Case Reviews
SRA powers stop at legal professional privilege: High Court confirms limits on compelled disclosure
The High Court has confirmed that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) cannot use its statutory investigatory powers to compel a firm to disclose documents or
ATE commissions and solicitor/client assessments: Court of Appeal closes the Part 18 route
Turner v Coupland Cavendish Ltd [2026] EWCA Civ 1204 The Court of Appeal has provided important clarification on the scope of solicitor and own client assessments (“SOCA”)
Unfair relationship claims: is there really no limitation period?
Berry v Black Horse Limited [2026] EWCC 54 A recent County Court appeal has potentially significant implications for claims brought under sections 140A–C of the Consumer Credit
Orton v Barclays: Court of Appeal reinforces costs protection on the Small Claims Track
The Court of Appeal has provided important guidance on the threshold for unreasonable behaviour under CPR 27.14(2)(g), reinforcing the costs-neutral nature of the Small Claims
Harvey v Heaver – High Court provides welcome clarity on fitness for human habitation claims
The High Court has handed down what is likely to become an important authority for housing conditions practitioners in Harvey v Heaver [2026] EWHC 1671 (KB).
Black Horse Ltd v Angel: Court of Appeal provides important guidance on managing multi-claimant motor finance claims
The Court of Appeal has handed down its judgment in Black Horse Ltd v Angel & Others [2026] EWCA Civ 831, dismissing appeals brought by a
When does a Housing Disrepair Settlement remain a Housing Disrepair Claim?
The courts continue to grapple with allocation issues in housing claims, and a recent appeal decision provides important guidance for landlords, tenants and practitioners dealing
Court of Appeal clarifies when a retainer becomes a contentious business agreement
The Court of Appeal has provided important guidance on the distinction between a standard solicitor retainer and a Contentious Business Agreement (CBA), confirming that uncertainty
Another Allocation Appeal success reinforces correct approach in housing conditions claims
8PP has assisted in securing another successful outcome in a housing conditions allocation dispute, with the County Court at Nottingham overturning a decision to allocate
Court of Appeal clarifies position on litigation supervision in Mazur
The Court of Appeal has now handed down its judgment in Mazur, providing important clarification on the supervision of litigation and the role of authorised and
Limbu & Ors v Dyson Technology Ltd [2026] EWHC 38 (KB): A Reminder on Pleading Discipline and Tactical Costs
The High Court’s decision in Limbu & Ors v Dyson Technology Ltd [2026] EWHC 38 (KB) offers two practical reminders for litigators: first, the importance of discipline when
Defective but not fatal: Duffy v Birmingham City Council and the limits of technical challenges in costs litigation
The Court of Appeal has recently handed down judgment in Duffy v Birmingham City Council [2026] EWCA Civ 146 (full judgement here) a case arising from
Adcamp LLP v Office Properties PL Limited & Ors – Substituting parties after limitation: The Second Gateway narrows
On 6 February 2026, the Court of Appeal handed down a significant decision on the amendment and substitution of parties after the expiry of a
When WhatsApp costs you the Hearing: Key take-aways from MacInnes & Anor v DWF Law LLP [2025] EWHC 3252 (SCCO)
In a recent Solicitors Act detailed assessment dispute, the Senior Courts Costs Office (Costs Judge Nagalingam) delivered an important ruling on the scope of a solicitor’s
Wasted costs and “Negligence”: Employment Appeal Tribunal clarifies the threshold in Gurney v Randall & Others [2025] EAT 154
Introduction On 23 October 2025, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) handed down its judgment in Gurney v Randall & Others [2025] EAT 154, a case that
Birmingham v Lee revisited in allocation appeal
The recent appeal decision in Fishwick v Gentoo Group Limited has provided further clarification on allocation and costs in housing disrepair litigation. The appeal was heard by
Court awards pre-allocation costs in housing disrepair claim despite omission of CPR 46.11
Guidance from Craig Leigh on the continuing application of Birmingham City Council v Lee and court discretion on pre-allocation costs In Carter v Leeds City Council (County
Court Clarifies protocol compliance in Housing Disrepair Claims
Guidance for landlords and tenants on expert evidence under the Housing Conditions Protocol In Lancastle v Curo Group (Albion) Limited [2025] EWCC 48 – a combined
A key win for clarity in track allocation of housing disrepair claims: Matthews v Nottingham City Council
Akshit Vohra of 8PP examines how Rules 26.9, 26.13 and the overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules align in securing appropriate track allocation In Kathleen
Supreme Court rules on car finance commission dispute: Partial victory for consumers, relief for lenders say 8PP Barristers & Associates
PRESS RELEASE In a landmark decision that has implications for millions of car finance customers and the entire motor finance industry, the UK Supreme Court
Supreme Court clarifies car finance commission law: What Johnson v FirstRand Bank means for consumers and lenders
On 1 August 2025, the Supreme Court delivered its long-awaited judgment in Johnson v FirstRand Bank and the conjoined appeals of Hopcraft and Wrench. The case concerned whether undisclosed
Birmingham v Lee extended – and tenant claimants protected
Craig Leigh of 8PP secures key pre-allocation costs ruling in Shillito v Sheffield City Council. Craig Leigh of 8PP has achieved a significant success on
Court of Appeal Ruling in Expert Tooling and Automation Limited v Engie Power Limited: A Strong Judicial Signal for PCP Appeals?
The Court of Appeal delivered its much-anticipated judgment in Expert Tooling and Automation Limited v Engie Power Limited [2025] EWCA Civ 292 last Friday (21 March 2025),
Housing Conditions claims: Legal victory secures justice for Tenants
Housing conditions claims can often be an uphill battle for tenants, especially when dealing with complex legal procedures and landlord opposition. However, a recent case