Law/Legal
Here's a look at documents from law firms and legal groups
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Seven Ropes & Gray Attorneys to Present at 2025 Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Ethics and Compliance Congress
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 22 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Seven Ropes & Gray Attorneys to Present at 2025 Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Ethics and Compliance Congress
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Seven Ropes & Gray attorneys will present five sessions at the 26 th Annual Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Ethics and Compliance Congress in Washington, D.C. October 22-24.
The forum for compliance professionals, legal counsel, regulators and industry consultants covers pharmaceutical and medical device topics including key laws, regulations, guidance and
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 22 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Seven Ropes & Gray Attorneys to Present at 2025 Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Ethics and Compliance Congress
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Seven Ropes & Gray attorneys will present five sessions at the 26 th Annual Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Ethics and Compliance Congress in Washington, D.C. October 22-24.
The forum for compliance professionals, legal counsel, regulators and industry consultants covers pharmaceutical and medical device topics including key laws, regulations, guidance andpolicy developments, among others.
Attorneys participating in the Congress include:
Health care partners Eve Brunts and Margaux Hall and health care counsel Alison Fethke will present on the panel titled "Patient-Oriented Commercial Models: Legal and Market Access Considerations." The panelists will address topics including identifying trends and common structures in patient-directed health care initiatives; providing an overview of potential legal considerations; examining recent government scrutiny and enforcement actions, and offering options to mitigate implementation risk.
Christine Moundas, health care partner and co-head of the firm's digital health initiative will speak on the panel titled "State Consumer Privacy Laws--Compliance Tips for Pharma and Med Device Companies." The panel will explore the new laws and requirements, discuss a risk-based approach to building and refining data compliance programs, and share practical advice for how to achieve credible compliance within an increasingly complex web of requirements.
Samantha Barrett Badlam, litigation & enforcement partner, will present on the panel "External Funding Risks and Mitigation--Latest Trends in Exhibit & Display and Sponsorship Requests." The panel will examine the recent upticks in the complexity and legal risks associated with external funding submissions and events submitted by HCP-connected organizations, which could implicate the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act.
Joshua Levy, litigation & enforcement partner and former U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, U.S. Department of Justice, will speak on the "Former Government Officials" plenary session. The session, which will be moderated by Medtronic's Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Medtronic, as well as distinguished former leaders from the DOJ and HHS OIG will cover insights into enforcement trends, shifting regulatory priorities, and the evolving role of compliance across public and private sectors.
Jamie Darch, health care partner, will present on the panel "Examining Business Relationships and Compliance Risks with Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Arrangements." The panel will discuss increased regulatory scrutiny on PBMs, their position within the pharmacy supply chain, and their arrangements with pharma manufacturers, highlighting key compliance considerations for PBM partnerships.
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Original text here: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/events/2025/10/seven-ropes-gray-attorneys-to-present-at-2025-pharmaceutical-and-medical-device-ethics
In Law360, Health Care Attorneys Discuss New Guidance on Responsible AI Use in Health Care
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 16 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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In Law360, Health Care Attorneys Discuss New Guidance on Responsible AI Use in Health Care
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In a Law360 article, health care partner Christine Moundas, co-head of the firm's digital health initiative, and health care associates Gideon Palte and Winnie Uluocha examined new guidance regarding responsible use of artificial intelligence released by the Joint Commission and Coalition for Health AI.
To date, the proliferation of AI in healthcare has occurred largely in a fragmented
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 16 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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In Law360, Health Care Attorneys Discuss New Guidance on Responsible AI Use in Health Care
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In a Law360 article, health care partner Christine Moundas, co-head of the firm's digital health initiative, and health care associates Gideon Palte and Winnie Uluocha examined new guidance regarding responsible use of artificial intelligence released by the Joint Commission and Coalition for Health AI.
To date, the proliferation of AI in healthcare has occurred largely in a fragmentedregulatory environment, creating uncertainty for health care organizations seeking to deploy AI responsibly.
