The ‘without prejudice‘ rule: A sacred right?

The Royal Court of Guernsey has dismissed an application to admit privileged communications. Joseph de Lacey discusses ‘In order to test the decision-making process, D applied for disclosure of documents evidencing the decision and the decision-making process, permission to adduce expert evidence as to the trusts‘ value, and permission to cross-examine the trustees.‘ The Royal …
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Davidson v Seelig [2016] EWHC 549 (Ch)

Wills & Trusts Law Reports | May 2016 #159

Two settlements known as the Manny and Brigitta Davidson settlements were established by Manny and Brigitta Davidson in 1967 upon broad discretionary trusts, with UK resident trustees. Manny and Brigitta had two children, Maxine and Gerald, born in 1958 and 1961 respectively. The settlements were in identical terms. There was an 80 year perpetuity period, and the appointed day was defined as three days before its expire. The specified class of discretionary beneficiaries included the settlors’ children and remoter issue, their spouses and other family members. Their combined value ...

Settlement Discussions: EAT aims to end dispute over without prejudice rule

A recent ruling has provided welcome clarification of when pre-termination negotiations should remain privileged, report Johanna Johnson and Ronan O’Reilly ‘There are eight recognised exceptions to the application of the without prejudice rule, which were set out by Robert Walker LJ in Unilever plc v The Procter & Gamble Co [2000].’ The ‘without prejudice’ privilege …
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Swain Mason & anr v Mills & Reeve [2012] EWCA Civ 498

Wills & Trusts Law Reports | December 2012 #125

The claimants appealed from Arnold J’s decision to dismiss their claim in professional negligence brought against the defendant firm of solicitors. The defendant cross appealed against the judge’s order that the claimants’ pay 50% of the defendant’s costs.

Mr Christopher Swain owned 72.4% of the shares in Swains International plc. By 2006, Mr Swain had withdrawn from full-time management and spent most of his time in Thailand. Mr Swain had a history of ill health, including diabetes and heart disease. Each of his four daughters (who, together with Mr Swain...

Discrimination Law: Claims by equity partners

Employment tribunals are increasingly having to resolve discrimination claims brought against partnerships. Suzanne McKie and Laura Bell look at the key issues ‘When seeking to resolve disputes within a partnership structure, it is common to have informal “without-prejudice chats” between partners to keep disputes low-key.’It is fair to say that equity partners are becoming increasingly …
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