North Ford Solicitors Prevail in High Court: A Pivotal Ruling on Solicitor Negligence Claims

S ISLAM • 24 July 2025

North Ford Solicitors Prevail in High Court: A Pivotal Ruling on Solicitor Negligence Claims

North Ford Solicitors achieved a significant victory in the High Court, successfully defending a case involving allegations of professional negligence against their client. The case, Davis Solicitors LLP v Raja and another , centred on a landlord-tenancy dispute and highlighted the importance of compliance with court orders in litigation. Represented by Salmaan Islam of North Ford Solicitors and Mr William Dean, Counsel, the Defendant prevailed against an appeal brought by Davis Solicitors LLP (the Claimant). The appeal was ultimately struck out due to the Appellant's failure to comply with court orders, resulting in an order for the Claimant to pay £21,613 in costs and damages to our Client.

The dispute originated from a landlord-tenancy matter concerning the disrepair of a boiler at a property where the Defendants were co-tenants. The Appellant, sought to appeal a decision that had been unfavourable to their firm. However, the appeal process was marred by procedural non-compliance. Specifically, the Claimant failed to adhere to an 'unless' order issued by the court, which ultimately led to the striking out of the appeal. This decision was upheld by the High Court, with Mr Justice Supperstone affirming that the procedural breaches were significant and that the lower court had acted within its discretion in striking out the appeal .

This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to procedural rules and court orders in litigation. The High Court’s decision serves as a reminder that non-compliance can have severe consequences, including the dismissal of claims or appeals. North Ford Solicitors’ meticulous approach and robust representation were instrumental in securing this outcome, ensuring that their client was not unfairly burdened by the Claimant’s procedural failings.

The case has garnered attention within the legal community, including coverage in the Law Society Gazette, further emphasising its significance. It stands as a testament to North Ford Solicitors’ expertise in handling complex litigation and their commitment to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. A link to the Law Society Gazette's publication is as follows: https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/solicitor-loses-21k-negligence-strike-out-appeal/5047312.article



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North Ford Solicitors successfully represented a Claimant in a High Court libel claim for damages of over £100,000. The case, heard in the Kings Bench Division, resulted in a significant victory for the Claimant, who was awarded a default judgment, injunctive relief, and costs. The Claimant was represented by Salmaan Islam and Alexander Braidwood of North Ford Solicitors, with Dr. Liam Wells from Fraser Chambers acting as Counsel. The background of the case involves defamatory statements made by the Defendant on a Facebook group, alleging that the Claimant had bugged her phone and tracked her location without consent. These allegations were vehemently denied by the Claimant, who maintained that the posts were untrue and had caused serious harm to the Claimant’s reputation. Despite being served with the Claim Form, the Defendant failed to acknowledge service or file a defence, prompting the Claimant to seek summary judgment. In the submissions, the Claimant argued that the Defendant had no real prospect of success in defending the claim and that the defamatory posts had caused significant reputational damage. The court was urged to grant summary judgment to further the overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules, which aims to deal with cases justly and efficiently. The court agreed, noting that the Defendant's non-engagement justified proceeding in the Defendant’s absence. The court's decision included granting an injunction requiring Meta to remove the defamatory posts from Facebook and restraining the Defendant from making further defamatory publications. Additionally, the court awarded the costs of the application hearing to the Claimant. The quantum of damages is to be assessed at a future hearing, ensuring that the Claimant receives appropriate compensation for the harm caused by the defamatory statements. This case underscores the importance of addressing defamatory statements swiftly and effectively, particularly in the digital age where such statements can spread rapidly and cause significant harm. North Ford Solicitors remains committed to protecting the reputations of our clients and ensuring that justice is served in cases of defamation. If you feel that you have been the victim of defamation of character, contact North Ford Solicitors for more information on how to proceed with your case.
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