The guidance seeks to address this gap by providing a unified and comprehensive healthcare-focused framework. It represents an important step in creating a shared understanding for responsible use of AI in health care, establishing a baseline that can evolve as technologies mature, and the health care community learns from real-world AI implementation.
The authors explain that to responsibly harness AI's potential while protecting patients and building trust, health care organizations should consider establishing AI governance structures and developing comprehensive policies for AI implementation and use in accordance with the guidance's framework.
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Original text here: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/news/2025/10/in-law360-health-care-attorneys-discuss-new-guidance-on-responsible-ai-use-in-health-care
Gifford Bancorp Announces Sale to Piper Holdings
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 16 -- Barack Ferrazzano, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Gifford Bancorp, Inc. Announces Sale to Piper Holdings, Inc.
The Barack Ferrazzano Financial Institutions Group served as legal counsel to Gifford Bancorp, Inc. ("Gifford"), the holding company for The Gifford State Bank, in its definitive agreement with Piper Holdings, Inc. ("Piper"), the holding company for The Fountain Trust Company, whereby Piper will acquire Gifford and Gifford State Bank in an all-cash transaction.
Upon completion of the transaction, Piper will have approximately $850
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 16 -- Barack Ferrazzano, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Gifford Bancorp, Inc. Announces Sale to Piper Holdings, Inc.
The Barack Ferrazzano Financial Institutions Group served as legal counsel to Gifford Bancorp, Inc. ("Gifford"), the holding company for The Gifford State Bank, in its definitive agreement with Piper Holdings, Inc. ("Piper"), the holding company for The Fountain Trust Company, whereby Piper will acquire Gifford and Gifford State Bank in an all-cash transaction.
Upon completion of the transaction, Piper will have approximately $850million in total assets with more than 165 employees across eight counties in Indiana and Illinois. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, with the conversion of accounts happening soon thereafter, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the approval of Gifford's shareholders.
"The merging of these two established institutions allows us to provide a broader range of banking services to our customer base, and our larger combined lending limit will allow us to continue to grow and become a bigger player in our communities," said Tony McLain, President & CEO of Gifford.
Barack Ferrazzano's legal team was led by Financial Institutions Group partner Abdul R. Mitha with assistance from associate Camryn C. Dreyer. Executive compensation and benefit matters were handled by partner Andrew K. Strimaitis and associate Alex Freund.
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Original text here: https://www.bfkn.com/newsroom/news/gifford-bancorp-inc-announces-sale-to-piper-holdings-inc
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Gibson Dunn Advised Harkness Capital Partners on Sale of Cenavera to Nautic Partners
LOS ANGELES, California, Oct. 16 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Gibson Dunn Advised Harkness Capital Partners on Sale of Cenavera to Nautic Partners
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Gibson Dunn advised Harkness Capital Partners on the sale of Cenavera Nutrition, LLC to Nautic Partners.
Our corporate team was led by partner Marwan Azzi and included associates Brennan Halloran and Aliya Zuberi. Partner Kathryn Kelly and associate David Horton advised on tax aspects; partner Michael Collins advised on employee benefits; partner Dean Masuda and of counsel
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Oct. 16 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Gibson Dunn Advised Harkness Capital Partners on Sale of Cenavera to Nautic Partners
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Gibson Dunn advised Harkness Capital Partners on the sale of Cenavera Nutrition, LLC to Nautic Partners.
Our corporate team was led by partner Marwan Azzi and included associates Brennan Halloran and Aliya Zuberi. Partner Kathryn Kelly and associate David Horton advised on tax aspects; partner Michael Collins advised on employee benefits; partner Dean Masuda and of counselYair Galil advised on financing; partner Meghan Hungate advised on IP; partner Marshall King advised on litigation; and partner Kristen Limarzi advised on antitrust matters.
