Mazur – A Change in the Weather

The judgment released in Mazur and Stuart v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP [2025] EWHC 2341 (KB) has ricocheted through the legal sector, leaving law firms and legal personnel scrambling for purchase in an attempt to navigate what appears to be a major shift in the interpretation of the Legal Services Act 2007 pertaining to who can conduct litigation.

The court held that non-authorised individuals (even when under the supervision of authorised solicitors) cannot conduct litigation. As a result, paralegals, trainee solicitors and crucially CILEX-Lawyers, have seemingly been ejected from what many would state has been a hard-won and long accepted position of skill and capability within the litigation arena. 

Within the bustling hub of subrogated recoveries, the judgment in Mazur brings with it cost concerns, efficiency concerns and crucially, client care concerns, raising questions about what adjusters and insurers can expect from their legal counterparts. 

Limiting litigation tasks to solicitors drives legal costs up, a move that appears to be in direct opposition to the intentions behind the Legal Services Act 2007 of widening the accessibility of the legal profession and access to justice.

In addition, the undervaluing of fiercely capable CILEX Lawyers, trainees and paralegals will likely reduce the efficiency of many litigation practices which have advanced to include individuals within a range of qualification stages when offering services to clients for matters both simple and complex. 

Given the deafening outpour, CILEX has applied for and recently been granted permission to appeal against the Mazur Judgement. It appears that matters are rapidly developing, and we will be closely following the updates.

In the wake of Mazur, it is important for insurers to remain compliant with the judgment and proactively review internal litigation processes. In addition, insurers should work with firms that integrate CILEX lawyers, paralegals, and trainee solicitors into recovery strategies within the limits of the newly imposed restrictions. It is important that the legal profession bands together to support one another, it would be regrettable to see our profession turn on itself by challenging the conduct and validity of those who until recently were considered to be authorised to conduct litigation under supervision. 

At Sedgwick Legal Services, we continue to invest in and actively support the development and progression of our legal team; paralegals, trainees, and CILEX lawyers alike. Through this support, we are not only challenging barriers to the accessibility of the legal profession but also promoting the philosophy that guides us above all else. Together we thrive.

For further information, please contact Ezinwa Carvill at [email protected]