ARTHUR J S HALL & CO v MELVYN KEITH SIMONS BARRATT v WOOLF SEDDON COCKBONE v ATKINSON DACRE & SLACK HARRIS v SCHOLFIELD ROBERTS & HILL

[1999] Lloyd's Rep PN 47

COURT OF APPEAL

Before Lord Bingham of Cornhill CJ, Lord Justice Morritt and Lord Justice Waller

Negligence - Solicitor - Barrister - Immunity from suit - Abuse of process - Compromise of legal proceedings - Whether and to what extent and in what circumstances a lawyer’s immunity from suit concerning acts and omissions in court extends to acts and omissions taking place out of court - Whether a lawyer is immune from suit where the court approves a consent order - Whether an abuse of process to claim damages for alleged negligence leading to the making of such a consent order.