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Original text here: https://www.gibsondunn.com/gibson-dunn-advised-harkness-capital-partners-on-sale-of-cenavera-to-nautic-partners/
Chambers UK: Morgan Lewis Recognized in 2026 Edition
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Oct. 16 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Morgan Lewis, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Chambers UK: Morgan Lewis Recognized in 2026 Edition
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LONDON, October 16, 2025: Morgan Lewis has earned nine practice rankings in the 2026 edition of Chambers UK, including new practice rankings in Corporate/M&A: PS100-800 million, Asset Finance: Aviation Finance, Insurance: Mainly Policyholders, and Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries. The firm also earned 17 individual rankings across 15 practice areas.
Chambers rankings are based on client feedback
... Show Full Article
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Oct. 16 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Morgan Lewis, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Chambers UK: Morgan Lewis Recognized in 2026 Edition
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LONDON, October 16, 2025: Morgan Lewis has earned nine practice rankings in the 2026 edition of Chambers UK, including new practice rankings in Corporate/M&A: PS100-800 million, Asset Finance: Aviation Finance, Insurance: Mainly Policyholders, and Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries. The firm also earned 17 individual rankings across 15 practice areas.
Chambers rankings are based on client feedbackand independent research regarding law firms' technical legal abilities, professional conduct, client service excellence, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment to clients.
PRACTICE RANKINGS
* Capital Markets: Securitisation
* Employment: Employer
* Immigration: Business
* Intellectual Property
* Investment Funds: Investor Representation
* Corporate/M&A: PS100-800 million
* Insurance: Mainly Policyholders
* Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries
* Asset Finance: Aviation Finance
LAWYER RANKINGS
* Yvette Allen, Immigration: Business
* Nick Bolter, Intellectual Property
* Jennifer Connolly, Immigration: Business
* Ted Craig, Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries
* Merryn Craske, Capital Markets: Securitisation
* Matthew Howse, Employment: Employer
* Robert Mailer, Investment Funds: Private Equity: Venture Capital
* Paul Mesquitta, Insurance: Mainly Policyholders
* Jacqueline Mulryne, Life Sciences: Regulatory
* Frances Murphy, Competition Law: Litigation
* Mike Pierides, Information Technology & Outsourcing
* Tim Powell, Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation; Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation
* Sidanth Rajagopal, Asset Finance: Aviation Finance
* Hiroshi Sheraton, Intellectual Property; Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation
* Louise Skinner, Employment: Employer
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Original text here: https://www.morganlewis.com/news/2025/10/chambers-uk-morgan-lewis-recognized-in-2026-edition
Chambers UK 2026 Highly Ranks Goodwin UK's Platform
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 16 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Goodwin, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Chambers UK 2026 Highly Ranks Goodwin UK's Platform
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Chambers UK 2026 has highly ranked Goodwin lawyers and practices across the firm's UK platform. Chambers' rankings are based on independent research collected from thousands of interviews with clients and law firms. Goodwin lawyers received 30 rankings in the latest edition of the guide, and 17 practice areas were recognized for excellence.
This year's rankings reflect the growth, client focus, and deep industry expertise
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 16 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Goodwin, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Chambers UK 2026 Highly Ranks Goodwin UK's Platform
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Chambers UK 2026 has highly ranked Goodwin lawyers and practices across the firm's UK platform. Chambers' rankings are based on independent research collected from thousands of interviews with clients and law firms. Goodwin lawyers received 30 rankings in the latest edition of the guide, and 17 practice areas were recognized for excellence.
This year's rankings reflect the growth, client focus, and deep industry expertiseof Goodwin UK's platform. The firm continued to be recognized as a leader in Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution, M&A, Healthcare, Secondaries, Real Estate Investment Funds, Private Investment Funds, Banking & Finance, Intellectual Property, Venture Capital, Financial Restructuring, Hospitality and Leisure, Life Sciences, Private Equity, and Tax, while also adding new practice rankings in Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity and Real Estate Finance.
