Virtual hearings are ‘here to stay’ but one size does not fit all

A report by KPMG and Baker Mackenzie based on a survey of 250 private practice lawyers, judges, arbitrators, barristers and clients reveals the profession is positive about the benefits of virtual hearings, despite concerns over concentration levels and witness coaching. “The success of virtual hearings is a silver lining of the pandemic – they are an invaluable resource and should be continued,” said Ben Newton, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.

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Understanding the EU’s ambitions to regulate big tech

The EC has published its long-awaited draft rules to boost competition and standardise safety in the digital sector. They amount to the bloc’s biggest overhaul of digital regulations for decades. Eversheds Sutherland’s Annabel Borg said: “If the Digital Markets Act is implemented in its current form... [big tech] ‘gatekeepers’ will be subject to new ex-ante rules, which seek to address unfair practices that either fall outside the existing EU competition rules, or cannot always be effectively enforced by these rules given the ex-post nature of competition law. Other jurisdictions, such as the UK, intend to impose similar measures.”

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More news and commentary from The Robotics Law Journal: 

EC ‘no option’ but to approve Google’s acquisition of Fitbit - The European Commission did not have a strong enough case within existing anti-competitive legal frameworks to block the $2.1bn merger, despite widespread condemnation from consumer rights groups

Paul Hastings advises Francisco Partners on Consignor merger - The tech-focused invesment firm is set to combine its portfolio company Consignor with Marlin Equity Partners-backed Unifaun

DWF advises Ocado Retail on sale of pet supplies brand Fetch to Paws Holdings - The sale comes as Paws Holdings aims to enhance its e-commerce offering in a market worth €41bn annually and Ocado Retail moves to focus on its grocery business, despite a rise in demand for pet supplies during the pandemic

Fintechs optimistic for quick recovery after initial pandemic ‘panic’, study finds - More than half of senior fintech professionals also expecting rise in dealmaking, according to Pensar Media survey

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The Robotics Law Journal covers the legal aspect of developing technologies and their growing industries around the world, as well as the way technology is changing the business and practice of law. For further information, email the editor, Victoria Basham.