General News

3PB has issued an urgent briefing to its insolvency clients and contacts about a new Temporary Insolvency Practice Direction (TIPD) which has been introduced to provide sensible solutions for court users during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This means continued absence of court appearances in person.

3PB Barrister Philip Bambagiotti takes a contrary view to the new group-think which seems to reach for ‘force majeure’ as the first answer to the challenge to performance of existing contracts posed by the Covid-19 crisis. Click here to read Philip’s analysis. Philip Bambagiotti is an experienced barrister at the NSW Bar in Australia and at the Bar in England and Wales practising in commercial law with a focus on building & construction, infrastructure, property...

New UK network Women in Family Law (WiFL) is drawing attention to the plight of people forced to stay at home with an abusive partner because of the coronavirus lockdown.

3PB Barristers has launched a Remote Access FDR (Financial Dispute Resolution) Court Room service for its family solicitors and lay clients. The chambers has helpfully produced a 4-minute video to explain its new service.   The set, which has long delivered FDRs in person, is now offering a ‘digital court room’ for family finance disputes with separate conference rooms for the parties and their teams; a separate “chat corridor” for counsel only; and access for...

3PB property barrister Charles Irvine has successfully acted for Seaton House School, named Independent Preparatory School of the Year in 2018, at the recent trial of Carshalton Beeches Bowling Club Limited v Seaton House School Limited at the County Court at Central London. During a 3 day trial, Charles successfully represented the Defendant in a claim brought for a business lease renewal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and a claim under proprietary estoppel. The bowling club sought...

3PB’s commercial and chancery barrister Joseph Giret QC is volunteering his time to the charity Blood Bikes SERV OBN, delivering crucial blood supplies to NHS Hospitals in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire. This service by emergency bike rider volunteers is a nationwide service - provided by unpaid volunteers to help out the NHS, such as Joseph, who is already an active member – delivers emergency supplies of blood to hospitals overnight. Volunteers are experienced, highly trained...

Further details about the ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ have been announced by the government, outlining how the scheme will operate, and who will be eligible. Many businesses will now be considering what, if any, legal implications there may be in respect of how the furloughing process works. Click here to read Sarah Clarke's analysis for Business West. Sarah Clarke is a barrister specialising in employment law at 3PB Barristers, based in Bristol.

Georgina Dietrich, a pupil barrister at 3PB, writes about the practical and legal challenges facing those working in the construction sector during the current pandemic.

Government guidance on vulnerable children published today (22 March). Children with EHCPs will *not* automatically receive a school place - their eligibility will be subject to risk assessment.

3PB Pupil Barrister Mariya Peykova writes about the Coronavirus Bill 2020 and the powers of government to manage individuals infected with Covid-19: how will it affect those who fall ill?

3PB Education and public law barrister Matthew Wyard examines the impact of the new Coronavirus Bill on the independent education sector and uncovers some unexpected roles and demands on private schools. Click here to read Matthew's analysis. Matthew Wyard has practised in the field of education law for 8 years and is happy to represent any party in educational disputes. He is currently writing for the forthcoming, inaugural edition of the new Education Law Handbook...

Charlotte Hadfield's brief(ish) introduction to temporary closure directions and temporary continuity directions, with a review of how special educational provision may operate if the Coronavirus Bill is enacted in its current form.