News |
 |
Latest news and events
'No win, no fee' under scrutiny
A research based review of no win, no fee arrangements in England and Wales was announced today.
The study, by senior academics, will look at whether no win, no fee arrangements are still operating in the best interests of giving people access to justice.
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said:
'No win, no fee arrangements are vital in helping to give the public a voice in courts. However, we are aware of growing concerns that they may not always be operating in the interests of access to justice.
'We feel that now is the appropriate time for a comprehensive, objective and evidence based examination of the operation of no win, no fee arrangements in relation to personal injury, employment and defamation cases.'
Professor Moorhead said:
'The controversies generated around no win, no fee agreements cry out for a balanced, evidence-based approach. We aim to provide that approach through generating evidence that respects and reflects all sides of the debate.'
Professors Richard Moorhead, Paul Fenn and Neil Rickman, will consider how best to:
The study, by senior academics, will look at whether no win, no fee arrangements are still operating in the best interests of giving people access to justice.
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said:
'No win, no fee arrangements are vital in helping to give the public a voice in courts. However, we are aware of growing concerns that they may not always be operating in the interests of access to justice.
'We feel that now is the appropriate time for a comprehensive, objective and evidence based examination of the operation of no win, no fee arrangements in relation to personal injury, employment and defamation cases.'
Professor Moorhead said:
'The controversies generated around no win, no fee agreements cry out for a balanced, evidence-based approach. We aim to provide that approach through generating evidence that respects and reflects all sides of the debate.'
Professors Richard Moorhead, Paul Fenn and Neil Rickman, will consider how best to:
identify representative samples of claims data in personal injury, employment and defamation/privacy cases
examine the nature of funding arrangements in these cases and the outcome
identify random samples of clients and legal advisers that may help provide more detailed data about the understanding of quality and change within the legal services sector
analyse the unmet legal needs in the areas of personal injury, employment and defamation/privacy.
The professors are expected to report to ministers in the autumn. The report will help determine what specific aspects ought to be pursued in more detail and the feasibility of doing so.
Archives
June 2008 July 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 March 2009
