Shoosmiths appoints David Palmer as new head of Access Legal

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:21:18 GMT

Shoosmiths has announced it has appointed David Palmer has the new head of its consumer legal services operation Access Legal. David has been appointed to drive Access Legal forward after a successful first 18 months.

David will be taking over from the current head of consumer services, Judith Dorkins, who has worked for Shoosmiths for 20 years, and spent months helping to develop and launch Access Legal.

Judith Dorkins, who is retiring to pursue other interests, commented on David taking over from her: "David is an experienced business leader who had developed success across a wide range of sectors and for some of the most challenging and innovative international companies.

"He has just the skills we were looking for to take Access Legal to the next level in the journey to become a leading and trusted provider of high quality legal services to consumers."

David Palmer, new head of consumer services, Access Legal, commented: "This is a wonderful challenge at what is an exciting time for the consumer legal services market. To be the leading player as we intend in this brave new world we must offer legal expertise coupled with traditional service values, delivered in a modern way that deploys the best practices from other fast-moving consumer sectors. I'm looking forward to making this happen."

Before moving to Access Legal, David has enjoyed a wide ranging career, including roles such as director of the UK personal cards business of Citigroup, international marketing head for US private equity and investment banking group Robert W Baird, and head of personal customer marketing for Royal Bank of Scotland's card division.

Access Legal was first launched in February 2010, and marked its first year anniversary at the start of 2011 with an impressive set of launch-year statistics.

It recorded a 178% increase in direct enquiries, saw web enquiries up more than 100%, staff referrals and member claims climbed from 1% to 11% and it experienced 25 times more enquiries through recommendations.

About Access Legal:
From helping customers buy a new house to settling a legal dispute or claiming compensation for an injury that wasn't their fault – Access Legal have it all covered. Whatever legal obstacles life throws in a customer's way, Access Legal from Shoosmiths can help them tackle them.

It has specialists in everything from selling homes to employment rights, motoring law to personal injury solicitors and making a personal injury claim.

Access Legal will protect assets, uphold consumer rights, provide conveyancing services, guide customers through a coroner's inquest; even advise them if they want to make a Will.

Access Legal from Shoosmiths joins the Institute of Customer Service

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:00:51 GMT

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has announced it has joined the Institute of Customer Service, making it the first top 30 legal services firm to do so.

The national law firm believes that becoming a member of the Institute of Customer Service will help support its key strategic aim of delivering the highest levels of client and customer service.

Access Legal provides a variety of services including personal injury claims, and considers customer service to be extremely important. The team at Access Legal aim to be friendly, supportive and caring and treat each client as a real person rather than a 'case'.

Claire Rowe, chief executive of Shoosmiths, commented: "One of Shoosmiths' central tenets is that only the very best customer service is good enough.

"And while we're proud of the service levels we've already achieved, we're the first to acknowledge that there's always room for improvement.

"We must make sure everyone at the firm is committed to delivering great customer service all the time, which is why we're rolling out an Institute-associated people development programme, to ensure client service is understood at all levels of the firm.

"One of the reasons we chose to join the Institute is because it's recognised as the leading body in its field by so many of our clients. And it would be wonderful to think that as the first top 30 law firm to join it, we might just be setting a new benchmark for the legal industry."

The Institute of Customer Service is an independent, professional membership body for customer service. It aims to be the first port of call for every aspect of customer service, so that its customers can improve their business performance and their overall customer experience.

About Access Legal from Shoosmiths:
From helping customers buy a new house to settling a legal dispute or claiming compensation for an injury that wasn't their fault - Access Legal has it all covered. Whatever legal obstacles life throws a customer's way, Access Legal from Shoosmiths can help them tackle them.

Access Legal has specialists in everything from selling homes to employment rights, motoring law to personal injury solicitors and legal disputes. It will protect customer assets, uphold consumer rights, guide customers through a coroner's inquest; even advise them if they want to make a Will.

Access Legal announces sponsorship of Leon Hunt

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:51:53 GMT

Access Legal, the consumer legal services provider, has announced it will be sponsoring motorcycle racer Leon Hunt in this season's Metzeler National Superstock Championship.

Access Legal will be backing the 22-year-old from Brighton in all 12 rounds of the series, which began at Easter, at Brands Hatch. This is the first time that Access Legal has sponsored a rider.

Leon is racing for Lincoln-based team AP Kawasaki in the Superstock 1000cc class, which supports the popular MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. He will be riding a brand new Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Leon began racing at the end of 2003, and has been successful on 125cc machines through to Superstock bikes. He won a 125 series and had podium positions in the British Championship, where he also enjoyed several top five finishes.

Access Legal also has a motoring law team, which is run by bikers and provides a service to bikers and other members of the public who have a motoring law question.

Simon Richards, team leader (legal executive) at Access Legal, said: "Being bikers ourselves, we follow the Superstock series avidly, and have known Leon for a couple of years. We're excited to be able to get involved and we're confident he'll do well on the new ZX-10R. We wish him the best of luck for the series."

Leon Hunt commented: "I really enjoyed my first year in the Superstock 1000cc class last year," he said "but we had a little bit of bad luck and I had to train harder to get used to the longer races. I feel confident this season, and hope to be at the sharp end."

