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Supreme Court resolves key construction and professional negligence issues in URS Corp Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd

Published on 09 Jul 2025. By Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer and Ben Goodier, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner

The Supreme Court handed down its keenly awaited judgment in URS Corp Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd [2025] UKSC 21 on 21 May 2025. The dispute concerns whether a developer (BDW Trading Ltd) can recover the cost of remedying allegedly dangerous defects in two residential developments from the structural engineers (URS Corporation Ltd) responsible for their design. Our specialist construction insurance team consider the key points for insurers, brokers and professional consultants.

Lawyers Covered - June 2025

Published on 30 Jun 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Sarah Herniman, Associate and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Victoria Lawman, Trainee Solicitor and Oliver Clarke, Trainee Solicitor

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - May 2025

Published on 30 May 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Helen Kerr, Senior Associate and Karl Shortman, Associate and Laura Sponti, Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - April 2025

Published on 30 Apr 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered: March 2025

Published on 01 Apr 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - February 2025

Published on 26 Feb 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our February 2025 edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

New developments in AI may put law firms at greater risk of phishing fraud

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group

As the computing power of Artificial Intelligence continues to grow exponentially, we consider how generative technology may expand the reach of traditional phishing frauds aimed at law firms.

Surveying the risks: RICS proposed updates tackling financial crime

Published on 02 Jun 2025. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Of Counsel and Catherine Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

Financial crime is on the rise. In response to the new technologies criminals are using, such as AI and cryptocurrency, RICS launched a consultation calling on members, regulated firms and key stakeholders to respond to its consultation on proposed changes to "The Financial Crime Standard" (The RICS Countering Financial Crime: Bribery, Corruption, Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Sanctions Violation Professional Standard).

Rising to the challenge, how insurers will adapt in 2025

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Simon Laird, Partner, Insurance Sector Lead

The global insurance industry is on the brink of transformation as geopolitical tensions, accelerating AI adoption, and escalating climate crises converge to create a perfect storm in 2025. From navigating a volatile economic landscape to addressing emerging risks in cyber and ESG, insurers face a year of unparalleled complexity and opportunity.

Reforms to working time record-keeping, holiday pay and entitlement, and TUPE consultation

Published on 28 Nov 2023. By Patrick Brodie, Patrick Brodie, Partner, Head of Employment, Engagement & Equality and Charlotte Bray, Associate

The government has issued its response to the consultation on reforms to retained EU employment law proposed earlier this year.

Repeal of provisions relating to COVID-19 vaccination under the Employment Ordinance

Published on 17 Apr 2023. By Andrea Randall, Partner and Lillian Wong, Associate

The Labour Department announced on 12 April 2023 that the provisions under the Employment Ordinance ("EO") relating to a legitimate COVID-19 vaccination request (the "Vaccination Provisions") will be repealed with effect on 16 June 2023, one year after they first came into effect on 17 June 2022.

Hong Kong's Legislative Council approves Employment Ordinance amendments to address employment issues arising from anti-epidemic measures

Published on 16 Jun 2022. By Andrea Randall, Partner and Lillian Wong, Associate

On 15 June 2022, the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2022 ("Bill"), which was gazetted earlier in February this year. The purpose of the Bill is to address employment-related issues arising from the government's anti-epidemic measures.

How should employers protect personal data? A review of the Nikkei data breach

Published on 13 Jun 2022. By Andrea Randall, Partner and Lillian Wong, Associate

The recent investigation report on the hacking of the email systems of Nikkei China (Hong Kong) Limited ("Nikkei") published by the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data ("PCPD") on 17 February 2022 is a helpful reminder to employers to protect against cyberattacks and ensure compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) (the "Ordinance").

How to prevent discrimination in the Workplace: practical advice for Hong Kong employers

Published on 17 May 2022. By Andrea Randall, Partner and Lillian Wong, Associate

Hong Kong law prohibits discrimination in the workplace. Unless an exemption applies, it is unlawful to directly or indirectly discriminate on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, breastfeeding, disability, family status and race (each a "protected characteristic").

Reimbursement of Maternity Leave Pay Scheme in Hong Kong

Published on 12 Apr 2021. By Andrea Randall, Partner

Hong Kong's statutory maternity leave has been extended from 10 weeks to 14 weeks with effect from 11 December 2020. From 1 April 2021, the Hong Kong Government has started accepting applications to reimburse employers' payment in respect of the extended period of maternity leave.

US and Chinese regulators sign landmark agreement on inspection of Chinese audit work

Published on 02 Sep 2022. By Antony Sassi, Managing Partner and Samuel Hung, Partner and Jennifer Leung, Associate

On 26 August 2022, the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the PRC China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and Ministry of Finance (MoF) signed a Statement of Protocol that would allow US regulators access to audits of Chinese companies listed on the US stock exchanges.

