LEXLAW Solicitors & Barristers
In Tulip Trading Ltd v van der Laan & Ors [2023] EWCA Civ 83, the Court of Appeal held that software developers maintaining Bitcoin networks may arguably owe fiduciary duties to crypto owners, recognising a serious issue to be tried on whether developers’ control over blockchain code gives rise to duties of loyalty and care towards asset holders.
The High Court ordered Mr Steven Bell to repay substantial sums after causing BSS LED [R&D] Limited to enter into transactions at an undervalue and make preferential payments to connected companies, in breach of directors’ duties under the Companies Act 2006 and the Insolvency Act 1986.
Contrary to common belief, unpaid High Court & County Court judgments (CCJs) do not always become unenforceable after six years. With proper legal procedures and court permission, creditors can successfully enforce judgment debts many years old.
The High Court held that Ronojoy Nag was liable for misfeasance and breach of fiduciary duty after diverting company assets during insolvency, while his wife Amanda Nag was found liable for dishonest assistance and knowing receipt, ordering both to account for misapplied funds.
Account Freezing Orders (AFOs) are among the most formidable tools that law enforcement and regulatory bodies in England and Wales wield in the fight against financial crime. In…
The High Court refused Sampson Coward LLP’s application for summary judgment in Manolete Partners Plc v Sampson Coward LLP [2023] EWHC 37 (Ch), allowing a £2 million claim concerning alleged mismanagement of escrow accounts during UK Property and Land Specialists Ltd’s insolvency to proceed. The ruling highlights the complexity of fiduciary breaches in escrow arrangements and confirms assignees’ rights to pursue breach of undertaking claims under the Insolvency Act 1986.
The High Court ordered former director Simon Thacker to repay £33,542.20 after benefiting from the extinguishing of his director’s loan account, which was ruled a preference under s.239 Insolvency Act 1986. In contrast, claims against fellow director David Coleman were dismissed after he successfully rebutted the statutory presumption of desire to prefer, despite having received £15,000 shortly before insolvency.
Unjust enrichment is a powerful remedy in English law allowing recovery where one party is enriched at another’s expense without legal justification. This guide by LEXLAW Solicitors explains how restitution claims arise in commercial, financial, and contractual disputes. We outline key legal principles, real-world examples, and common defences helping you understand your rights and take action.
The High Court refused a summary judgment application by Sampson Coward LLP, a Salisbury-based law firm, over its handling of £2 million in escrow funds, allegedly misapplied while acting for connected parties, following assignment of the claims to litigation funder Manolete Partners.
The High Court ordered Dr Amir Matta, director of Saint George Investment Holdings Ltd, to repay £1.43 million after he misapplied company funds for personal expenses, breaching his statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006 and authorising unsubstantiated payments to connected parties during a period of financial distress.