Issue: Vol 159, Issue 7391

R (on the application of Equitable Members Action Group) v HM Treasury and others [2009] EWHC 2495 (Admin), [2009] All ER (D) 163 (Oct)

Unprecedented difficulties faced many firms during this season’s round of insurance renewal. Yes, they were mainly small firms, but some larger firms had problems too, and it may not be long before even large international firms start feeling the pressure too.

Piracy has always had a spurious glamour. Since the 17th century no case has appeared in Europe. The “Brethren of the Coast” had effectively been controlled even in the Caribbean. However the saga of the Arctic Star, which disappeared at the end of July, has proved more surreal than the Hollywood film, Pirates of the Caribbean.

Heather Platt provides an update on stress related case law

Elliot Gold discusses the scenario of dismissal resulting from a request by a third party

Dorothea Gartland analyses the concept of significant harm

Tony Walton charts the milestones on the road to fixing fees

While seeing into the future is not yet expected of property lawyers, advising as to future risk is, says James Naylor

What happens when migrants can’t pay for treatment? asks Adam Hundt

Jonathan Pratt provides a statistical analysis of recent trends in City litigation