About Access Legal from Shoosmiths:
Access Legal from Shoosmiths is the new consumer brand of top 30 national law firm Shoosmiths. From offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Nottingham, Reading and Southampton, Access Legal from Shoosmiths offers more than 100 services to individuals and their families, whether they are buying a house, buying shared ownership housing, claiming compensation for injury in road traffic accidents or writing a will.

Services are grouped under seven headings: conveyancing; employment law services; legal disputes; medical negligence; motoring law; personal injury claims; and wills, family and wealth.

Access Legal from Shoosmiths makes it easier for people to get specialist advice from legal professionals. Shoosmiths has more than 150 years' experience and advises household name corporate clients.

Russell Jones & Walker launches international divorce specialist division

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:18:04 GMT

Russell Jones & Walker, one of the UK's top family law firms, has opened a specialist international divorce division in response to the demand from ex-pats wishing to get divorced in England.

The client base of Russell Jones & Walker includes people living in China, USA, Australia and Singapore, and, according to the firm's national head of family law, Amanda McAlister, there is often doubt as to which country proceedings should be issued in.

In international family law, speed is very important. This is because the country where proceedings are issued first has jurisdiction, known as Brussels II. Choosing where to issue proceedings is known as forum shopping and in effect, this means there is often a race between the divorcing couple to issue proceedings first.

Amanda said: "The reason so many want to use the English and Welsh courts to get divorced is because it often provides a fairer outcome, the process tends to be quicker than other countries and frequently more effective.

"For example, an English family might be living in Sweden due to the husband's job. The husband tells his wife he has met someone else and as a result, wants a divorce. In this scenario, we would advise the wife to issue a Divorce Petition here as soon as possible as if the husband beats her to it and issues first in Sweden, then the Swedish Courts will have exclusive jurisdiction. Then the wife may well receive a less favourable financial settlement as Swedish Courts favour a financial clean break and therefore the wife may lose any rights to spousal maintenance.

"International divorce often involves jurisdictional issues that can be complicated and can demand contested hearings in their own right if parties are not in agreement. It is therefore essential that you get the right advice from the start, because you may find that it's too late if you issue proceedings in the wrong country."

About Russell Jones & Walker:
Russell Jones & Walker employs over 440 staff (over 229 lawyers) and is renowned as the leading national firm of solicitors in protecting the rights and providing legal services to individuals and those who represent them. RJW has a network of regional offices and includes those in the following centres: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Wakefield, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Sheffield, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

Schillings hails Radmacher ruling as more than just financial opportunity

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:27:59 GMT

Schillings has revealed that a landmark legal ruling made by the Supreme Court has given significant strength to the rights of couples ahead of marriage to divide their assets in the event that the marriage breaks down.

The Supreme Court decided that prenuptial agreements should be given 'decisive weight' in divorce proceedings, rather than merely being taken into account alongside a number of other factors such as the standard of life enjoyed during the marriage and the earning capacity of the parties.

Commenting on the ruling, Keith Schilling, founder and senior partner at Schillings, the leading privacy and family law firm, said: "This decision offers couples more than just an opportunity to establish financial arrangements in the event of relationship breakdown. At a time when big money divorces seem to be of huge interest to the media, pre-nuptial agreements can also be used as a privacy tool to prevent either party from spilling the beans about the marriage."

Pre-nups can provide for a fair division of property assets before a marriage takes place, protect existing or inherited wealth and can also avoid contested divorce proceedings. Financial proceedings following divorce now take place in the presence of the press and a marital contract can avoid that.

For many, this decision will be viewed favourably and seen as a positive step forward - an acknowledgment that those entering into marriage are adults and capable of deciding how their marriage should end (in the event that it does).

For some, however, pre-nups raise the spectre of fiancés blinded by love signing away their rights to a fair financial settlement in the event of a future divorce.

Rachel Atkins, Schillings Family team, commented: "On the plus side, married couples can now regulate the division of their assets on divorce even before they are married and their finances need not be subjected to media scrutiny during a divorce hearing. However, there is potential for the financially weaker party, often the wife, getting a raw deal as they may have made a real contribution to the family finances but under the marriage contract agreed not to receive any part of it. Was it right therefore, that the panel of the Supreme Court be made up of eight men and one woman? It is also profoundly unromantic."

Davina Hay, Schillings Family team, added: "We expect it to lead to pre-nups being much more widely used as they are on the continent and in much of the United States. The greater weight now attached to pre-nups means that married couples can now move to regulate the division of their finances on divorce even before they are married. Ironically, wives are more likely to be disadvantaged by marriage contracts yet in this case it was a wife who changed the law."

Notes to Editors:
Case number: [2010] UKSC 42

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain's top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm's track-record in defamation, privacy law and divorce law, as well as commercial dispute resolution and media management is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm's work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a "spectacularly efficient media law firm."

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, premiership footballer Wayne Rooney, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

RJW client Fawcett Society to take government to court over unlawful budget

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:22:59 GMT

RJW client The Fawcett Society has filed papers with the High Court in order to get a Judicial Review of the government's recent emergency budget.

The Fawcett Society believes that the government should have used an equality impact assessment to determine whether its budget proposals would increase or reduce inequality between women and men. Despite repeated requests from the society, the Treasury has not provided any evidence that any such an equality impact assessment took place.

A top line assessment of the budget measures show 72% of cuts will be met from women's income with the remaining 28% from men's, due to many of the cuts being to benefits that more women than men rely on. Additionally the changes to the tax system will benefit far more men than women.

