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High Court to weigh in on disclaimer in Advanta Seeds class action
The High Court has granted special leave to farmers in a class action against Advanta Seeds over allegedly contaminated product to challenge a court's finding that a disclaimer nullified the company's duty to protect growers against economic loss.
Court can order solicitor to return fees for ‘exorbitant overcharging’
A court made valid orders for a Queensland solicitor to pay back $251,255 to the relative of a former client, an appeals court has found, saying that “exorbitant charging debases the reputation of the legal profession”.
Nine faces contempt claim over stories on surgeon’s defamation trial
A top orthopaedic surgeon who is suing Nine for defamation has accused the outlet of contempt of court by publishing unadmitted evidence about his reputation, claiming the stories were “improper, unjust and lacking in bona fides”. 
Judge’s blessing of ‘solicitors’ CFO’ may bring class actions back to Federal Court
A Federal Court judge's endorsement of the novel idea of a 'solicitors' common fund order' may reverse the trend of class action lawyers running to the Supreme Court of Victoria, where they can earn a contingency fee, to file their cases.
Settlement CFO ruling another landmark in class action development
The Full Federal Court's finding that the High Court did not extinguish the power of judges to make common fund orders on approval of class action settlements is the latest milestone in the evolution of Australian class action jurisprudence, experts say.
Competition class action against AGL Energy in doubt after funder exits
The future of a competition class action against AGL Energy is in doubt after being abandoned by its funder, despite evading the energy supplier’s bid to dismiss the case.
Full Court shoots down ‘misconceived’ bid to undermine Fair Work class actions
A judge has declined a union’s bid to throw out an employee class action against McDonald’s after the Full Federal Court confirmed that employee class actions are not precluded by the Fair Work Act. 
Wealth manager Escala can’t restrain execs who jumped ship to LGT Crestone
Wealth manager Escala Partners has failed in its bid to restrain two senior financial advisors who defected to rival Crestone from working in wealth management and soliciting its clients.
Experience trumps funding model in Jaguar Land Rover beauty parade
A judge has awarded carriage of a class action against Jaguar Land Rover over allegedly defective diesel filters to a law firm that won a similar case against another car maker, saying the firm's experience was not a "neutral factor".
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.