
INSIGHTS
Looking for something specific?
Disclosure in the Digital Age – Reforming the System for a New Era of Digital Complexity
As digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in every aspect of life, the UK's criminal justice system faces growing challenges in managing the vast amounts of digital evidence emerging in modern investigations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in fraud offences, which are becoming more sophisticated, data-heavy, and international in scope. In response to these issues, the UK government commissioned Jonathan Fisher KC to lead a comprehensive review of current disclosure laws, resulting in the report Disclosure in the Digital Age: Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences. The report offers key insights and recommendations on how to modernise the legal framework to make it fit for a digital-first world.
Copyright in Business: What You Own, What You Don’t, and Why It Matters
In a world where content is created, shared, and monetised at the click of a button, copyright is one of the most important legal tools available to protect your business’s creative assets. Yet despite its significance, copyright remains one of the most misunderstood areas of law, particularly when it comes to ownership.
Whether you are commissioning a brand identity, publishing marketing materials, or developing digital platforms, it is critical to understand your rights—and your risks.
Share Sale vs Asset Sale: Which Is Right When Selling Your Business?
When selling a business, one of the most important decisions owners must make is whether to sell the company's shares or its assets. While both methods can achieve a successful transfer, they carry very different legal, financial, and tax implications. Understanding these differences is essential for both sellers and buyers to avoid future disputes and ensure a smooth transition.
Surviving a Gambling Commission Licence Review: A Guide for Operators
Running a gambling business comes with significant regulatory responsibilities. A licence review by the Gambling Commission is not just an administrative hurdle—it can have serious consequences for your business, from financial penalties to potential licence suspension. If you’re facing a review, it’s crucial to approach the process with diligence, strategy, and a clear understanding of your obligations.
AI in Arbitration: New Guidelines for a Tech-Driven Future
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) recently published its "Guideline on the Use of AI in Arbitration (2025)" (the ‘Ciarb AI Guideline’).
The Ciarb AI Guideline provides practical guidance to practitioners and other participants in dispute resolution processes who wish to benefit from the responsible use of artificial intelligence (‘AI’).
This initiative reflects the Ciarb's commitment to embracing technological advancements while maintaining the integrity and fairness of the arbitration process.
Duty to Warn, Following Instructions, and the Defective Premises Act 1972
Section 1(1) of the Defective Premises Act 1972 (DPA) provides that a person who takes on work in providing a dwelling must ensure it is done “in a workmanlike or professional manner” and that the result is “fit for habitation.” The DPA can extend liability for defective workmanship beyond the typical six or twelve-year limitation periods - sometimes up to 30 years. As a result, contractors (and other construction professionals) (“Relevant Persons” for the purposes of this article) may face claims long after they would ordinarily be time-barred.
Introduction to Construction Law Principles
Construction law encompasses a complex framework of legal principles governing procurement methods, contractual obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms within the construction industry. The choice of procurement strategy—whether traditional contracting, design and build, or a hybrid approach—significantly impacts risk distribution, project control, and cost management. Additionally, contractual provisions governing timelines, payment structures, and adjudication play a crucial role in mitigating disputes and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Understanding these principles is essential for employers, contractors, and legal professionals to navigate the complexities of project execution while mitigating potential conflicts.
New Code of Practice for Software Vendors: Legal Considerations and Potential Risks
The government has introduced the Code of Practice for Software Vendors, which seeks to establish clear expectations for software providers and encourage best practices in security and risk management. While the Code is currently voluntary, it represents an important step towards improving software security standards and shaping future regulatory approaches.
Building Safety Levy 2025: Legal Considerations for English Developers
Building safety has become a central concern in England following high-profile failures that have exposed weaknesses in construction regulation. In response, the government has implemented the Building Safety Levy, a mandatory financial contribution from developers intended to fund the remediation of unsafe buildings. This Levy, set to take effect in September 2025, forms part of the Building Safety Act 2022 and is a fundamental shift in how the construction industry bears responsibility for past and future building safety issues.
The Statutory Gambling Levy: A Step Towards Better Consumer Protection
In recent years, the United Kingdom has faced increasing concerns over the social and financial costs of gambling-related harms. The growing popularity of online gambling, coupled with the accessibility of high-stakes gaming, has raised alarms about its impact on vulnerable individuals. As part of its commitment to addressing these concerns, a new measure has been introduced - the statutory gambling levy.
Mandatory ADR in Action: Ringing the Changes
Following recent amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), two recent cases illustrate the way in which courts are using these new powers to bring the benefits of ADR to bear at different stages of court proceedings and facilitate efficient dispute resolution.
International Mentoring Day 2025: Interview with Chira Santea, Trainee Solicitor
It's International Mentoring Day! We sat down with our trainee Chira Santea to learn more about her legal journey so far, what it's like being mentored, what's she's learned so far as a trainee and much more.
Legal Update: Recent Case Law and The Continued Rise of ADR
Julian Critchlow examines recent developments in the law and practice of ADR, outlining its implications for parties to disputes, and investigate the implications of recent relevant changes to the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).
Impact of Russian Sanctions on International Arbitration
A background to the practical and legal problems that UK-based entities may face when engaging in international arbitration with sanctioned Russian parties.
A Helpful Guide to Adjudication for Contractors
This guide aims to provide contractors and subcontractors with a practical overview of adjudication to assist them in navigating the process in the event of a dispute.
The Benefits of Operating as a White Label Partner in the Gambling Industry
The gambling industry has undergone significant change in recent years, driven largely by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences and regulatory changes. A notable development within this sector is the rise of white labels, which have become a vital component of the industry with around 750 active ‘white label’ arrangements according to last year’s Whitepaper. In such a fast-paced industry, white labels are becoming a more beneficial option for operators seeking entry into the market.
Assignment Clauses in Contracts: What You Need to Know for Business Success
Understanding the significance of assignment clauses in contracts is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. While they may often appear as standard provisions, their impact on the control and protection of benefits cannot be underestimated. Without an assignment clause, you risk the possibility that the other party can freely assign their benefits without your consent.
Costigan King Ranked in Legal500 2024 Guide
We are pleased to announce that we have maintained our ranking in Legal500 for Commercial Litigation, and Gaming & Betting!
Legal500 is a globally recognised legal directory providing annual rankings of the teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel in various practice areas. Their research is based on feedback from client referees, submissions from law firms, interviews with leading lawyers, and a team of experienced researchers.
Understanding The Impact Of The Gambling Commission White Paper And What It Means For You
In December 2020, the Government launched its review of existing gambling legislation, the result of which was the whitepaper published in earlier this year. Arianne King breaks down the impact this may have on the industry.
UK Signs the Singapore Convention
On 3 May 2023 the UK became the 56th State to sign the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, known as the ‘Singapore Convention on Mediation’ (Signapore Convention).