Research for Change (RFC)
- The Fall of Equitable Life: Inside a 400-Claimant Group Action with John Virgo, retired barrister and current PGRS at Bristol WMB 3.31 Wednesday 21-10-2026 - 13:15 until Wednesday 21-10-2026 - 14:30
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The Fall of Equitable Life: Inside a 400-Claimant Group Action with John Virgo, retired barrister and current PGRS at Bristol
We're delighted to announce our first speaker event of the year, run in collaboration with the Criminal Law Society, the Bar Society, 93% Club Bristol and the Pro Bono Society.
The Fall of Equitable Life: Inside a 400-Claimant Group Action with John Virgo, retired barrister
John spent over 40 years at the Bar as a specialist in financial services litigation at Guildhall Chambers, and is now a postgraduate researcher at Bristol. In this talk he will take us inside Abeles and Others v Equitable Life Assurance Society, a group action he acted in for around 400 claimants in the Commercial Court.
He will cover:
• How Equitable Life, trusted for around 250 years, came to collapse
• The House of Lords decision on guaranteed annuity rates that triggered its downfall
• How a group of around 400 claimants was formed and managed, including costs protection
• How redress was structured, and what changed in law and regulation afterwards
The talk will be followed by a Q&A.
Who it's for: anyone interested in the Bar, commercial or financial litigation, consumer protection, or how the law responds when trusted institutions fail. No prior knowledge needed, and students from all subjects are welcome.
Venue/Timing
Venue : WMB 3.31
Type: Alcohol Free Events, Free, Postgraduate, Society Events, Talks and Lectures
Start Date: Wednesday 21-10-2026 - 13:15
End date: Wednesday 21-10-2026 - 14:30
Location
Contact Details
researchforchangeforum@gmail.com
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