Chambers UK 2026 ranked Goodwin as a leading firm in:
East Anglia
* Intellectual Property
London
* Corporate & Commercial Litigation
* Corporate/M&A: PS100-800 million
* Leveraged Finance: Borrowers/Sponsors: Mid-Market
* Real Estate: PS50-150 million
* Restructuring/Insolvency
* Tax
UK-Wide
* Data Protection & Information
* Healthcare: Private Sector
* Hotels & Leisure
* Investment Funds: Private Equity
* Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries
* Investment Funds: Real Estate
* Life Sciences: Transactional
* Private Equity: Buyouts: Up to PS500 million
* Private Equity: Venture Capital Investment
* Real Estate Finance
Goodwin lawyers ranked by Chambers UK include:
* Matthew Birchall \- Tax (London)
* Laura Charkin \- Tax: Investment Funds (London)
* Justin Cornelius \- Investment Funds: Real Estate (UK-Wide)
* Patrick Deasy \- Investment Funds: Private Equity (UK-Wide)
* Graham Defries \- Life Sciences: Transactional (UK-Wide)
* Niall Dickson \- Investment Funds: Real Estate (UK-Wide)
* Jacqueline Eaves \- Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries (UK-Wide)
* Alex Fisher \- Employment: Employer (London)
* Simon Fulbrook \- Leveraged Finance: Mid-Market (London)
* Paul Gray \- Real Estate Finance (UK-Wide)
* Michael Halford \- Investment Funds: Private Equity (UK-Wide)
* Anna Humphrey \- Employee Share Schemes & Incentives (UK-Wide)
* David Irvine \- Tax (London)
* Oliver Glynn-Jones \- Commercial and Corporate Litigation (London)
* Richard Lever \- Private Equity: Buyouts: Up to PS500 million (UK-Wide)
* David Mardle \- Private Equity: Venture Capital Investment (UK-Wide) / Life Sciences: Transactional (UK-Wide)
* Sarah McAtominey \- Commercial and Corporate Litigation (London)
* Curtis McCluskey \- Data Protection & Information (UK-Wide)
* Sophie McGrath \- Private Equity: Venture Capital Investment (UK-Wide) / Life Sciences: Transactional (UK-Wide) / Healthcare: Corporate/Commercial (UK-Wide)
* Bhargavi Mudakavi \- Investment Funds: Real Estate (UK-Wide)
* Ajay Pathak \- Investment Funds: Private Equity (UK-Wide)
* Matthew Pohlman \- Hotels & Leisure (UK-Wide)
* Georgia Powell \- Intellectual Property (East Anglia)
* Elizabeth Rhodes \- Private Equity: Venture Capital Investment (UK-Wide)
* Ed Saunders \- Banking & Finance: Fund Finance (UK-Wide)
* Gretchen Scott \- Data Protection & Information (UK-Wide)
* Martin Smith \- Real Estate: PS50-150 million (London)
* Simon Thomas \- Restructuring/Insolvency (London)
* Thiha Tun \- Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries (UK-Wide)
* Tim Worden \- Intellectual Property (East Anglia) / Life Sciences: Transactional (UK-Wide)
To learn more about Goodwin rankings, visit Chambers UK 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en/news-and-events/news/2025/10/announcements-otherindustries-chambers-uk-2026
"Dieselgate" -- English High Court Takes Control of Spiralling Legal Costs in High-Volume Consumer Disputes
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Oct. 16 (TNSrpt) -- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, a law firm, issued the following news:
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"Dieselgate" -- English High Court Takes Control of Spiralling Legal Costs in High-Volume Consumer Disputes
Judgments Demonstrate High Court's Combative Stance Towards "Over-Lawyering"
At a Glance
* The two judgments demonstrate the High Court's combative stance towards what it views as "over-lawyering". The court aims to ensure that costs are reasonable and proportionate, so legal teams must efficiently allocate tasks and resources to avoid instances of duplication and
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Oct. 16 (TNSrpt) -- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, a law firm, issued the following news:
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"Dieselgate" -- English High Court Takes Control of Spiralling Legal Costs in High-Volume Consumer Disputes
Judgments Demonstrate High Court's Combative Stance Towards "Over-Lawyering"
At a Glance
* The two judgments demonstrate the High Court's combative stance towards what it views as "over-lawyering". The court aims to ensure that costs are reasonable and proportionate, so legal teams must efficiently allocate tasks and resources to avoid instances of duplication andexcessive costs.
