‘In Northamber PLC v Genee World Ltd & Ors (Rev1) [2024] EWCA Civ 428, the Court of Appeal considered the costs consequences for parties who remain silent in the face of an offer to mediate. What the High Court described as a “half-hearted attempt” the Court of Appeal has rebranded a “clear offer to mediate”. On costs, the Judge erred in failing to consider: (i) that the defendants’ silence constituted unreasonable conduct, and (ii) breaches of a previous order requiring any party not engaging in ADR offered by the other side to serve a witness statement setting out reasons for the refusal.’
Gatehouse Chambers, 30th May 2024
Source: gatehouselaw.co.uk
