Fallout

A CONFERENCE HOSTED BY OUR DISPUTE RESOLUTION TEAM

WEDNESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2024

ABOUT ‘FALLOUT’

Join us this November for “Fallout” – a seasonal update on key areas in dispute resolution

At this half day conference, you will hear from members of our team, along with some fantastic guest speakers, to complement our agenda The conference will provide you with essential legal updates and information in key commercial areas; give you an opportunity to discuss your thoughts and to raise your questions; and afford you an occasion to meet our team and to get to know us better. We will also have an interactive panel session where you will be able to raise topics and interact with our speakers.

Please see below for more details including the full itinerary and our location information. We very much hope you are able to join us.

9.30 - 10.00

10.00 - 10.50

10.50 - 11.10

11.10 - 12.00

12.00 - 13.00

13.00 - 14.00

'The main issues influencing the management of disputes today' Breakout sessions

Coffee break Breakout sessions

Panel discussion - 'Ethical dilemmas: for directors and professionals'

MAIN ADDRESS

Fallout - The main issues influencing the management of disputes today

The last year or so has seen several key judgments and changes to legislation that mean proper management of civil disputes is more important than ever We discuss how businesses should respond to:

•

Extended fixed recoverable costs

Compulsory non-contentious & negotiated dispute resolution after Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil

•

Part 36 offers – forcing unhappy settlements?

Litigation funding – legislation needed after PACCAR

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

• An opportunity to attend TWO of the following interactive sessions.

1. Learning lessons from some recent contractual disputes

There are always lessons to be learned from contractual disputes What are the frequent pitfalls and how can we do things better? Some recent cases will provide some context For example, we will look at

•

SMIT Salvage BV v Luster Maritime SA [2024] EWCA Civ 260

Negotiating a contract under pressure or in great haste can have costly results. How can similar pitfalls be avoided in demanding situations?

We will also look at other common contractual issues, focusing on the age-old question: “what is the contract?”

2. Corporate and shareholder disputes, including unfair prejudice case updates

We consider some of the recent significant unfair prejudice cases in which the courts occasionally appear to broaden the remedy’s scope, but at other times reinforce the importance of equitable protection

Does limitation apply to unfair prejudice claims?

• Unfair prejudice and derivative claims: available in the same action?

• Do directors have a duty to be green?

3. Generative AI, digital disputes and the law

The UK has taken the general view that our existing law is sufficient to manage issues arising with digital disputes of all kinds. We therefore watch intently all judgments related to generative AI and the digital economy Of particular interest are cases relating to the infringement of intellectual property rights We discuss several recent decisions in this session

Infringing trade marks in online selling across jurisdictions •

The danger of deepfakes •

PANEL DISCUSSION

Ethical dilemmas: for directors and professionals

What have the Post Office Scandal, Sequana, BHS and other recent cases taught us about the obligations of directors and professionals today?

The Post Office Scandal highlighted the ethical dilemmas faced by in-house lawyers responsible for supporting and advising their organisations, but who may be aware of improper practices Similarly, the duties of directors to their companies may appear to conflict with their duties to shareholders or other stakeholders such as creditors or the wider society

Our panel discusses these issues, including recent case law, and examines how counsel, directors and other professionals may manage them

KEY INFORMATION

When booking your place, please be sure to choose which breakout sessions you would like to attend. Please note places at each are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If the breakout you choose is full we will put you in the other one.

If you have any queries, please email: events@wrighthassall.co.uk

Date: Wednesday 20th November 2024

Time: 9.00 - 14.00

Location: Wright Hassall, Olympus Ave, Royal Leamington Spa CV34 6BF

If you would like to join us at this conference, please click here to book

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Nathan Talbott

Partner, Wright Hassall

Nathan is a ranked solicitor, with a wide range of experience in commercial and contractual disputes He has particular expertise in financial and tax matters, and high-value corporate disputes. Nathan also leads our Commercial Litigation team.

PJ Kirby KC

Gatehouse Chambers

PJ has over 40 years’ experience in the law as a solicitor, barrister, KC and judge. He has appeared in courts and tribunals throughout the country including the Supreme Court He specialises in funding, costs and commercial work His many years sitting as a judge gives him expert insight into the main issues influencing the management of disputes.

Dr. Inez Brown

Regional Chair IoD Central, IoD

Inez is the Regional Chair of the Institute of Directors. In her role, Inez oversees a network of 7 branch chairs, guiding members through the intricacies of corporate governance. Her proactive engagement reflects a commitment to fostering best practices and exceeding the potential of businesses under her purview.

Tessa McInnes

Senior Lawyer, National Grid

Tessa's career started in public sector housing development and regeneration Qualifying as a solicitor in 2008, with Wragge & Co, now Gowling WLG She went on to join Alstom, before moving into the financial services industry as a general commercial lawyer. Tessa then joined GXO, before joining the leadership team of National Grid’s legal function.

Rhys Jarman

Partner, Wright Hassall

Rhys heads up our IP, Technology and Manufacturing Disputes team He has extensive experience in dealing with commercial contract disputes particularly those involving intellectual property rights and technology disputes.

Iain Colville

Partner, Wright Hassall

Iain is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer, who specialises in matters involving innovation and technology He is recognised for his intellectual property advice and his representations in a variety of complex and specialist contract cases.

Luke Moulton

Partner, Wright Hassall

Luke specialises in complex commercial disputes and intellectual property litigation, with particular experience in the advanced manufacturing, media and entertainment and technology sectors.

Parminder Takhar

Senior Associate, Wright Hassall

Parminder specialises in advising on contractual disputes and corporate disputes, especially those relating to director, shareholder, and partnership disagreements.

Ann Critchell-Ward

Partner, Wright Hassall

Ann has worked both in practice and as in-house counsel for UK and international companies. She has operated in both legal and business functions. She has recently been appointed as a partner at Wright Hassall, heading up the Commercial Team.