Edward Fennell’s LEGAL DIARY
Diary news plus insights, commentary and appointments from the legal world
12 June 2026
Editorial contact: fennell.edward@yahoo.com
SHORT THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Jury’s Out?
High profile Ministerial resignations ahead of a make-or-break by-election have made this a disappointing week for the Government. But never mind, maybe the announcement by the Ministry of Justice of plans to pilot artificial intelligence technology across the Crown Court and Probation Service so as to reduce sky-high case backlogs and streamline administrative processes might change the mood music. Could AI be the Saviour for a rudderless regime?
For sure some barristers have been impressed. But not necessarily all.
“What possible justification can be produced for the daft idea that criminal solicitors and barristers, or even Judges, could be replaced by robots?” exclaimed Rose Burns, a highly experienced, ‘front line’ Southampton-based criminal barrister.“Each criminal case is unique in terms of defendants, victims, witnesses, facts and the law to be applied. If adopted, this would open the floodgates of mistrials or unlawful sentences at a time when an overburdened Court of Appeal is approaching crisis point.Plus the legal regulators are dealing with multiple allegations of lawyers using AI before citing ‘false or hallucinated authorities in court’.”
So maybe not such a game-changer after all, Mr Lammy? Worth a try, maybe, but hold back on the superlatives.At least until you are sure that you are not hallucinating.
The LegalDiarist
In this edition
LEGAL DIARY OF THE WEEK
Legaleasy?
Being a B Corp Leader
Neurodivergent Needs To Be Supported
Lawyers Unite to Fight Cancer
+ CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
International Law is Not Dead — It Is Being Tested, and It Is Responding by Antonia Mulvey
+ LEGAL COMMENT OF THE WEEK
on the Victoria Derbyshire case, the David Sullivan case, the state of Employment Tribunals, football transfers and Merricks v Mastercard
+ APPOINTMENTS OF THE WEEK
at Burgess Mee and Pillsbury
LEGAL DIARY OF THE WEEK
Legaleasy?
Laws, it could be said, make society. If we all have to follow the same rules then, however much we might vary as individuals,we are naturally bound together. ‘Outlaws’ are outside society.
But all too often the wording of law makes them impenetrable to the non-professional. Could that be changed?
Members of European Legal Design Action (ELDA) want to make laws and legal documents more accessible in practice. So they are now coming together with experts in law, communication, design, and technology as well as with policymakers and businesses to co-create tools and solutions that make law understandable, actionable, and easier to comply with.
“It is crucial laws are aligned with the needs of society,” said Professor Joasia Luzak, from the University of Exeter Law School, a member of the network, “Those which are “top down” often don’t meet the needs of people and organisations using them. We want to reduce barriers and complexity, opening up the law, so people can better understand what the law says and costs of compliance are lower. The problem now is that legal drafting is inconsistent in quality and technical terms and legal jargon are often unnecessarily used. We will examine laws and legal documents in Europe and beyond, identify best practices of legal design, and hope governments and policymakers will pay close attention to our recommendations.”
The network now brings together 170 people or organisations from 38 countries, including lawyers and language experts. The main proposer was Ebru Metin (TalTech Estonia), but the project was also spearheaded by Helena Haapio (University of Vaasa, Finland and CEO of Lexpert).
Whether this might represent an existential threat to the legal profession (perhaps even more so than AI) remains to be seen. The plain reality though might be that life’s complexities and technicalities might sometimes defy simple codes. But a worthy undertaking no doubt.
Being a B Corp Leader
The UK has the distinction of being the country with the largest number of‘ B Corp certified’ law firms (forty in total) in the world and to that number can now be added Gardner Leader. As the firm describes it, “The certification forms part of a deliberate shift towards becoming a more purpose-driven, responsible business.”
The vogue for being ‘purpose driven’ has come in for a certain amount of derision by some in the corporate world recently but it might still make sense for a law firm embodying its commitment to ‘environmental and social responsibility (ESR) and its ongoing impact across the communities it serves’.
“Becoming a B Corp marks an important milestone in our journey and forms part of a deliberate strategic shift, which aligns closely with our firm’s existing values and long-term vision,” comments Derek Rodgers, the Managing Partner. “It also formalises our commitment to operating as a responsible business delivering peace of mind for our people, clients and our community.”
The B Corp project has aligned with the firm’s expansion plans across the south of England leading to the headcount increasing by 52% while still maintaining ‘strong employee engagement and embedding its responsible business approach’.