The new Hong Kong Construction Ordinance

Published on 02 Jul 2025. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Sam Attwood, Associate and Arthur Prideaux, Associate

It may at first sight appear difficult to imagine a scenario where works are performed and paid for but it is not clear who the parties to the contract are. Common sense would suggest that is simply the person or company who performs the work and the person or company who pays for it. However, it is not always readily discernible who those parties are, for example because payment is being made by a person or company who is not obtaining the benefit of the works or because a different party appears to be giving directions under the contract.

Insurance Bulletin - Hong Kong Summer 2025

Published on 24 Jun 2025. By Andrew Carpenter, Partner and Beverly Yee, Senior Associate and Heidi Ng, Associate

Warranty and Indemnity Insurance Q&A – Current Trends and What to Look Out For

Published on 29 May 2025. By Andrew Carpenter, Partner and Heidi Ng, Associate

The Asia Warranty and Indemnity (W&I) insurance market is expanding rapidly to meet demand as businesses and market participants become increasingly aware of the benefits that transactional insurance can offer. The dynamics in this space are everchanging – the incorporation of W&I in deals, insurers' expectations on the level of due diligence, terms of policies and level of coverage provided are all adapting to demand. This article highlights some recent trends we have encountered and factors to look out for in order to seize opportunities in current market conditions.

Insurance Bulletin - Hong Kong, Autumn 2024

Published on 04 Dec 2024. By Andrew Carpenter, Partner and Beverly Yee, Senior Associate and Heidi Ng, Associate

Tax incentives for HK Insurance market

Published on 24 Jul 2020. By Andrew Carpenter, Partner

First proposed in December last year, the Hong Kong Legislative Council has now passed a measure that will reduce profits tax on several insurance businesses.

Asia Insurance Bulletin 2018

Published on 23 Apr 2018.

Our Asia Insurance Bulletin is now available. The bulletin contains a number of articles written by our lawyers discussing a variety of issues relevant to the Asia region.

Sports Ticker #131 - Ascot plays a Royal Flush, county cricket shakes it up and Spurs take on INEOS - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 04 Jul 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the eyes of the world tune into Wimbledon in clockwork fashion, Al-Hilal triumph over Manchester City with a last minute winner in the Club World Cup 2025, and the sad passing of Liverpool and Portuguese striker Diogo Jota, we bring you news on a radical shakeup in the world of county cricket, insights into Royal Ascot’s latest attendance successes, and a look at Tottenham Hotspurs’ legal spat with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group.

Sports Ticker #130: Netflix's big-hitter, F1's 2026 calendar and the controversial Enhanced Games - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 25 Jun 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight that saw a heat-laden FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kick off in the United States, the British & Irish Lions fall short against Argentina in the first leg of their 2025 tour and reviews roll in for F1: The Movie, we bring you news on Netflix’s latest boxing announcement, updates on Premiership Rugby’s record viewing figures, and a look at World Aquatic’s hard stance on the Enhanced Games.

Sports Ticker #128: Goodison's new tenants, Fnatic's Happy Deal and Barclays' latest sponsorships - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 23 May 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Andy Murray part ways with Novak Djokovic and Jamie Vardy reach 200 goals for Leicester City in his 500th and final game for the club (as well as Leicester being charged with an alleged breach of the Championship’s profit and sustainability rules for the 2023/24 season), we bring you news of Fnatic’s Happy Deal with McDonald’s, an insight into Barclays’ sponsorship deals with the O2 Arena and Co-Op Live, and the news at Everton’s Goodison Park.

Sports Ticker #127: Becks buys Salford, Sadiq seeks Olympic repeat and Hamilton signs autograph deal - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 09 May 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw 150,000 Leeds United fans turn out to celebrate the club's promotion to the English Premier League, hundreds of daring racers take part in Essex’s annual Maldon Mud Run and the London Marathon steal New York’s crown for record number of finishers, we bring you news of Sadiq Khan’s Olympic aspirations, an insight into Lewis Hamilton’s exclusive autograph and memorabilia agreement and a peak at Channel 5’s broadcasting deal for the Men’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Sports Ticker #126 - Cricket’s Olympic revival, Euro-Soccer and Mbappé’s pay war - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 25 Apr 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Cambridge University do the double over Oxford University at the 2025 Boat Race and Strava acquire its rival Runna in a dash for running app supremacy, we bring you updates on the historic impact of Rory McIlroy's Masters victory, news of cricket's triumphant return to the Olympics and an insight into the record-breaking prize pool announced for the Esports World Cup 2025.