* Faegre Drinker partnered with Kendal Advisory to release a study on the class action regime in England, which found that such excessive legal costs in class and collective actions are undermining business investment in the UK and failing to serve consumers.
* As mass actions become increasingly prevalent, rigorous cost management, transparent budgeting and appropriate use of resources is paramount to ensuring that parties meet court expectations in high-volume consumer disputes in the future.
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The series of judgments in Various Claimants v Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Others [2025] EWHC 2307 (KB) in the High Court of Justice of England & Wales provides a crucial insight into the practical realities and challenges of managing costs in mass consumer group litigation. The litigation, which aggregates claims relating to the alleged use of defeat devices in diesel vehicles to avoid emission regulations, will have broader implications for costs management in group consumer claims moving forward.
Background
The Pan-NOx Emissions Litigation -- nicknamed "Dieselgate" -- is one of the largest consumer group actions in the United Kingdom, spanning claims against numerous automotive manufacturers over alleged breaches of emissions regulations. With over 1.8 million claimants, total alleged damages in excess of pound sterling6 billion, 20 claimant firms and multiple defendant teams, the scale of the proceedings presents challenges in terms of administration, case management and cost-budgeting. The latest costs management judgment provides a clear indication of the High Court's approach to costs management and its intolerance of excessive legal costs in group litigation.
This comes at a time of increased regulatory scrutiny into the legal fees associated with class actions, with the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) carrying out a review of litigation funding arrangements. The SRA's final report identified a number of concerns in this area, including a failure of claimant firms to consider clients' best interests regarding litigation funding agreements and a failure to give clients the best possible information about the costs of their matter.
The First Costs Management Judgment -- 5 July 2024
At a three-day costs hearing last year, the High Court reduced the claimants' costs budget for the second trial of issues -- concerning the "Prohibited Defeat Devices" -- from pound sterling208 million to pound sterling52 million (a 75% per cent reduction) and the defendants' from pound sterling212 million to pound sterling114 million. At the hearing, the judges described the incurred costs to date as "eye-watering" and the approach to future budgeted costs as "inefficient, duplicative and over-lawyered". The judges warned that parties must make efforts to minimise the number of lawyers and hours required to sensibly progress the matter.
The Latest Costs Management Judgment -- 10 September 2025
After a second costs management hearing in September, the High Court reduced the parties' costs budgets for the "Quantum Trial" -- concerning causation and loss -- which is due to take place in late 2026. The High Court commented that the proposed attendance of at least 30 fee earners for the claimants at the case management conferences, pre-trial review and trial was "frankly remarkable" and did not accord with the requirements of reasonableness and proportionality set out in the Civil Procedure Rules.
Similarly, the presiding judges voiced concerns that the claimants' fortnightly progress meetings, budgeted at pound sterling40,000 per meeting, had become "over-engineered" and unreasonable, reducing the figure to pound sterling2,000 per meeting. Overall, the claimants' claimed costs were cut back from pound sterling75 million to pound sterling22.5 million (a 70% per cent reduction) and the defendants' from pound sterling79 million to pound sterling49 million.
Key Takeaways
The two judgments demonstrate the High Court's combative stance towards what it views as "over-lawyering". The court aims to ensure that costs are reasonable and proportionate, so legal teams must efficiently allocate tasks and resources to avoid instances of duplication and excessive costs.
Faegre Drinker partnered with Kendal Advisory to release a study on the class action regime in England, which found that such excessive legal costs in class and collective actions are undermining business investment in the UK and failing to serve consumers. As mass actions become increasingly prevalent, rigorous cost management, transparent budgeting and appropriate use of resources is paramount to ensuring that parties meet court expectations in high-volume consumer disputes in the future.
The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.
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REPORT: https://kendaladvisory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kendal-Class-Actions-Report-2025.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/insights/publications/2025/10/dieselgate-english-high-court-takes-control-of-spiralling-legal-costs-in-high-volume-consumer-disputes
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]