Since 2006 the government has been bound by a gender equality duty which obligates it to actively promote equality between the sexes.

Samantha Mangwana, employment solicitor at Russell Jones & Walker who is representing the Fawcett Society, said: "Although public authorities have been subject to the gender equality duty for several years now, there is widespread ignorance not only about how strong these laws actually are, but also what specific steps are required to be undertaken. However, the case law is crystal clear in spelling this out. Firstly, an equality impact assessment must be conducted before policy decisions are taken.

"Secondly, where an assessment reveals a risk of sex discrimination, urgent action must be taken to address those risks. Clearly, if the equality impact is not even assessed as a starting point, a public authority cannot start to consider what steps to take to mitigate any inequality."

About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firm’s foundation in the 1920s the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.

The firm has grown from its trade union roots into a respected national organisation with nine offices across England and Wales, and an associated office in Scotland. The reputation of Russell Jones & Walker is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and on the scope of their practical experience.

RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas with many employment solicitors, personal injury solicitors, business crime solicitors and specialities in commercial and criminal litigation, defamation, reputation management, clinical negligence and discrimination at work as well as providing specialties in fraud.

Schillings announces Stelios win in Ryanair libel battle

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:19:03 GMT

Schillings law firm has announced that Sir Stelios Haji-loannou has won his libel battle against Michael O’Leary and Ryanair.

Sir Stelios, the founder of easyJet and the easyGroup business empire, accepted a complete apology and retraction from O'Leary and Ryanair over a series of libelous adverts in January and February this year which portrayed Sir Stelios as a "Pinocchio" character and alleged he had "hidden the truth" about easyJet’s on-time statistics. By doing so, they alleged he had lied when he had not.

In settlement of the claim, O'Leary and Ryanair have taken out advertisements in The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph apologising to Sir Stelios for including him in the original advertisements.

In an agreed statement read in the High Court this morning, Sir Stelios' lawyers Schillings said: "Mr. O’Leary and Ryanair accept that the advertisements should not have been published referring to Sir Stelios and have made a complete offer to settle his claim. In doing so they fully accept that Sir Stelios did not lie about the matter."

The Claim was issued after Sir Stelios' complaint about the original adverts was met with a robust and public response from O'Leary and Ryanair. After challenging Sir Stelios to a race around Trafalgar Square or a Sumo Wrestling Competition to resolve the dispute, O'Leary and Ryanair have now agreed to pay damages, legal costs and undertake not to repeat the claim in addition to the public apologies.

Commenting on the settlement Sir Stelios said: "This was an unpleasant personal attack on me by a large public company, made worse by the way O'Leary responded to the legal complaints. I am pleased the law provides protection to individuals like me from unpleasant attacks on reputations from large corporations like Ryanair."

Schillings partner Rachel Atkins led the team representing Sir Stelios and was assisted by Chris Scott. Michael Bloch QC of Wilberforce Chambers and David Sherborne of 5RB were briefed.

Notes to Editors:
Case number: HQ10 D00565

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain's top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm's track-record in defamation, privacy law and copyright cases, as well as commercial dispute resolution and reputation management is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm's work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a "spectacularly efficient media law firm."

Access Legal solicitor moves from PA to clinical negligence lawyer in two countries

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:06:35 GMT

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has revealed that one of its clinical negligence specialists has been admitted as a solicitor - for the second time.

Kishma Small, already admitted as a solicitor in the UK, made it a double in her native British Virgin Islands (BVI) in the Caribbean. She is one of the first BVIslanders to complete a Legal Practice Course (LPC), and then remain in the UK to complete a legal training contract.

Kishma has just returned from a special ceremony in the Supreme Court in Road Town, Tortola - the largest of the islands which form the BVI archipelago - where she was required to make a formal speech. Her application to become a solicitor of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court had to be supported by a number of BVI senior legal practitioners for it to be successful. The ceremony was officiated by High Court Judge Her Ladyship Madam Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti. Kishma's application was presented by Helene Anne Lewis, senior partner at SimonetteLewis and supported by Colin Riegels, partner at Harney Westwood & Riegels.

Kishma said: "By 2001, I felt that it was time to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. I chose to study in the UK because I was confident that I would receive an excellent standard of education as well as gain valuable experience of life abroad, away from my tropical home.

"It was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make, especially as it meant leaving my friends and family, not to mention my country - but it was something I needed to do. I'm so grateful for this phenomenal opportunity - being admitted to practice in the BVI is quite literally a dream come true. I'm privileged to be able to do the job I love in my two favourite countries."

Richard Follis, partner and national head of clinical negligence at Shoosmiths said: "To be admitted once as a qualified solicitor shows real hard work; to be admitted twice is a fantastic achievement. We're incredibly proud of Kishma. She's set a wonderful example to both the team and the legal profession as a whole."

Kishma, originally from Tortola, had always aspired to become a lawyer. Just a few days after graduating from the British Virgin Islands High School with Honours, in 1996, she began work as a legal secretary at local general practice firm, J.S. Archibald & Co.

In 1997 she moved to Harney Westwood & Riegels' BVI-based office to work as a legal secretary in its corporate department, and then as a PA to the partner heading the mutual funds team. Here, she was given a rare opportunity to fly by Concorde to hand-deliver papers crucial to the conclusion of a multi-million dollar client transaction.

