Overview

Staying on top of the broad sweep of developments is a substantial challenge, as is the importance of preparing for the impact of anticipated developments. This extensive preview of 2012 from Herbert Smith identifies the trends and issues which are expected to be on the legal agenda so that businesses are better prepared for in the year ahead.

2012 will see a number of significant legal developments, most notably in the corporate area in relation to the Prospectus Directive, board diversity and corporate governance and reporting; in dispute resolution in relation to the Government's reforms to the civil litigation costs and funding regime; and in energy, real estate and construction areas where there are major changes to the carbon reduction commitment, changes to the energy performance certificates regime; and also the establishment of the Green Investment Bank. In addition, the Localism Act has now been passed and will fundamentally change the planning system in England and Wales.

Aside from these headline developments in the corporate and dispute resolution areas, the guide also details all the expected issues and legislation in the following practice areas:

• competition


• employment


• finance


• insurance


• intellectual property


• pensions


• planning


• regulatory


• tax


• technology, media and telecommunications

To access the full guide, click 'View Briefing'.