Fitzroy Robinson Ltd v Mentmore Towers
Ltd
The 50 page judgment in this case is a stark lesson in some of
the realities and risks of litigation, and the vital importance of
proper preparation for all concerned. None of the parties emerged
very well from the judgment, and one of Fitzroy Robinson's
witnesses in particular was severely criticised by the Judge.
The Background
Fitzroy Robinson was employed as architect in respect of the
design and development of buildings in Piccadilly, London into an
exclusive private members' club, and of Mentmore Towers in
Buckinghamshire into a country house hotel. Fitzroy Robinson sued
its employer in respect of each project for unpaid fees, and the
employers then counterclaimed and alleged that Fitzroy Robinson was
negligent in its handling of the application for planning
permission for the Piccadilly site, that Fitzroy Robinson was
guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation and deceit in inducing the
employers to employ the firm,