Kishma joined Shoosmiths as a legal secretary in 2006 after completing her LPC at the College of Law, Birmingham, in 2005. She qualified as a clinical negligence lawyer into Shoosmiths' medical negligence team in May 2009.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

About Access Legal from Shoosmiths:
Access Legal from Shoosmiths is the new consumer brand of top 30 national law firm Shoosmiths. From offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Nottingham, Reading and Southampton, Access Legal from Shoosmiths offers more than 100 services to individuals and their families, whether they are buying a house, claiming compensation for an injury or writing a will. Services are grouped under seven headings: conveyancing; employment law services; legal disputes; medical negligence; motor

Russell Jones and Walker welcome broad scope of 7/7 inquest

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:30:53 GMT

Russell Jones and Walker and the families of victims involved in the 7/7 inquest have welcomed the recent ruling made by Lady Justice Hallett that the activities and knowledge of MI5 and the Home Office in relation to the bombings will be included in the scope of her investigation.

James Carlton, partner at Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors who is representing ten of the families involved in the inquest stated:

"All the families involved are understandably devastated by their individual loss and want to find answers to the circumstances surrounding how their loved ones came to die. At the same time, all involved are concerned as to whether there were, or indeed are now, any steps that could have been taken to prevent these atrocities from occurring at the time or again in the future.

"The decision by Lady Justice Hallett to examine the actions of intelligence agencies in the scope of the inquest is a welcome inclusion for the victims' families."

National law firm Russell Jones & Walker, who specialise in all types of business crime and regulation matters including public inquiries, has been instructed by ten families of victims of the 7/7 bombings inquest which is expected to commence in October 2010.

Russell Jones and Walker are acting on behalf of victims who lost their lives at all four of the bombing sites and have been instructed by a mixture of parents, spouses and siblings bereaved of their loved ones during the bombings.

About Russell Jones & Walker’s Business Crime & Regulation Team
The Russell Jones & Walker Business Crime & Regulation Team, led by Rod Fletcher, is independently recognised as one of the leaders in this field. As a department they have been involved in a large number of recent high profile landmark cases involving major regulatory bodies including the SFO, FSA and HSE, along with most public inquiries conducted in the last decade including Arms to Iraq, Shipman Inquiry and Bloody Sunday.

The RJW business crime solicitors provide legal advice and representation in the following areas: Business Crime; FSA & Regulatory Investigations; Restraint & Confiscation; Fraud & Corruption investigations; Public Inquiries & Inquests; Corporate Compliance; Cross-border & International Investigations; Health, Safety & the Environment and The Bribery Act 2010.

The Business Crime & Regulation team are located nationwide.

For more information visit: www.rjw.co.uk/businesscrime

Access Legal makes first Manchester hire

Thu, 06 May 2010 16:34:42 GMT

Access Legal from Shoosmiths – national law firm Shoosmiths' consumer legal services brand – has made its first Manchester hire.

Partner and personal injury specialist Debra Woolfson becomes the first non-Lender Services Group employee at the Spinningfields office.

Her appointment comes two months after Shoosmiths announced it would go full service in Manchester, just a year after opening in the city in January 2009.

Partner and head of consumer services Judith Dorkins said: "Having said we'd go full service ahead of schedule many people expected appointments in other corporate areas, ones that would naturally complement our lender services offering.

"But when someone of Debra's calibre becomes available you're almost obliged to strike while the iron's hot, and if we're able to develop our personal injury work sooner rather than later then we'll do it. The opportunity presented itself and we've grabbed it with both hands."

Woolfson, who joins from Manchester's Pannone, has been running a varied caseload of personal injury claims, including amputation, fatal and non-fatal road traffic collision cases, disease claims, and professional negligence claims with a personal injury element.

She said: "I have strong business development skills, so to be able to join Shoosmiths at this exciting time is a perfect chance for me to help grow its presence here, and in an area that will also enable it to diversify its offering more quickly."

Access Legal from Shoosmith was launched on February 1 and offers more than 100 legal services to consumers under seven headings: conveyancing; employment law; personal injury; legal disputes; medical negligence; motoring; and wills, family and wealth. It is among corporate, commercial, commercial property, employment, restructuring and insolvency, and regulatory services that Shoosmiths aims to offer from its 3 Hardman Street base.

ENDS

About Access Legal
Access Legal from Shoosmiths is the new consumer brand of top 30 national law firm Shoosmiths. From offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Nottingham, Reading and Southampton, Access Legal from Shoosmiths offers more than 100 services to individuals and their families, whether they are buying a house, looking for a personal injury solicitor or writing a will. Services have been grouped under seven headings: conveyancing; employment law; legal disputes; medical negligence; asbestos claim; personal injury claims; and wills, family and wealth. Access Legal from Shoosmiths makes it easier for people to get specialist advice from legal professionals. Shoosmiths has more than 150 years' experience and advises household name corporate clients.

Schillings recommend key changes to privacy and reputation protection

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:42:17 GMT

Schillings, the leading law firm protecting the privacy and reputations of businesses and high-profile individuals, has released the findings of its recent research entitled - 'A private life in the public eye'. The research report sets out a 'Blueprint for change' to help people protect their privacy and reputation without compromising the vital principle of freedom of expression. The launch of the report coincides with the Government's DCMS Select Committee's comprehensive report into Press Standards, Privacy and Libel.

