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Judges have power to make settlement CFOs, says Full Court
The Full Federal Court has answered a question vexing the court for the past four years, ruling that class action judges have the power to make common fund orders at settlement that allow litigation funders to reap a percentage commission beyond their contractual entitlement. 
Are settlement CFOs OK? Full Court to finally have its say
With bated breath class action litigators and funders have waited for this day, when the Full Federal Court decides the question of power to make common fund orders at settlement. They aren't the final arbiters, but the judges' ruling may be no less important for that.
Westpac hit with another superannuation class action
Westpac has been hit with a class action for allegedly overcharging superannuation customers for insurance coverage, months after paying $30 million to settle a separate superannuation class action.
Shine improves disclosures in wake of review, ASIC says
The ASX-listed Shine Lawyers has earned marks for improvement in a review by ASIC of its disclosures relating to interest on litigation funding loans, the corporate regulator said Thursday.
PFAS class action member faces opt out hurdle after $22M settlement
A resident of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community has been granted more time to decide whether he wants to bring a late bid to opt out of a class action after a $22 million settlement over PFAS contamination was approved, but a judge has warned he will face a high bar. 
Shine nabs new class actions practice leader from KWM
The lawyer who advised Seqwater in its successful defence of the monumental Queensland floods class action has joined Shine Lawyers as one of the firm’s three class action practice leaders.
A judge’s guide to winning the class action settlement administration gig
A former top judge appointed to decide the first-ever contest to administer a class action settlement has set out his criteria for making the choice, and has warned that giving the firm running a case a monopoly right to dole out the proceeds could lead to higher costs for group members and poorer settlement outcomes.
Class action members reap rewards of competition, but at what cost?
The judge who rewarded the law firm with the lowest ever GCO proposal with carriage of an $80 million class action this week noted the competitive forces that shaped a “very good deal for group members,” but competition has its downsides, experts say.
Record-low GCO rate in Star class action not loss-leading pricing, judge says
The winning, 14 per cent contingency fee proposal by Slater & Gordon in a fight to run a class action against Star Entertainment was not driven by a desire to prevail in the contest and buy market share but was the product of a "reasoned decision" that took into account the law firm's practice as a whole, a judge has found.
Law firm with lowest ever GCO wins battle to run Star class action
One law firm has emerged victorious in a four-way contest to run a shareholder class action against Star Entertainment with the lowest proposed group costs order since contingency fees legislation was enacted in Victoria.