Anti-SLAPP conference, Nov 27-28 – By Samantha Bradley (UK)

An important conference on SLAPPs is coming up in London (intimidation lawsuits designed to harass and silence critics). Over 50 potential SLAPPS are under investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the UK involving some of the biggest law firms in the UK. The Legal Services Board is also reviewing enhanced regulation to combat them. A SLAPP likely breaches the rule of law and amounts to seriously exploitative professional misconduct. Various SRA regulated solicitors at [a law firm] in Hong Kong are also under pending investigation for a suspected economic crime SLAPP in Hong Kong that will also be addressed by the SRA in due course. Their client has already been chastised in court for certain conduct falling within the standard range of known SLAPP typologies including sending intimidatory letters and lack of good faith settlement discussions, (there were pre and post action discussions around stifling regulatory reports). The case was struck out as having no legal basis but has been appealed, consistent with a [firm’s] partner threatening their client would spend as much money as it took to get resolution (ie without regard to merit or proportionality of cost ... which is a bit of a dead ringer for a SLAPP and an abuse of process in my opinion, at least by English law standards).

FPC promo Meanwhile some UK lawyers are suggesting forum shopping is a good idea. Always best to breach the rule of law elsewhere and not on your own doorstep ...

The Foreign Policy Centre is excited to unveil the first look programme & confirmed speakers list for the 3rd UK Anti-#SLAPP Conference - 'Tracking Implementation', organised together with Justice for Journalist Foundation & International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute. 27-28 November, London & Online Explore the program, speakers bios & other details on anti-slappconference.info And to reserve your spot, register here: https://lnkd.in/emvMbE4y #SLAPPS23

Editor’s note:

SLAPPs tend to slip under the radar with little attention from New Zealand mainstream media, despite their inherent grubbiness. Anti-bullying employment advocate Allan Halse has been targeted with at least six SLAPPs since 2018, including bogus proceedings launched by Tauranga Hospital’s administration. The fallout from these proceedings against Halse and his former client Ana Shaw may affect the health sector’s ability to recruit skilled migrants. However, prior to early 2023, even the New Zealand judiciary (and Employment Relations Authority, similar to the UK’s ET) did not acknowledge that SLAPPs were even a thing.