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The Planning Act 2008

The shape of things to come: the Planning Act 2008 seeks to streamline and fine tune the planning application process, but whether it will strike the correct balance of expediting major infrastructure projects while addressing the concerns of third parties remains to be seen, say Giles Ferin and Marco Mauro

Sole practitioner becomes Tory EU spokesman

Sajjad Karim, Conservative MEP for the North West and sole practitioner based in Manchester, has become the party's legal affairs spokesman in Europe.

Once bitten, twice shy

Litigants in costs disputes can now force defendants to disclose further details about third-party funding, says Nick Gillies

Know your limits

When attempting to reach a settlement in a claim for unfair dismissal, practitioners must remember that the effective date of termination triggers a short limitation period and should not be overlooked, says Mark Conway

Up to the challenge

Claims challenging the validity of wills are increasing, and solicitors must ensure they take precautions to protect themselves from claims, says Deborah Cain

Concentrating the mind

The role of the mental health tribunals is changing, but it remains to be seen how a shift from a medical to a legal approach will balance patients' rights with public risk, says Keith Wilding

All the small things

Improving communication with your clients is a simple and inexpensive way to increase the amount of business they do with you and prevent them from going elsewhere, says Dianne Bown-Wilson

Off balance

The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act wrongly elevates minor offences committed by protestors to serious criminal actions and gives disproportionate protection to animal research organisations, says Benjamin Newton