United Kingdom: Court Procedure

The commercial value of sport has surged in recent years, bringing with it a sharp rise in legal disputes across the sector. From high-stakes broadcasting deals and sponsorship arrangements to complex investment structures and evolving regulatory frameworks, the landscape has become increasingly contentious. Since 2020, sports-related litigation in English courts has increased more than sixfold, with football leading the charge alongside motorsport, horse racing, and other major sports.

The Family Justice Council's May 2025 guidance addresses the increasingly common practice of making covert recordings in family proceedings involving children. While smartphones have made secret recording easier than ever, the legal and welfare implications of using such evidence in court are complex and potentially serious. Understanding when recordings may be admissible, and when they might actually harm your case, is crucial for anyone involved in family proceedings.

A joint venture sought an injunction to prevent a beneficiary from calling on a US$484 million performance guarantee, arguing the liquidated damages clause was an unenforceable penalty and the demand was non-compliant. The court examined whether injunctive relief could be granted to suspend a bond call pending arbitration, and what standard of proof applies when challenging such demands on contractual grounds.

Legal teams in England and Wales often overlook the strategic value of interlocutory applications during litigation. This practical guide outlines ten essential principles for maximizing the success of interim applications, from thinking like a judge to addressing the CPR's Overriding Objective, while explaining why lawyers should be more proactive in utilizing the full procedural toolkit available under the Civil Procedure Rules.

Gatehouse Chambers' Personal Injury Team has been shortlisted for Personal Injury Set of the Year at the Legal 500 Bar Awards, reflecting the team's continued growth and excellence in advocacy. This newsletter edition features practical guidance on interlocutory applications, analysis of recent Court of Appeal decisions on workplace safety rights and public authority liability, and updates on team appointments and client events.

When a vessel sale falls through due to a seller's negligence in missing the cancellation deadline, can the buyer recover the full value of their lost bargain? The UK Supreme Court's landmark decision in Lila Lisbon addresses this critical question under the widely-used Norwegian SALEFORM 2012 contract, potentially reshaping damages claims across international shipping transactions.

Tenants across Birmingham and the Midlands face the frightening reality of being locked out of their homes without warning or legal process. When landlords change locks, remove belongings, or disconnect utilities to force tenants out, they may be committing criminal offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, yet many victims don't realize they have legal recourse to reclaim their homes and seek substantial compensation.

It is a truism in business administration that almost all business entities – right from the small sole trader through to the multinational corporation – need to devote considerable time to generating new business as well as effectively servicing existing client needs. Those elements work in tandem, to help grow the business and to then maintain that customer base.

The International Chamber of Commerce has introduced its 2026 Rules of Arbitration, bringing significant procedural changes to enhance efficiency and clarity in ICC arbitrations. Key amendments include making Terms of Reference optional, introducing Highly Expedited Arbitration Provisions, and codifying established practices around arbitrator disclosure and early determination procedures. These changes reflect the evolution of international arbitration practice and align ICC procedures with other leading ar