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Judge warns against blanket confidentiality claims in settlement approval applications
The judge asked to approve a settlement in a class action against retirement village provider Aveo has sent a shot across the bow to law firms seeking to make broad confidentiality claims over the settlement, saying such claims should be kept “to a minimum” in class actions.
High Court greenlights NZ apartment block class action against Irish insurer
The High Court has dismissed a constitutional appeal by Irish insurer Zurich, clearing the way for a class action over an allegedly defective New Zealand apartment block to proceed in the NSW Supreme Court.
Lehrmann inquiry head faces possible charges, integrity probe over leaked report
Walter Sofronoff KC, who led an inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann’s rape trial could face sanction or a probe by the ACT integrity commission after the territory’s chief minister said the former Supreme Court Justice breached his “good faith” by leaking his findings to the media. 
Vero files appeal to get out of combustible cladding class action
Insurer Vero is fighting a ruling that added it to a class action against cladding manufacturer Fairview Architectural over allegedly combustible cladding. 
Borrowing funds to run class actions ‘not appropriate’, says expert
Class actions throw up all manner of ethical conundrums, but a recent Federal Court decision has shined a light on the question of whether funders and law firms should take out loans to run class actions and whether they can charge the costs to group members.
Settlement reached in bond holders class action over climate disclosures
A class action brought on behalf of sovereign bond investors over the disclosure of climate change risks has settled with the government on terms that don’t preclude further proceedings, a court has heard.
HWL Ebsworth can’t point finger at client to reduce liability for negligence
A judge has ruled that HWL Ebsworth’s negligent advice over property in Paramatta’s 'Auto Alley' cost a client $2 million, rejecting the firm’s plea of contributory negligence against the owner.
Deloitte’s $2.5M bill in CBA class action holds up settlement approval
A judge asked to approve a $50 million settlement in a consumer credit insurance class action against the Commonwealth Bank has questioned a $2.5 million deduction for professional services firm Deloitte.
Judge asks if class action firm’s uncertain GCO back-up plan ‘artificial’
A judge overseeing a class action against Suncorp subsidiary AAI has questioned whether the "uncertain" plan B of a law firm seeking a 25 per cent group costs order was artificially uncertain to increase the relative appeal of its contingency fee bid.