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Shine’s bid for $32M in loan interest raises ‘never seen before’ conflicts: judge
Shine Lawyers’ bid to recoup "exorbitant" interest on a loan it took out to run pelvic mesh class actions against Johnson & Johnson has raised new ethical dilemmas beyond the usual "sweaty palms and huge vexation" in most group proceedings, a judge has said.
Uber class actions win orders barring unregistered group members from settlement
Uber and the applicants in class actions against the car service will head into mediation later this year, and only group members who sign up to join the cases will get a chance to share in the proceeds of any settlement that results from the talks.
Peter van Onselen hit with Ten’s costs after losing contract case
A judge has hit former Network Ten political editor Peter van Onselen with costs, after finding he breached a non-disparagement clause in an agreement with the broadcaster by criticising his old employer in an article written for The Australian.
Saddled with resigning judge’s unfinished case, colleague spares no feelings
A judge has resigned before delivering judgment in litigation that went to trial in 2020, and the colleague assigned the unenviable task of issuing a ruling has taken a swipe at his departing peer, noting the absence of medical or other evidence to explain her "unwillingness" to see the case through.
Fairfax wants Seven, Herbert Smith Freehills emails in Ben Roberts-Smith case
Seven Network and law firms Herbert Smith Freehills and Addisons are fighting Fairfax’s bid for communications relating to Ben Roberts-Smith’s unsuccessful defamation case, as the publisher seeks its significant defence costs. 
Court throws out decision on nuclear waste facility location
A court has set aside former Federal Minister for Resources Keith Pitt's decision to develop a nuclear waste facility in Napandee in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, saying a fair-minded observer may have perceived that Pitt was biased in selecting the site over two other proposed locations. 
Administrator can’t claw back security for costs in case by failed company
A judge has rejected a bid by the administrator of a collapsed company to claw back a payment of security for costs made in earlier litigation, which he found did not give rise to a relevant security interest.
Federal Court rejects ToolGen’s genome editing patent
A judge has upheld findings from IP Australia that South Korean biotech ToolGen's genome editing technology CRISPR is not patentable, but given the company one more chance to seek to amend its application.
Insurer Vero dragged into class action over combustible cladding
A judge has ruled insurer Vero can be added to a class action over allegedly combustible cladding, finding removal of the cladding could be considered “property damage” under the wording of an insurance contract with cladding manufacturer Fairview.