“The process has been rigorous and required real commitment from many colleagues in teams across the firm and particularly from Chris Dale, the Environmental and Social Responsibility Manager,” continued Rodgers. “ B Corp sets a higher bar for us going forward. It is not just recognition of what we’ve achieved, but a framework for how we continue to improve and the direction we are taking.
We look forward to doing more and doing better as we continue on the demanding, but important journey to remain a responsible business.”
Neurodivergent Needs To Be Supported
The number of neurodivergent individuals seems to be booming so it is time for a law firm to step up to champion those victims among them who are being disadvantaged by the family justice system. “This isn’t a niche issue; it’s a systemic gap,” said Alia Lewis, an award-winning child protection solicitor at TV Edwards Solicitors, “As both a solicitor and the parent of an autistic child, I’ve seen first-hand how misunderstandings can negatively shape outcomes.”
According to Lewis (who will head up the new service provided by the firm) the problems which arise include ‘trauma, unfair parental blame and unmet needs’. Research has shown, she points out, the devastating impact on families when neurodivergent profiles are misunderstood. Hence the family justice system needs to adapt to meet the needs of all individuals so that it is truly neuro-inclusive.
“Family law proceedings can feel overwhelming, particularly where behaviour, communication differences or sensory needs are misunderstood by the legal system,” she says. “Without the right knowledge, there is a real risk of mischaracterisation and false narratives forming about parents, and also a failure to meet the needs of children with complex profiles.
Lawyers Unite to Fight Cancer
An impressive power-packed Board of trustees is behind Law Beats Cancer, described as ‘a first of its kind initiative between the legal community and Cancer Research UK’ and which has just launched this week.
Designed to unite the legal profession to help fund vital cancer research it has the simple objective under the chairmanship of Duncan Batchelor, a Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright of driving progress to ‘save and improve more lives’.
“Cancer Research UK’s progress against cancer depends on sustained investment in research, made possible by its supporters,” observed Batchelor, “The legal profession, meanwhile, has extraordinary networks and influence. Law Beats Cancer was created to bring those two forces together.
“Nothing like this has been done before, linking solicitors, barristers and in-house teams. We aim to extend it to law students and others too, making the most of the power of our networks. It is more than a campaign, it is a movement and the potential is huge.
“Law Beats Cancer does not belong to any one firm; it belongs to the entire profession, giving us an opportunity to come together as a community and do something special, as a force for good. We are delighted with the support and enthusiasm from everyone so far. We already have so many firms and institutions who have signed up as supporters and we’d love more. This is just the beginning.”
Alongside Batchelor on the Board are Jenny Leahy, Partner at Freshfields, Andrew Richards, Chief Finance Officer at CMS, Paul Baker, Partner at Quinn Emanuel, Charlotte Eberlein, Head of Marketing & BD at Thomson Snell & Passmore, Akhil Shah KC, Sarah Clements, Group General Counsel, at International Airline Group and Mary Mullally, Director at Executive Peer Networks.
Among the law firm supporters are BCLP, Cleary Gottlieb, CMS, Dentons, Freshfields, Geldards, Higgs LLP, Lewis Silkin, Linklaters, Norton Rose Fulbright, RPC, Quinn Emanuel, Simmons & Simmons, Taylor Emmet and Thomson Snell & Passmore, as well as Harvey AI. Others are in the process of joining. Law firms, chambers, in‑house teams and individuals can register their interest, learn more or donate at www.lawbeatscancer.org
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
International Law is Not Dead — It Is Being Tested, and It Is Responding
by Antonia Mulvey
It is almost a cliché in a world marked by protracted conflicts, mass atrocity crimes, and persistent impunity, to claim that international law is ‘dead’.
Yet this narrative obscures a quieter reality: international law is not only alive, but actively evolving, proving its capacity to hold the line in critical times.
While critics point to enforcement gaps as proof of failure this misunderstands the very nature of international law. Unlike domestic systems, it does not rely on a single sovereign authority, but rather on a web of states, courts, and civil society actors. Its strength lies not in immediacy, but in persistence: building cases, preserving evidence, and steadily, tirelessly narrowing the space for impunity.
Recent work by Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) – an independent legal frontline organisation representing survivors of human rights violations and international crimes – illustrates this resilience. While international courts and accountability mechanisms may move slowly, they continue to offer pathways to justice that would otherwise be closed entirely.
Take the ongoing case concerning the Rohingya before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Initiated by The Gambia in 2019, the proceedings allege violations of the Genocide Convention by Myanmar. LAW represents hundreds of victims and survivors. In January, and for the first time, three of them were allowed by the judges to give in-person testimonies. Beyond being a long awaited recognition for the victims, these testimonies might shape the way the ICJ deals with other genocide cases, such as South Africa v. Israel, Ukraine v. Russian Federation, and Sudan v. United Arab Emirates.
