Fair Civil Justice

The Law Society Gazette published an interesting update in the Smyth v British Airways PLC & Anor case, highlighting the recent High Court decision to reject the £319 million group claim against British Airways and easyJet. In his judgment [Mr Justice] Davison observed a “lack of transparency regarding [the claimant]'s motivation, funding and suitability”. Yet another case, and ruling, that shines a light on the dangers of some group claims and the critical need for greater scrutiny of the financial motives driving some litigation. Our Executive Director Seema Kennedy OBE has shared her thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/e2f3-AiE #classaction #litigationfunding

For all those returning to the office after the summer holidays, you may have missed the 2024 European Class Action Report from CMS UK. It is a fascinating read and provides a comprehensive overview of the class action landscape in the UK and other jurisdictions. ➡One of the most striking findings in this year's report is that UK class actions now involve over 500 million people - equating to a staggering 8 class actions per person. The full report can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ez5R3aqd #classaction #litigationfunding

Last week, we commented on the delay with the Litigation Funding Agreements (Enforceability) Bill in City AM and Law.com, which provides us with a critical opportunity to build a better, more equitable legal framework around litigation funding. Read our Executive Director Seema Kennedy OBE's thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/d4KHYWtF #litigationfunding #litigationfinance #TPLF  

Our Executive Director Seema Kennedy OBE is in the news again today, quoted in Law.com to highlight the importance of transparency in the litigation funding sector. Commenting on the fact that the UK Government has no immediate plans to reverse the PACCAR judgment, Seema Kennedy said: “In the 12 months since the PACCAR ruling by the Supreme Court, and despite the claims from funders and law firms about the existential risk to the industry, there has been a sustained growth of new group action claims, with funders able to find work arounds to existing agreements and proceed much the same as before. We will continue to campaign for transparency in the litigation funding sector and stronger safeguards for consumers.” https://lnkd.in/e3V3djXW #litigationfunding #classaction #TPLF

An interesting article by Law360 about a class action claim involving the Road Haulage Association highlights once again the opaque nature of third-party litigation funding. Our Executive Director Seema Kennedy OBE has shared her thoughts on the case here: https://lnkd.in/eR5-YY5H #classaction #litigationfunding #TPLF

Last week, CMS UK published its 2024 European Class Action Report, highlighting a significant increase in the number and value of class actions in the UK and across Europe. The unchecked growth of this industry, spurred on by opaque litigation funding, is creating a predatory, litigious environment, which harms our economy and society. Read our Executive Director Seema Kennedy OBE’s thoughts on the report’s findings here: https://lnkd.in/eMdU5799  #classaction #litigationfunding #TPLF

Our Executive Director Seema Kennedy OBE comments on the 2024 European Class Action Report published today by CMS UK that shows that group litigation in the UK and across Europe has hit a record high, which is harming consumers' access to a fair justice system. #TPLF #litigationfunding https://lnkd.in/eYenQddz 

Interesting to read this analysis from Law360 12 months after the PACCAR decision. Lawyers and funders across the UK predicted that the class action industry would collapse soon after this decision, but as Joanne Faulkner acknowledges: “So far, there's no sign of the number of cases slowing down or funders being put off from collective actions yet.” A clear sign that we need to continue to push for more transparency and safeguards in this industry to protect consumers’ interests and create a fairer justice system in the UK. #TPLF #litigationfunding #PACCAR https://lnkd.in/eKJYJY2b

Today's Financial Times offers a sharp analysis of the business models driving the Third Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) industry, highlighting crucial transparency issues. With almost every major US private capital firm now funding lawsuits, the need for consumer protections is urgent. At Fair Civil Justice, we have been clear that there is a place for third party litigation funding but call for a more open discussion on safeguarding consumers. #TPLF #consumerprotection #litigationfunding https://lnkd.in/eyMFRmBw

Encouraging to see the Arbitration Bill included in the King's Speech that aims to ensure efficient dispute resolution outside the courts and encourage growth in the U.K. legal sector. At Fair Civil Justice, we fully support reforms to encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution systems, like arbitration, and foster a favourable investment climate. #ArbitrationBill #arbitration #KingsSpeech