Claims bill passes

The Civil Liability Bill, which introduces radical reforms of personal injury claims, passed its final parliamentary sessions without further amendment and was expected to be granted royal assent as the Gazette went to press. 

Bar advisers

The Bar Standards Board appointed national firm Capsticks to provide external legal advice. The firm will advise on any legal challenges to the BSB’s regulatory decisions and other matters which may require third-party advice. 

Henry VIII powers

The government’s increasing reliance on delegated powers rather than primary legislation to determine policy, create criminal offences and establish public bodies is ‘constitutionally objectionable’, the House of Lords Constitution Committee warned.

Property chair

Bryan Johnston, partner at global firm Dentons, is the new chair of the Property Litigation Association, taking over from Shakespeare Martineau partner Martin Edwards. 

Hong Kong campus

The University of Law is to open a campus in Hong Kong next year – its first away from UK shores. The campus, which will initially offer postgraduate courses, is expected to start taking in students from September.

74 lashes for lawyer

Iranian lawyer Mohammad Najafi has been sentenced to three years in prison and 74 lashes for ‘disturbing the state’ and ‘publishing falsehoods’ after raising the case of a client who died in police custody, according to a human rights group.