Phone Hacking, Covid and Rent Arrears: The Year in Claims 2020

Here at Solomonic we know that data can tell a story. We’ve created visual races between the top law firms based on the number of claims brought - and defended - across 2020. 

Claimant Stats

Clyde & Co dashed to an early lead and remained there, claiming the first spot with a total of 75 claims that were rich in insurance and construction cases.

Clyde & Co were briefly challenged for the top spot in May, when Hamlins LLP rose due to a bundle of phone-hacking claims brought by celebrities against News Group. Yet ultimately they were beaten into joint 5th place (together with Pinsent Masons LLP) with 36 claims. 

Mishcon de Reya had a slow start until mid-year when a string of aggrieved landlords brought consecutive rent claims for unpaid rent against, inter alios, H&M Hennes, Mecca Bingo and Sports Direct. 

DAC Beachcroft had a similar start to Mishcon, only to leap into joint second at the end of the year with a series of similar actions brought by Stratford Shopping Centre and others against high-street stalwarts such as Boots, Hugo Boss and Pret A Manger. Birketts also had a strong finish, coming in fourth place (41) with a slew of construction claims. 

Defendant Stats

Clyde & Co topped this chart too, appearing as defendant law firm in 72 claims – giving an impressive total of 147. The overall runners-up across both lists were DAC Beachcroft (84), CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP (60), Pinsent Masons LLP (56), and DLA Piper (49). 

While Clifford Chance did not appear at all in the claimant list, they had a strong appearance as a defendant firm, ranking fourth with 46 claims; the majority of these were defending News Group against phone hacking claims. That aside, it is notable that the Magic Circle have not featured in the top 15 by volume on either the claimant or defendant sides.