risk of libel.'