The overarching aim of the research was to discover what it means to be in the public eye today and where the line should be drawn to separate the part of a person's life that should remain private. The key areas of interest included: Attitudes towards privacy; Importance of legal measures; Due prominence of apologies; The effectiveness of the Press Complaints Commission; Dissatisfaction with press reporting; Prior notification and the future challenges facing reputation protection.

The research provides evidence that people are dissatisfied with the current position regarding reputation and privacy. The opinions of the audience presented in the report do not necessarily represent those of Schillings. An area of common ground is the view showing that whilst it is important to permit publication of matters that are genuinely in the public interest, too often reputations are damaged, and privacy invaded, by the publication of stories that are untrue, or where the main aim is to satisfy salacious curiosity about the lives of the rich and famous irrespective of the distress caused to them, their families and their friends.

Gideon Benaim, Partner at Schillings, who led the research project commented: "Schillings has been at the forefront of developing privacy law in this country and has set legal precedent providing everyone the right of protection in respect of their home life, their children and medical information, as well as other areas considered private. This means their private life should not be reported by the press unless it is truly a matter in the public interest. However, in some areas we find the media don't make the correct distinction between 'public interest' and 'of interest to the public' which are quite different concepts."

Schillings concluded that the aims of existing laws are sound. But in practice, they frequently fail to achieve a satisfactory balance between the public interest, the truth and privacy. The report recommends three key reforms to reputation laws under the proposal called the 'Blueprint for change'; each of which are supported by the recommendations in the DCMS report.

- The press should have to notify people before publishing stories that will seriously invade their privacy.
- It should be easier to obtain injunctions preventing the publication of untrue allegations.
- Introduce a pre-publication system to resolve disputes.

Senior Partner Keith Schilling commented: "There is currently widespread discussion in the media and within Parliament regarding privacy and libel reform, however this discussion has been heavily weighted in the media's interest. With the DCMS's report and our own research we are able to put forward the view that there needs to be an improvement in press standards. More importantly, the right we all have to a private life, as set out by our Supreme Court needs to be respected."

- END -

About Schillings
Schillings is one of Britain's top law firms dedicated to the reputation protection of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. T

Access Legal from Shoosmiths hooks up with biker group

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:28:32 GMT

Access Legal from Shoosmiths is to help the 50,000-strong Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) become the UK's leading consumer organisation for bikers, as the consumer legal services provider announces it has teamed-up with MAG to offer free legal advice to its members.

Comprising volunteers, MAG lobbies to protect motorcycling from legislation it believes threatens riders' pleasure; while its charitable arm - The MAG Foundation - promotes motorcycling through research, representation and collaboration.

Access legal from Shoosmiths is providing a dedicated 24/7 legal helpline to MAG members, their friends and family, offering free legal advice on a range of issues, including road traffic accidents.

Then, for every personal injury instruction received via MAG, Access Legal from Shoosmiths will donate £100 to the Foundation, while £50 will be donated for conveyancing instructions, £25 for motor defence, and £15 for wills.

Partner and head of consumer services at Access Legal, Judith Dorkins said: "Not only are we boosting funds for a worthwhile cause, we're also helping MAG members pursue their rights, have easy access to justice, understand the legal process, and make informed decisions.

"It's great example of our commitment to investing in the community."

MAG general secretary Nich Brown said: "MAG members know their right to ride is one of the most important things in life. Every day we're asked for advice on how to fight injustices by riders who've had a raw deal. This partnership means our members can quickly find expert legal advice of all kinds whenever they need it."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Access Legal
Access Legal from Shoosmiths is the new consumer brand of top 30 national law firm Shoosmiths. From offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Nottingham, Reading and Southampton, Access Legal from Shoosmiths offers more than 100 legal services to individuals and their families, whether they are buying a house, suffered from a motorbike accident, claiming compensation for an injury or writing a will. Services have been grouped under seven headings: conveyancing; employment law; legal disputes; medical negligence; motoring law; personal injury; and wills, family and wealth. Access Legal from Shoosmiths makes it easier for people to get specialist advice from legal professionals. Shoosmiths has more than 150 years' experience and advises household name corporate clients.

Access Legal calls for more help for Asbestos disease victims

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:31:21 GMT

Access Legal, consumer legal services provider from Shoosmiths, is calling for more to be done to help victims of mesothelioma, as it believes that not enough is being done to help sufferers of fatal asbestos-related diseases.

Access Legal wants to see more done to help victims of mesothelioma, an asbestos-linked cancer common in builders, plumbers, joiners, and teachers.

The call comes in the midst of a Health & Safety Executive awareness-raising campaign aimed at those workers most at risk. Sara Hunt, associate and asbestos specialist at Access legal from Shoosmiths, said: "With some people already hit by this creeping disease, and with many others potentially at risk, not a lot seems to be getting done.

"There are calls for government funding for a national centre for asbestos related diseases, and a 24,000-signature petition was presented to 10 Downing Street last year, but there’s been little positive reaction."

Hunt also believes Alimta - a drug that extends the life expectancy of mesothelioma sufferers - should remain available on the NHS. In 2007 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) said the drug was not cost effective. However, following successful lobbying that decision was overturned, and Alimta was made available on the NHS. Now, that decision in turn is being challenged.

Hunt said: "If that challenge succeeds, suffers will no longer have NHS access to Alimta.

"Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and sufferers often have a very short life expectancy. Is it right to deny them access to a drug that may extend their life?"

