News

Message from the PIBA Chair: 20 April 2020

Posted by Steven Snowden KC · April 20, 2020 5:27 PM

I recognise that these will be difficult times for many of us. I am writing to bring you up to date with what PIBA is doing.

1. We have been in touch with DCJs for two reasons.

(a) The first is to try to find out whether there is a consistent picture nationally of how the courts are approaching PI work during this period of lockdown. The short answer is that there is not. We have had encouraging responses from some DCJs (particularly those on the Northern and North Eastern Circuits) indicating that they are trying to carry on with as much work as possible and to work with the Bar and Solicitors in continuing to list hearings. Other courts are doing what they can, but many are limited by resources, perhaps do not have such a cohesive core group of court users, or are unable to be as efficiently organised. Some courts appear able to do very little at present. We are collating the various local guidance documents, protocols and practice directions which we can obtain on our website here:

http://www.piba.org.uk/covid_guidance. You'll also find there Master Fontaine's Guidance. Please continue to give us feedback through the PIBA circuit reps.

(b) The second is to encourage them to keep as many PI hearings listed and effective as can fairly and properly be achieved. The most recent message from the Lord Chief Justice and the Master of the Rolls in this regard is on the PIBA Covid Guidance page and can also be found here. PIBA is carefully watching developments in those courts which are most advanced in continuing to work. Some are managing to list applications, CCMCs and Stage 3 hearings by telephone, albeit with longer time estimates and fewer hearings listed each day. As advocates we know that those attempts will bear fruit only if we assist in preparation (including ensuring that there is a helpful and concise pdf bundle for the court) and tailor our advocacy appropriately. If those attempts are successful, we will encourage other DCJs to adopt that approach. We don’t see that a blanket adjournment of, for example, all CCMCs should be necessary. Further, we know that pilot schemes in Manchester and other places hope to have trials of appropriate fast track cases by video link. Those will require further and different skills from us, and much closer co-operation between parties and with courts to make them successful, but I am sure they can be. We will keep you informed of their progress and, if they work, will encourage other courts to adopt the same approach. Some chambers are putting together demonstrations on how to run a video trial - we will share them with you when we can. Our webinar on paperless working is a useful resource: http://www.piba.org.uk/paperless_working

2. The Barristers’ Benevolent Association and the Inns of Court have set up an emergency hardship fund and an appeal for donations. The link to the appeal is here: https://www.the-bba.com/covid19-appeal-donations. PIBA itself has used some of the money saved by being forced to cancel the Annual Conference to make a donation. I would encourage all PIBA members to consider doing so, if you are able. The BBA exists to benefit all barristers who need it - if you need its help, the link is here: https://www.the-bba.com/covid19-appeal-applications

3. The next in our excellent series of continuing education webinars will be this Wednesday, 22 April, at 4pm and will be Jayne Adams QC giving a quantum update. Jayne has kindly agreed to do a webinar of the talk which she would otherwise have delivered at our Annual Conference. Details of how to join the webinar will be circulated by email and will be on the PIBA website here.

4. We are still planning events for after what we hope will be the end of the lockdown, including our Annual Lecture, Northern Circuit conference and London Winter conference later this year, and our Annual Weekend Conference in Oxford next Spring. By way of advance warning, the dates for that will be 26-28 March 2021. Easter is early next year, and that is the weekend before Easter, but is the only one which St Catherine’s can give us. Please be aware of the dates if booking holidays.

5. The Court of Appeal are due to hear the adjourned Swift v Carpenter appeal (on accommodation costs) by video link in the week commencing 22nd June.

6. Finally, a reminder about the Ministry of Justice advert of vacancies on the CPRC which we alerted you to on 15th April. It would be good to have PIBA members on that committee. Applications close at noon on 28th April.

Kind regards,

Steven

Steven Snowden QC

Chair of PIBA

Message from the New PIBA Chair

Posted by Steven Snowden KC · April 09, 2020 6:00 PM

The very first thing I should do is thank and pay tribute to my predecessor, Darryl Allen QC, for his leadership over the last two years, and in particular his very public leadership and investment of time over the last few weeks. And the second is to thank Sarah Crowther QC for stepping up to be Vice Chair alongside me for the next two years.

Thank you too if you were able to attend our virtual AGM on Monday. It was interesting to see that we had more people logged in this year than typically remain for the AGM on a Saturday afternoon in the lecture theatre at Catz during the Annual Weekend. Perhaps something to consider for next year.

As I said at the AGM, it is sobering to note that PIBA has just turned 25 years old - formed in 1995 in response to the introduction of CFAs which, at the time, were feared to be the greatest threat to its existence that the PI Bar had ever faced. Now, aged 25, we’re facing other threats, but I am convinced we will work through them.

If you were unable to attend the AGM, I am emailing to let you know what PIBA is doing, and will do.

Action in the short term

(i) Covid-19 and the Courts lockdown

Now that we have got over the immediate shock, and can see that different courts are in different ways revising their systems and trying to work out what they can still do, our priority will be to try to keep as much PI work as possible going.