Sports Ticker #125: All Blacks settle sponsor spat, WDC ups top prize and UK Baller League kicks off – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 10 Apr 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Patrick Mullins ride Nick Rockett to victory in the Grand National, Dmitry Bivol renounce his WBC light-heavyweight title in pursuit of a trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev, and Cardiff Rugby serve a notice of intention to appoint administrators, we bring you updates on Fnatic’s IMG partnership, news of a major increase in prize money in the World Darts Championship, and details of a settlement between the International Tennis Federation and Gerard Piqué’s Kosmos.

Sports Ticker #124: IOC's marathon month, London Lions stadium and Six Nations free-to-air deal

Published on 28 Mar 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Kirsty Coventry elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, Newcastle United win its first major domestic trophy since 1955, and a reported eightfold increase in Ferrari-branded merchandise sales for Puma following Lewis Hamilton's arrival, we bring you updates on the launch of Arsenal Women's first lifestyle range, a major complaint (and PR campaign) commenced by a professional tennis players’ association against the ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA, and details of the Six Nations' extended free-to-air deal with the BBC and ITV.

Sports Ticker #123: NSL makeover, IFAB eight-second rule and Yorkshire Hundred sale – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 13 Mar 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the Women's Tennis Association announce that players will receive paid maternity leave for the first time, Manchester United unveil plans for a new 100,000 seater stadium and the BBC strike a TV deal for men's international football in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we bring you updates on the revamped Netball Super League, Ferrari's victory against Aston Martin and the benefits for Yorkshire following the sale of the Northern Superchargers.

Carers Week Special (Part 2): Intersectional nuances, wellbeing and creating carer-friendly workplaces, with Rachel Pears and Zahra Lakhan-Bunbury

Published on 25 Jun 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Hong Kong’s New 468 Rule for Continuous Employment

Published on 23 Jun 2025. By Andrea Randall, Partner and Courtney So, Associate

On 18 June 2025, LegCo passed the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025 (the "Bill"). The Bill revises the working hours threshold for determining continuous employment and makes it easier for employees to enjoy the employment protection available under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57). The revised continuous contract requirement will take effect from 18 January 2026.

Carers Week Special (Part 1): Lived experiences, the law and the role of employers, with Rachel Pears and Zahra Lakhan-Bunbury

Published on 11 Jun 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Supreme Court ruling on the definition of "sex": What does this mean for employers? with Patrick Brodie and Kelly Thomson

Published on 04 Jun 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Navigating trauma in the legal world (Part 2), with Rebecca Norris and Camilla Wells: Implementing a trauma-informed work culture

Published on 28 May 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: Navigating trauma in the legal world (Part 1), with Rebecca Norris and Camilla Wells: Spotting the signs and understanding the science

Published on 14 May 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Ten years of the Modern Slavery Act: renewed focus on business responsibility

Published on 08 May 2025. By Patrick Brodie, Patrick Brodie, Partner, Head of Employment, Engagement & Equality and Eve Matthews, Associate

On 24 March 2025, the Home Office published its updated Transparency in Supply Chains (TISC) guidance, offering detailed recommendations to assist organisations in complying with their obligations under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The Work Couch: Neonatal care leave (Part 2): Managing the process and supporting employees, with Joanna Holford and Catriona Ogilvy

Published on 16 Apr 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: Neonatal care leave (Part 1): What is the new right, who is eligible, and does the law go far enough? With Joanna Holford and Catriona Ogilvy

Published on 02 Apr 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: What to expect at an employment tribunal: appearing as a witness, with Kim Wright and Joseph England

Published on 19 Mar 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Employment Rights Bill: 10 key amendments explained

Published on 13 Mar 2025. By Patrick Brodie, Patrick Brodie, Partner, Head of Employment, Engagement & Equality and Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG Strategy Lead and Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality

On 5 March 2025, the government published a 200 page amendment paper containing a wide range of amendments to the draft Employment Rights Bill (the Bill). A number of the amendments follow the government's response to various consultations on some of the most significant proposed reforms. We highlight 10 of the key amendments and what they mean for employers.

The Work Couch: Data protection and HR-related challenges (Part 2), with Jon Bartley and Helen Yost

Published on 05 Mar 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: Preventing sexual harassment - is your business compliant?

Published on 19 Feb 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: Data protection and HR-related challenges (Part 1), with Jon Bartley and Helen Yost

Published on 05 Feb 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: What's on the horizon for employment law in 2025?

Published on 22 Jan 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Disability inclusion at work (Part 3): What does genuine accessibility look like? with Samantha Renke

Published on 03 Dec 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Disability inclusion at work (Part 2): Narratives, reasonable adjustments, and the business case for accessibility, with Samantha Renke

Published on 27 Nov 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Disability inclusion at work (Part 1): The lived experience, with Samantha Renke

Published on 20 Nov 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: How to tackle seven tricky disciplinary issues, with Joanna Holford

Published on 06 Nov 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.