Equally telling is the growing use of universal jurisdiction. In Australia, LAW has helped advance a complaint seeking criminal investigation into alleged international crimes committed against civilians by the Myanmar Military, with a focus on Conflict-related Sexual Violence (CRSV). Universal jurisdiction allows national courts to prosecute the gravest crimes, regardless of where they occurred. While politically sensitive, these cases are a powerful reminder that perpetrators cannot assume safe haven simply by crossing borders. LAW ensures that more UJ cases are opened globally (see our cases map).
LAW’s experience and recent successes have shown that when states have the courage to leverage existing legal tools and avenues, working closely with UN mechanisms and frontline workers, real change and accountability is within reach. Even when judgments take years, the process itself generates pressure and visibility that shape state behavior and legal frameworks.
International law is indeed under strain. But moments of crisis often catalyse innovation. Even amid geopolitical paralysis, the law can and must impose binding obligations to combat impunity.
Antonia Mulvey is the Founder and Executive Director of Legal Action Worldwide, a non-profit organization of lawyers and jurists providing creative legal assistance and representation to victims and survivors in fragile and conflict affected areas.For more go to https://legalactionworldwide.org/
LEGAL COMMENT OF THE WEEK
TOPIC: The dismissal of allegations against BBC Presenter Victoria Derbyshire
COMMENT BY: Jo Mackie, employment law partner, Michelmores
“Victoria Derbyshire has been cleared. There is, and should be, a difference between being ‘direct and demanding’ in a high-pressure newsroom, which is what Derbyshire admitted to being, and bullying. The problem is that it is almost purely subjective and often what one employer thinks as being robust and demanding another will think of as being harassment or intimidation.
“The general rule of thumb is to remain respectful, be reasonable and do all that you can to ensure that your communication style does not become something that could make colleagues feel humiliated or belittled.”
TOPIC: The allegations facing David Sullivan (Co-owner of West Ham FC)
COMMENT BY: Jamie Hurworth, Legal Director, Payne Hicks Beach
“The situation mirrors recent cases involving Noel Clarke and Russell Brand, where media investigations published serious allegations ahead of any criminal proceedings, highlighting a trend of criminal complaints being first aired in the press rather than courts.
“Regulators and police may now review the matter into Sullivan. The defences available to a publisher and the different burden of proof in criminal and civil cases raises the possibility that allegations of criminality against Sullivan could be upheld by a civil court without ever resulting in a criminal conviction.”
TOPIC: Employment tribunal claims have exceeded last year’s with the single claim open caseload increased by 55% compared to 2024/25
COMMENT BY: Catrin Mills, employment partner, Sharpe Pritchard
“That employment tribunal claims are at record levels won’t be a surprise. We already know that the employment tribunal system is under sustained pressure with the numbers of new claims significantly outpacing capacity. Claims are becoming more complex, hearings are significantly delayed and cases can take a long time to resolve.
“The risk to employers therefore continues to grow, and employment litigation affects organisations in ways beyond the financial cost. It can be a huge drain on management time and a major cause of stress for those involved. Many of the claims we see arise either from management issues or could have been avoided with the right intervention early on. We encourage employers to invest in training to empower managers, and to explore alternative approaches to disputes, such as workplace mediation, to try to resolve issues before they escalate.”
TOPIC: The Diarra settlement with FIFA over football transfers
COMMENT BY: Lucia Melcherts, Chair of the Justice for Players Foundation
“It is very positive that Mr Diarra appears to have ended his personal legal battle with FIFA satisfactorily. As you may know, Diarra’s claim for damages following the CJEU ruling was already pending before a Belgian court when Justice for Players Foundation started its legal action on behalf of all the other professional footballers. Whilst the details of Diarra’s settlement are confidential, Diarra’s personal settlement is positive. By settling with Diarra, FIFA appears to have recognised that its unlawful transfer rules require a remedy. The Justice for Players Foundation is therefore optimistic that we will ultimately also be able to reach a fair solution for other footballers who were harmed by the same rules.”
To date, several thousand players from across Europe including the UK have joined the legal action and this news will no doubt encourage others to as well, as it demonstrates the legitimacy of the legal action being brought by The Justice for Players Foundation.”