Asbestos was used extensively as a building, insulating and fireproof material, particularly from the 1950s to 1980s. People exposed as long ago as 40 years might only now be developing asbestos-related conditions.

Asbestos remains in around 500,000 UK buildings, with people exposed when asbestos is disturbed and asbestos fibres become airborne. It can also be disturbed by pushing drawing pins into walls, and it is thought a single drawing pin can release 6,000 fibres. Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to just one fibre.

Teaching unions are campaigning for asbestos to be removed from schools, after figures revealed 228 teachers died from asbestos-related diseases between 1991 and 2005.

Mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and is a fatal illness. It is one of the least researched of the UK’s top 20 cancers, despite claiming more than 2,000 lives each year in the UK. It is believed this figure will continue to rise, peaking in 2015.

ENDS

Notes to Editors
Access Legal from Shoosmiths is the new consumer brand of top 30 national law firm Shoosmiths. From offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Nottingham, Reading and Southampton, Access Legal from Shoosmiths offers more than 100 legal services services to individuals and their families, whether they are buying a house, claiming compensation for an injury, suffered an accidents at work, making an asbestos claim, or writing a will. Services have been grouped under seven headings: conveyancing; employment law; legal disputes; medical negligence; motoring law; personal injury; and wills, family and wealth. Access Legal from Shoosmiths makes it easier for people to get specialist advice from legal professionals. Shoosmiths has more than 150 years’ experience and advises household name corporate clients.

RJW investigates reports of failures at Staffordshire hospitals

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:38:44 GMT

RJW is currently investigating cases of negligence after a report by Robert Francis QC revealed a catalogue of failures at Mid Staffordshire hospitals. An obsession with hitting targets led to the neglect and unnecessary death of patients. In response, the Prime Minister said that managers would be held to account for failures by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

Francis warned that hospitals should understand that their excellence was not guaranteed by their star rating: what matters is the way patients are treated.

"The story of Stafford shows graphically, and sadly, that benchmarks, comparative ratings and foundation trust status do not in themselves bring to light serious and systematic failings," he said.

Relatives of patients at Mid Staffordshire were unhappy that the report failed to support calls by organisations such as AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents) for a public enquiry.

Paul Sankey, specialist clinical negligence solicitor and partner at Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) said: "What is needed is a patient-centred culture in which pursuing targets does not detract from care. Sadly patients are too often been the victims of errors which should have been avoided."

Russell Jones & Walker have a specialist team pursuing claims for people who have suffered serious harm as a result of avoidable medical accidents. They have recently recovered a 7-figure award for a brain injury claim on behalf of a man who suffered the injury after doctors failed to carry out a planned investigation and to prevent a stroke. They have also won compensation for the husband of a woman who died of skin cancer and another who died of lung cancer. Other cases concern people whose fractures were not diagnosed where the wrong tests were done or x-rays misinterpreted. They are currently involved in claims against the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

RJW has a specialist medical negligence claims department with experts accredited by the Law Society and AvMA who handle claims for damages arising from clinical negligence. With its network of offices across the country RJW can assist with claims nationwide.

About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firms foundation in the 1920s the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.

RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury claims work to commercial and criminal litigation, defamation, reputation management, clinical negligence, including cancer claims, as well as providing specialties as employment lawyers and fraud lawyers.

Russell Jones & Walker wins claim against London's oldest gay pub

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:33:41 GMT

Russell Jones & Walker has won a claim of adopting 'an anti-gay policy' against the new owners of London's oldest gay pub on behalf of Mr Charles Lisboa, 41, who joined the Coleherne Arms as Assistant Manager shortly before it re-opened as the Pembroke Arms in December 2008.

The pub, regarded as London's first 'gay pub', had attracted an exclusively gay clientele until its acquisition by Realpubs in 2008. The new owners stated that they intended to refurbish the pub and re-package it as a gastro-pub, to attract patrons from a wider section of the community.

However, soon after the pub re-opened as the Pembroke Arms, Malcolm Heap, Director at Realpubs, expressed concern to staff that the clientele had not really changed. The Tribunal accepted that Mr Heap, along with Jimmy Sydney, the pub's General Manager, took various steps to 'de-gay' the pub, including putting a sign up outside proclaiming, 'This is not a gay pub'.

Mr Heap also stressed in an email to one of Realpub's investors that he was attempting to ban the pub's 'over the top' customers.

Mr Lisboa was uncomfortable with the stance taken by Realpubs' management regarding their attitude to him and the pub's gay customers. On one occasion, Mr Lisboa was asked by Mr Heap to reprimand a gay couple for their behaviour, referring to them as 'queens'. Mr Heap then went on to say that Mr Lisboa was 'another kind of gay'. On a separate occasion, Mr Heap stated that one of Mr Lisboa's colleague's 'walked too camp'.

Only four weeks after joining the Pembroke Arms Mr Lisboa tendered his resignation due to sexual orientation discrimination.

The London Central Employment Tribunal has upheld Mr Lisboa's claim that he was the victim of discrimination at work and awarded him compensation. However, his claim of constructive dismissal was deemed unsuccessful.

Paul Daniels, partner in the award-winning Employment Law Team at Russell Jones & Walker, who acted for Mr Lisboa, said:

"This landmark decision confirms that an establishment that wishes to change from serving a mainly gay clientele to a mixed clientele, must not do so in a way that discriminates against gay clients. The decision also serves as a stark warning to any employer who tolerates abuse and prejudice against gay staff or customers."

