New PD allows parties to agree longer extension of time
The Civil Procedure Rule Committee has issued a practice direction allowing parties to agree longer extensions of time to comply with procedural time limits due to the coronavirus.
APIL and FOIL issue guidance on Covid-19 co-operation
Personal injury firms should temporarily agree to accept service by email and freeze limitation periods, according to Covid-19 guidance issued to claimant and defendant lawyers today.
Funders unveil new cash and rising profits
Litigation funders are continuing to thrive, with Balance Legal Capital raising a new $100m fund, and Litigation Capital Management more than doubling its revenue and profit.
High Court orders disclosure of DBA and funding
The High Court has ordered the claimants in a major group action to disclose details of both the damages-based agreement and third-party funding arrangements they have entered into.
Majority of courts to close from Monday
Fewer than half of courts and tribunals will remain open for face-to-face hearings as part of efforts to maintain a “core justice system focused on the most essential cases”.
Virtual case begins as court rejects trial on papers
The High Court has adjourned an upcoming trial, saying that the coronavirus guidance did not allow it to take place on the papers, but a $500m Commercial Court trial begins this morning via Zoom.
Open justice direction published for remote hearings
A new practice direction clarifying when civil courts may derogate from the principle of open justice to conduct hearings remotely in private has been published today.
PI industry protocol aims to prevent Covid-19 game-playing
A protocol aimed at cutting out opportunistic tactics by either claimants or defendants in PI cases during the Covid-19 pandemic has been unveiled by leading claimant firm Thompsons and the ABI.
