Insolvency: Dodging Bullets

So what now for the Insolvency Practitioners Association following the Nicholson v IPA judgment handed down this week?This episode we explore the complex world of insolvency bonds, the Nicholson v IPA case, and the regulatory challenges faced by Insolvency Practitioners. Hosted by Frank Turnbull with insights from Stephen Hunt, it delves into legal, procedural, and systemic issues impacting the industry.

In this episode, we explore the challenges parents face balancing work with caring for a child with additional needs, as well as their siblings. Host Andrew Goodson is joined by his wife, Emma Goodson, whose son was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome at seven months old; Charlotte Cooke, whose daughter was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) shortly after birth; and Frank Turnbull, whose daughter was born with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) requiring major heart surgery. We also hear from Stephen Hunt, who provides his perspective as an employer. The panel discusses their personal journeys, the impact on their professional lives, and the vital importance of support networks.For more information on the conditions highlighted and the charities providing support, please visit:Angelman Syndrome: NHS | Angelman UKPrader-Willi Syndrome: NHS | PWSAVSD & Heart Support: British Heart Foundation | Tiny Tickers

Most insolvency practitioners and legal professionals miss crucial disclosure pitfalls that can sink a whole case — and this episode reveals how to avoid catastrophic errors. Luke Harrison, founding partner of Keidan Harrison LLP, a insolvency dispute lawyer, exposes the overlooked details that led to the striking out of a multi-million-pound claim, risking millions in assets and reputation. In this episode, we break down the often-missed importance of proper disclosure in insolvency litigation, especially under strict Practice Direction (PD 57 AD). Luke shares firsthand insights on the critical steps insolvency practitioners (IPs) must take to ensure they meet their disclosure obligations — from managing electronic data to understanding their clients’ complex roles in litigation. We explore how failure to disclose adverse documents, at a critical time, can halt cases in their tracks or worse, lead to wasted costs orders and claim dismissals. You'll discover: why the law’s evolving disclosure rules are vital for insolvent estates, how to implement effective review procedures using specialist software, and why IPs must proactively question their legal teams — even when it feels cumbersome. Luke also reveals the deep responsibility on IPs to safeguard the estate’s assets and how ignoring these can jeopardize recovery efforts. This episode underscores why transparency, early insurer notification, and robust evidence collection are your best defenses in insolvency litigation. Ignoring these lessons isn’t just risky — it can wipe out valuable claims and leave estate assets unprotected. Whether you’re an insolvency professional, lawyer, or creditor with a stake in asset recovery, understanding these pitfalls is essential to turning litigation into a successful asset recovery tool rather than a costly gamble.

In this episode, Andrew Goodson welcomes Stephen Hunt, Jane Stephenson, Joanne Wilson and Frank Turnbull to the podcast to unpack the complexities of joint insolvency appointments. Together they discuss internal and external appointments, liability risks, conflicts of interest and regulatory considerations. Jane rounds off the discussion with her key takeaway, reflecting on how the legal profession operates differently and why joint instructions are not encountered in quite the same way.

In this episode of Dodging Bullets, Stephen Hunt and Frank Turnbull engage in a comprehensive discussion with Eric Baijal from BBM Solicitors about the evolution of remote working, particularly in the Insolvency and legal sector. They explore the contrasting experiences of firms that have adopted fully remote models versus those that maintain physical offices. The conversation delves into the implications of remote work on recruitment, particularly for trainees, and the broader societal and economic impacts of shifting work environments. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of work and the importance of flexibility in adapting to new norms.

In this 2-part episode of Dodging Bullets, Stephen Hunt and Matthew Letts discuss the critical issue of mental health awareness within the legal profession. Matthew shares his personal journey with mental health, including his experiences with anxiety and the importance of seeking help. They delve into a specific case involving a solicitor who faced severe repercussions from the SRA after reaching out for support, highlighting the systemic challenges and stigma surrounding mental health in law. The conversation emphasizes the need for supportive environments and open discussions about mental health, advocating for a cultural shift in how the profession addresses these issues. If you or someone you know is affected by mental health issues, charity such as Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ CALM https://www.thecalmzone.net/ or MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ all offer support and guidance.  Our guest Matthew Letts has set up a crowdfunding page to fund the legal challenge against the SRA’s treatment of the solicitor discussed in this podcast, for more information or to donate please visithttps://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/dyR5wXGn?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shareto

In this 2-part episode of Dodging Bullets, Stephen Hunt and Matthew Letts discuss the critical issue of mental health awareness within the legal profession. Matthew shares his personal journey with mental health, including his experiences with anxiety and the importance of seeking help. They delve into a specific case involving a solicitor who faced severe repercussions from the SRA after reaching out for support, highlighting the systemic challenges and stigma surrounding mental health in law. The conversation emphasizes the need for supportive environments and open discussions about mental health, advocating for a cultural shift in how the profession addresses these issues. If you or someone you know is affected by mental health issues, charity such as Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ CALM https://www.thecalmzone.net/ or MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ all offer support and guidance.  Our guest Matthew Letts has set up a crowdfunding page to fund the legal challenge against the SRA’s treatment of the solicitor discussed in this podcast, for more information or to donate please visithttps://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/dyR5wXGn?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shareto

This week Stephen Hunt and Frank Turnbull welcome Duncan Raggett from AAB and discuss the intricacies of the Scottish insolvency landscape, exploring the evolution of practices, regulatory frameworks, and the dynamics between insolvency practitioners and legal professionals. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the industry, including the focus on phoenixism, the role of court reporting, and the need for a more dynamic approach to attract younger professionals.

Stephen Hunt, Frank Turnbull, Jane Stephenson, Andrew Goodson and Joanne Wilson discuss the evolution of the Insolvency market, how practitioners get their work, pricing and the use of AI in Episode 1 of the Insolvency: Dodging Bullets podcast.