Mr Lisboa stated:
"I am delighted to have won my case and to have exposed the discriminatory and anti-gay actions of RealPubs.

No-one should have to put up with repeated abuse and prejudice in the workplace. That is why I brought my case. However, I do not understand how the tribunal found that I had been the victim of a repeated pattern of discriminatory treatment and yet decided I was not entitled to resign in response."

Mr Daniels concluded:
"In this case, the tribunal accepted that numerous abusive comments were made by Realpubs managers referring to gay customers as 'queens' and accusing someone of being 'too camp' and that this amounted to unlawful sexual orientation discrimination against a gay employee.

It is, however, disappointing and very surprising that the tribunal saw fit to conclude that our client was not constructively dismissed following the discriminatory treatment and abusive remarks the tribunal unanimously found he had been subjected to. We are closely studying an appeal on that point."

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:
Case number: 609803.1

About Russell Jones & Walker:
Russell Jones & Walker employs over 400 staff (with 181 lawyers) and is renowned as the leading national firm of solicitors in protecti

Keith Schilling appearing at Cambridge Union to debate press freedom

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:19:48 GMT

Schillings, the UK law firm dedicated to protecting the reputations of international corporations, brands and high-profile individuals, will be taking part in a Cambridge Union debate on press freedom.

Keith Schilling, one of Britain's most sought after lawyers for his work in defamation and privacy, joins Max Mosley and James Price QC to complete a line-up of experts in what promises to be a thought provoking debate on the motion - 'This house believes the British press has too much freedom'.

Opposing the motion will be David Leigh, Investigations Editor at the Guardian, author, Tom Bower, and Alex Thomsom, Channel 4 News Correspondent.

The Cambridge Union Society is the oldest and most prestigious student debating society in the world. Founded in 1815, it has welcomed speakers from across the world and across generations. From Prime Ministers to archbishops, from generals to Presidents, the Society has hosted giants from all walks of life.

The Cambridge Union is well known for its contentious debates with high profile figures who are asked to passionately defend what they believe in. The panel open themselves to discussion with union members on contemporary issues that often reflect what's going on in the media.

Preparing for the debate Keith Schilling said: "I am really looking forward to debating this important and topical issue, particularly in such auspicious premises. Whilst freedom of expression is fundamental to any democracy, there are insufficient checks on the media's freedom which can result in significant and often irreparable harm."

The debate will take place at 8pm on Thursday 21st January at the Union building in Cambridge.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain's top media law firms dedicated to reputation protection and safeguarding the rights of international corporations and brands, high-profile business people and those in the public eye. The firm's 25 year track-record in defamation, privacy law and copyright cases together with family law, matrimonial and commercial dispute resolution is second to none, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a "spectacularly efficient media law firm".

Schillings clients include entertainer Madonna, supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Kate Winslet, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, international footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Schillings Academy welcomes Professor Gavin Phillipson

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:22:22 GMT

Schillings, the leading law firm protecting the privacy and reputations of corporates and high-profile individuals, has announced that privacy and freedom of expression expert, Professor Gavin Phillipson will join as a tutor at the Schillings Academy.

Professor Gavin Phillipson will deliver the Advanced Privacy module over four months, covering topics including the philosophical values that underlie the notion of privacy as a fundamental right. He will also be covering comparative perspectives on privacy and freedom of speech.

A Professor at Durham Law School and a Senior Fellow at Melbourne University's Centre for Media and Communications Law, Professor Gavin Phillipson is regarded as a leading expert on privacy. Mr Justice Eady recently recommended that attendees read Professor Phillipson's recent article entitled 'Max Mosley Goes to Strasbourg' whilst speaking at a law conference in December 2009. Professor Phillipson is the author of several leading articles on civil liberties and the Human Rights Act, as well as co-author of two books and co-editor of a leading edited collection. His most important contribution has been in the area of the development of a common law right to privacy on which he has published several influential articles.

Speaking about his involvement with the Schillings Academy, Professor Gavin Phillipson said: "I am delighted to be invited to be part of this remarkable programme of development and am looking forward to working with some of the leading lawyers in the field of privacy. I'm particularly looking forward to exploring, in discussion during the Academy, some of the opposing arguments to those professionally advanced by claimant lawyers such as Schillings."

Keith Schilling said: "It is a testament to the high quality of education the Schillings Academy is delivering that we have attracted such a well respected lecturer in privacy and freedom of expression to join our programme. The skills and specialist knowledge we are delivering through the Schillings Academy enable us to have the most talented, experienced and qualified solicitors practicing libel and privacy law."

Keith also said: "We have continued to recruit solicitors whilst many other firms have had to downsize their businesses recently. The Schillings Academy is providing all our talent a unique programme and encouraging the very best to join our growing Firm, in addition to retaining our existing exceptional people."

- END -

Notes to Editors:
About Professor Gavin Phillipson:
He is author of several recent leading articles on civil liberties and the Human Rights Act (HRA). His 'Transforming Breach of Confidence? Towards a common law right to privacy under the Human Rights Act' (2003) 66(5) Modern Law Review 726, has been cited with approval by the House of Lords in Naomi Campbell v Mirror Group Newspapers (2004), by the New Zealand Court of Appeal in Hoskings v Runtings (2004) and by the UK Court of Appeal in Douglas and Zeta-Jones v Hello! (2005).

