The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has announced a significant leadership transition. Catherine Dixon, who has served as CEO for over four and a half years, is stepping down to pursue new challenges. During her tenure, Ciarb experienced substantial growth and global expansion. The organisation will soon commence the recruitment process for a new CEO. In the interim, Nina Fletcher, previously the executive director of strategy and performance, has assumed leadership responsibilities. This change marks a pivotal moment for Ciarb as it seeks to build upon its recent successes and continue its development in the field of dispute resolution.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has announced the appointment of Don MacIntyre as its permanent Chief Executive, effective immediately, following a 12-month interim period. During this time, MacIntyre has overseen a period of strategic refocus, strengthening Ciarb’s operational and financial position while reinforcing its global mission to promote high standards in dispute resolution.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has launched a guideline on using AI in arbitration. It is divided into four parts: Part I covers the benefits and risks of AI, Part II offers general recommendations, Part III discusses arbitrators' powers regarding AI, and Part IV focuses on AI use by arbitrators. The guideline also includes templates for agreements and procedural orders, aiming to help practitioners use AI effectively while maintaining procedural integrity.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has published comprehensive guidelines on third-party funding (TPF) in arbitration. The guidelines provide detailed frameworks for TPF arrangements, covering funding processes, disclosure requirements, conflicts of interest, security for costs applications and costs recovery. The document aims to assist arbitration practitioners in understanding both commercial aspects of funding arrangements and procedural considerations when handling funded arbitrations. The guidelines address recent developments in TPF practice while providing practical direction for parties, counsel and tribunals.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has published a report, titled Party-Appointed Expert Witnesses in International Arbitration: Effectiveness and Best Practice, following a two-year project. Developed by Ciarb's Policy team and four regional working groups, and informed by global practitioner feedback, survey responses from expert witnesses, arbitrators, and external and in-house counsel, and consultations across common and civil law jurisdictions, the report provides non-binding guidance to improve the use, communication and understanding of party-appointed expert witness evidence in international arbitration. It identifies recurring issues in current practice and recommends earlier engagement, clearer communication, and more structured tribunal management, while emphasising that the guidance should be adapted to the circumstances of each case.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has published the results of a member satisfaction survey. Overall, respondents had positive feedback on Ciarb. 56% rated Ciarb as good or excellent and 88% were likely to renew their membership.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has responded to the call for evidence issued on 25 January 2024 by the House of Lords Special Public Bill Committee on the Arbitration Bill which proposes amendments to the Arbitration Act 1996 (AA 1996). Ciarb has provided comments on three focus areas of the Bill including proposed reforms and liked impact; Clause 1(2) of the Arbitration Bill (new AA 1996, s 64); and Clause 11 of the Arbitration Bill (AA 1996, s 67).

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has announced that it is seeking feedback from members, practitioners and the wider alternative dispute resolution community on its guideline on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in arbitration, initially launched in March 2025, marking the guideline’s first anniversary. All feedback must be submitted by 26 May 2026.

Law360, London: The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) has won permission to appeal against the ruling known as Mazur, which affirmed that legal executives and other unauthorised law firm staff could not conduct litigation, even with the supervision of a solicitor.

The Copyright Act 1956 (CA 1956) protected films as a separate category for the first time as long as they fell within the definition of ‘cinematograph film’ which protected a sequence of visual images capable of being shown as a moving image or of being recorded on other material irrespective of how it’s recorded. Films could not be protected as dramatic works or a series of photographs, which was excluded by CA 1956, s 48. The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA 1988) provides that all films protected by CA 1956 qualify for protection under CDPA 1988 as films.

CASE HUB ARCHIVED–this archived case hub reflects the position at the date of the decision of 8 October 2013; it is no longer maintained. See further, timeline, commentary and related cases. Case facts Outline UK merger investigation into the completed acquisition by Cineworld Plc of City Screen Limited. Latest developments On 8 October 2013, the CC published its final report in which it confirmed its provisional findings and concluded that there were competition concerns in three local areas (Aberdeen, Bury St Edmonds and Cambridge). The merger was therefore cleared subject to Cineworld being required to divest one of the cinemas it owns in each area. The cinemas each need to be sold to an operator approved by the CC (now CMA) with the appropriate expertise and experience to continue running them as cinemas. On 16 February 2015, Cineworld sold its Cambridge cinema to The Light, a purchaser approved by the CMA, completing the divestments required by the Competition Commission.On 22 October 2014, the CMA accepted a variation to the final undertakings On 30 September 2014, the CMA

MLex: The acquisition of Pelco Holdings by Ard Services, a unit of Circle K, could reduce competition in the retail motor fuel sector, the Irish antitrust watchdog said in its preliminary assessment. The companies have the chance now to respond to the concerns voiced. Pelco and Circle K are active in the retail sale of motor fuels and run forecourt convenience stores in the country.