Rachael Ward, Head of Litigation at Legal Recoveries & Collections Ltd, considers how the Covid pandemic has impacted litigation procedure and if changes are here to stay.
At the outbreak of the pandemic and the lock down that occurred with a speed and extremity that took us by surprise the Court system had to and did adapt quickly to the changed face of our usual way of working, particularly with the introduction of remote hearings either by way of video or telephone conference.
As we emerge from lock down and restrictions lift do we anticipate returning to the status quo? The answer it seems is not. Hearings very much continue to be listed remotely and home working looks set to continue if not entirely but at least in part.
I have found the employment of remote technology on the whole useful. I can now attend hearings which previously would have involved the instruction of an advocate purely for logistical reasons which results in time and cost savings to my clients. Witnesses who may not have wanted to travel and attend court in person often feel more comfortable behind the safety net of a screen.
There will always be a necessity for attended hearings. Not everyone will have access to technology or the knowhow to operate it. Seeing the white of an eye can’t be underestimated nor can the notion of having a day in court but in general, the changes seem to be here to stay.
If you require further information regarding this article or advice in general please contact Rachael Ward RachaelWard@legalrecoveries.com or the Legal Team here at Legal Recoveries & Collections Limited.