His analysis of Strasbourg case law in his book Media Freedom under the Human Rights Act (2006), (co-author Helen Fenwick) has been used by the Court of Appeal in the important decision in McKennit v Ash 2006] EWCA Civ 1714.

About The Schillings Academy:
The Schillings Academy was launched in June 2009 to celebrate the Firm's 25th anniversary and is an advanced and unique course providing unparalleled training to solicitors at the firm.

The four main components of Schillings Academy for qualified lawyers will be advanced modules on defamation; privacy and confidence; advocacy and related reputation management and protection laws.

About Schillings:

Russell Jones & Walker in Sour Grapes libel victory against Random House

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:46:30 GMT

Leading libel and defamation law firm, Russell Jones & Walker, has won a libel victory against publishers Random House on behalf of internationally renowned wine connoisseur Michael Broadbent, who was from 1966 until 1992 the head of Christie's wine department.

The libel action centred on the book The Billionaire's Vinegar, the subject of which was the provenance of a number of bottles of wine said to have been owned by Thomas Jefferson. The book made allegations which suggested that Mr Broadbent had behaved in an unprofessional manner in the way in which he had auctioned some of these bottles and that his relationship and dealings with Hardy Rodenstock, who discovered the original collection, was suspected of being improper.

In a statement read out in open court, Random House apologised unreservedly for making the allegations and accepted that they were untrue. It has given an undertaking not to repeat the allegations and paid Mr Broadbent undisclosed damages.

Commenting on the settlement Sarah Webb, head of Russell Jones & Walker's Defamation department who acted for Mr Broadbent said:

"The Billionaire's Vinegar made highly damaging claims about my client that seriously compromised both his professional and personal reputation. We are delighted that Random House has today accepted that these allegations are totally without foundation and avoided the need to proceed to a full trial. My client is relieved that the good name he has built up over many years as one of the country's leading wine experts has been fully restored."

Notes to editors
Case number: 606990.1

RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury claims work to commercial and criminal litigation, defamation, reputation management, clinical negligence to family law, as well as providing specialties as employment lawyers and fraud lawyers.

Shillings win apology and damages for Olivier Martinez from The Sun

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:36:27 GMT

Oliver Martinez, represented by London law firm Schillings and Paris law firm Asmar & Assayag has won his libel action against The Sun, at the High Court in London, following the publication of false allegations that Mr. Martinez cheated on Kylie Minogue during their relationship.

On 26 November 2007, The Sun published an article under the headline "Kylie 'still loves' ex Martinez" which contained the defamatory and untrue allegation that Mr Martinez had cheated on Kylie Minogue. In order to vindicate his reputation Mr. Martinez issued libel proceedings against News Group Newspapers Limited in relation to the article.

A representative of Schillings said that: "This false allegation has caused Mr. Martinez considerable embarrassment and distress."

They also said that: "Mr. Martinez is glad that The Sun has accepted that the allegations are false and that the article should never have been published at all".

In the High Court in London The Sun newspaper apologised to Mr. Martinez, agreed to publish an apology in the newspaper and to pay damages and legal costs.

The Sun's lawyer said: "The Defendant sincerely apologises to the Claimant for the distress and embarrassment this article has caused. It accepts that the allegations are untrue and ought never to have been published."

- END -

Notes to editors:
Case number: HQ08X02862

About Schillings, solicitors to Olivier Martinez:
Schillings is one of Britain's top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm's track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases, as well as commercial dispute resolution is second to none.

Defamation privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm's work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a "spectacularly efficient media law firm."

Schillings clients include the recording artist Madonna, supermodel Naomi Campbell, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Schillings to participate on the panel session at the 2009 Reputation Conference

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:18:58 GMT

Schillings, the leading law firm protecting individual and corporate reputations, will be taking part in a panel discussion, chaired by Dr Kevin Money Associate Professor and Director of the John Madejski Centre for Reputation, at the 2009 Reputation Conference.

Keith Schilling is Senior Partner and Co-Founder of Schillings and is a Solicitor-Advocate. He is one of the most sought after reputation management lawyers in Britain due to his work in defamation and privacy and in 2008 he was placed 10th in the Times list of the 100 most powerful and influential lawyers in England for his work in achieving a number of landmark decisions in privacy law. He has helped to protect the reputations of film, sports and entertainment stars as well as international corporations and business executives.

Keith Schilling, joins a panel of experts in protecting reputations to answer the question 'Future avenues for building reputation. Where do we go from here?' The panel will close the conference with a review of the learnings from the day and discuss how organisations should prepare themselves for the future challenges in managing reputations and corporate responsibility.

As a new decade approaches, the conference will examine the challenges of managing reputation and relationships in times of organisational change and will consider the lessons learnt from recent corporate scandals in the management of reputation.

Through the course of the programme the speakers, including Willie Walsh Chief Executive of British Airways and the Right Honourable Michael Portillo, aim to answer a series of questions on the key social and business trends impacting on organisational reputations, the role of corporate responsibility in promoting reputations and how companies should plan for the future in terms of building reputations and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders.

The Reputation Conference, organised by The John Madejski Centre for Reputation, will take place on Tuesday 13 October at Henley Business School and is in association with PR Week.

- END -

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain's top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm's track-record in defamation, privacy law and copyright cases, as well as commercial litigation is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm's work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a "spectacularly efficient media law firm".

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

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