Kent has traditionally been regarded as more recession-proof than other parts of Britain, so if lawyers in the 'Garden of England' catch cold, colleagues in other regions should prepare for a long time in casualty, says Jean-Yves Gilg
The ruling earlier this week that seaside towns affected by the Erika oil spill can claim compensation from the oil company that had chartered the tanker is the latest in a line of judgments placing increasing responsibility on producers as polluters.
The owners of big property empires, such as the Earl of Cadogan, have been defeated in their bid to block further erosion of their portfolios by head lessees obtaining new leases under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.
The NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) has admitted that its decision to drop an appeal to the House of Lords in a crucial medical negligence case could cost the health service more than £1.5bn.