Blogs

‘From Hostage negotiation to negotiating property disputes: Lessons from a parallel world‘ hosted by Phil Williams (a former hostage negotiator) and Mandy Lenton (property mediator and lead member of the CEDR faculty team).  

The PLA Essay Competition always produces interesting views and perspectives from our membership. This year was no exception, with Lucie Barnes from Baines Wilson LLP writing an thought-provoking piece on social housing and social mobility.

Our second Northern Training Day started with a bang in Manchester. This year in Manchester we had approximately 30% more attendees than last year’s sell out event in Leeds. As the Mancunian karaoke playlist died away, we began with a short introduction from our chair Bryan Johnston. We were then treated to a very entertaining run through a host of topics, from negotiating damages all the way to patio power-washing.

We are very proud in the UK of our stable law based system of property governance – indeed it is one of the reasons why investment in UK property is so strong despite all the political upheaval of the last few years. 

At Conference, I elaborated on three themes: relevance, revolution and relationships.

As part of our on-going “Perspectives” series of blogs from those involved in Property Litigation outside private practice, Professor Nick Hopkins, the Law Commissioner for property, family and trust law, gives his thoughts on the importance of consultation process to law reform.

The countdown is almost over and we are only a matter of days away from the hottest date in the property litigation calendar.

You know you are getting on a bit when you are asked to do a ‘life after…’ blog. In this case life after private practice and the continued relevance of the PLA. However, what I hadn’t bargained for was the answer that I got when I enquired how long I had been a member of the PLA and serving on the Law Reform Committee. The dreaded phrase ‘Before records began’!

Justice Week is a new initiative setup by the three legal professional bodies; the Bar Council, The Law Society, and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX). The purpose of the week is to boost the profile of justice and the rule of law, helping to place them at the centre stage of public and political debate. With many parts of the system at breaking point, now is the time to make a strong and clear case for why they are so fundamental to our society, economy and democracy.  

PLA Law Reform 2018 Panel Event – Wednesday, 31 October