TOPIC: The final decision by London’s High Court to dismiss litigation funder Innsworth’s claim for Judicial Review of the proceeds of settlement in the £200m Merricks v Mastercard collective consumer claim
COMMENT BY: Walter Merricks CBE
“I am tremendously pleased with the judgment handed down this morning by the Divisional Court, with the lead judgment being given by Court of Appeal judge, Lord Justice Males. It is a complete vindication of the position I advanced both before the Competition Appeal Tribunal and then to the Divisional Court. It delivers a total rejection of all of Innsworth’s grounds of challenge, and they will now need to pay my costs of the judicial review. It can only be described as a total victory for me and the class I have represented over the last 10 years.
It is notable that the Divisional Court states that “It might be thought that a guaranteed total return of about £68 million, representing a profit of 50% on the claimant’s investment, was not a bad result for” Innsworth, demonstrating the unfortunate way in which Innsworth has sought to elevate its grab for profits over and above all other considerations. I have no doubt other funders will not act in this way and that this judgment will not have any negative effects on the desire of funders to continue to invest in, and support, collective actions.
This has been a long and bitterly fought battle with my funder, one that was entirely unnecessary had Innsworth been properly advised and appreciated the realities of the circumstances in which we all found ourselves as a result of the need to reassess the realistic value of the claim following developments in the case. It has delayed my ability to start the process of getting the distribution process going, so as to get money into the hands of UK consumers. I now look forward to doing just that. I also am positive that the arbitration proceedings that Innsworth brought against me will come to a positive conclusion.
I need to acknowledge the high-quality advice and representation I have received from my legal team, not just on the judicial review and the settlement approval, but throughout the course of these long running proceedings. I need to mention the team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, led by Boris Bronfentrinker, and also Mark Brealey KC, who have masterminded this success before the Divisional Court and ensured that Innsworth have not been able to take money away from the class, nor to delay any further the distribution of the £200m to UK consumers.”
COMMENT BY: Jeremy Marshall, Chief Investment Officer, Winward Litigation Finance
“The outcome of the Innsworth judicial review will certainly put the brakes on funders’ appetites to provide funding for CAT claims, which is bad for the rule of law and consumer redress. The judgment sends a clear signal that a funder cannot rely on the litigation funding agreement. The immense discretion of the Tribunal to consider what is just and reasonable for a funder adds a further and arguably the most important layer of uncertainty when deciding whether or not to fund, in addition to the duration and jurisdiction risk of this novel regime.”
LEGAL SECTOR APPOINTMENTS OF THE WEEK
BURGESS MEE
Victoria Sterritt (left) has joined Burgess Mee in Londonas a Legal Director. Previously she was withBelfast firm, Davidson McDonnell (now Browne Jacobson Northern Ireland), where she was a Legal Director and head of the private client team. She is dual qualified in England & Wales and Northern Ireland and acts for a wide range of clients, primarily London-based, from City traders, entrepreneurs, HNW individuals, stay-at-home parents, and high-profile figures in media and sport.
Sterritt has a particular interest in child arrangements, including complex matters involving disputes about education, medication, allegations of serious abuse, as well as international relocation and wrongful retention matters. She also has extensive experience of advising on matters involving corporate and commercial structures including those related to farms, family businesses and trusts arrangements, both upon divorce and by way of protective nuptial and cohabitation agreements. “I am delighted to join Burgess Mee. The firm’s commitment to client care, excellence and innovation makes for a particularly exciting opportunity and I look forward to joining such a highly regarded team.”
PILLSBURY
Matthew Sperry (left) has joined the Private Client and Family Office team at Pillsbury. Formerly at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Sperry will now divide his time between Pillsbury’s Miami, London and New York offices. His arrival is designed to broadens the firm’s practice internationally, by helping globally connected families and family offices navigate the legal, tax, governance, investment and operational issues that arise as family capital interacts with the U.S.
“Matthew’s arrival represents an important expansion of our Private Client & Family Office platform,” said the firm’s Chair David Dekker. “Pillsbury has long served sophisticated private clients and family offices. Matthew adds a distinctive global dimension to that platform, helping internationally connected families use the U.S. to structure, deploy, protect and institutionalize family capital across generations.”
Sperry advises ultra-high-net-worth families, family offices, trustees and private investment platforms throughout Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Canada. He frequently serves as coordinating U.S. counsel for internationally connected families and family offices, helping clients navigate the legal, tax, governance, investment and operational issues that arise as global family capital interacts with the U.S.
“Matthew’s ability to develop and maintain deep, long-lasting client relationships reflects exactly the kind of capabilities Pillsbury prides itself on offering,” said Joshua Becker, Co-Leader of Pillsbury’s Private Client & Family Office practice.
We hope that you’ve been interested or amused by something in this week’s LEGAL DIARY. If so do send on to colleagues.
And please continue sending your ‘Diary-type’ stories, insights legal comment and appointments to
fennell.edward@yahoo.com