I fully recognise the concerns articulated by some PIBA members and some in the judiciary that HMCTS might use success in “coping” with remote hearings now to drive through a programme of closing courts, reducing judicial numbers still further, and replacing in-person hearings with remote ones when we get back to “normal”. Judicial concerns are beautifully expressed by an anonymous family judge here: http://www.transparencyproject.org.uk/remote-justice-a-judges-perspective/ I agree with those. The successful undertaking of a remote commercial trial, widely publicised by those who were involved, does not for one moment mean that justice would be done in many of the sort of cases we do, if they were to be tried by video-link.

But there were already many aspects of our interlocutory work which were done by phone, and many more could be by phone or video. With careful thought and pre-planning, we would expect that, at least in the interim, most applications and CCMCs could be. Also Stage 3 assessments and the more straightforward of the Fast Track trials. And, where the parties can agree and technology permits, some of the more complex hearings and trials. We recognise that PIBA members will want as much of our work as possible to continue.

To that end, I’ve written to all the DCJs to ask that PIBA is kept updated with their local directions and announcements. We will share that information as a resource on the PIBA website. We have offered to them all that we will engage in trying to set up workable protocols to keep our cases going through the Courts. Not all have yet responded, some have warmly, some lukewarm. We will keep you updated.

I am inviting PIBA members to give us feedback from next week, through our Circuit Reps, about how local Courts are working in PI cases, and suggestions for improvement.

Those Circuit Reps are:

North Eastern: Stuart Jamieson - [email protected]

Western: Rachel Russell - [email protected]

Midland: Gareth McAloon - [email protected]

South Eastern: Meghann McTague - [email protected]

Northern: Matthew Hooper - [email protected]

Wales and Chester: Theo Huckle QC - [email protected]

They will collate replies so that we can see what is happening and take appropriate action.

(ii) Continuing education

Huge thanks are due to those who had planned our Oxford weekend, those responsible for the seminars which were in any event planned for this term, and the speakers, for working together and pulling off the magnificent feast of continuing education by webinar which we are now enjoying. Details are on the website.

Action in the medium term

At the AGM, I set out what would (in normal times) have been some of our priorities for the next two years.

- Getting PIBA represented more strongly on the Bar Council, the Civil Justice Committee, the CPRC, etc - not to seek positions for their own sake but so that we can try to get ahead of the game, see what reform proposals are coming our way, and by being involved at an earlier stage perhaps remove some of the problems.

- Improving our communications with PIBA members. Updating the form and content of the website to make it more user-friendly and make it a go-to resource for PI practitioners. Updates to members about what PIBA is doing, not just about events.

- Carrying on and building upon our excellent education and training. Embracing the video technology and recording of seminars which have been forced upon us. So far as possible, extending that to our other events and lectures. Increasing the number of seminars on soft skills, ethics, wellbeing, practice-building and practice management which have been so well received to date.

- Maintaining our focus on the junior PI Bar, as that is where the pinch is felt with every set of reforms which has been proposed to date.

- Not being afraid to intervene as an SBA in appropriate cases, but ensuring that we have crystal-clear aims, objectives and limitations when we do.

That’s it ...

Apologies that this has been a long email. Well done for getting this far!

We will keep you updated over the next few weeks.

Kind regards

Steven

Steven Snowden QC
Chair of PIBA

Message from the PIBA Chair: 3 April 2020

Posted by Darryl Allen KC · April 03, 2020 1:06 PM

Dear PIBA Member

Mass adjournments and CFA fees

It is understandable that the Courts have been forced to adjourn trials en masse over recent weeks. However, one consequence of adjourned trials is that unless a settlement is agreed, those cases cannot be brought to a conclusion. The pressure of a looming trial often focusses the mind in negotiations; if an agreement cannot be reached then there has to be a trial to decide the outcome. Without a “win” CFA fees cannot be recovered. In FT cases that is payment of fixed costs; in MT cases it is at least a payment on account and the expectation, sometimes sadly only a hope, of getting a proportion of that payment for your fees. If the Courts continue to adjourn trials then that problem will shift from a blip in income and cash flow to become a significant problem.

PIBA has raised this issue with the Chair of the Bar, Amanda Pinto QC, and the Vice Chair, Derek Sweeting QC. They have acknowledged the importance of this and will be raising it in their ongoing discussions with government.

What can we do? All that we can to enable trials and other hearings to go ahead. Spend time and effort mastering our telephone and video-hearing skills. Come up with practical solutions which will allow hearings to proceed. Be proactive: identify in advance those cases which could be dealt with remotely, whether by telephone or video, and co-operate with our opponents to make the hearing work.

PIBA will keep pushing for the Courts across the country to improve their systems for remote hearings so that trials and other hearings can continue.

HMCTS listing priorities

You have probably already seen the original HMCTS listing priorities for “work which must be done” and “work which can be done” at this time. HMCTS has published a new version of that document today which can be found here. They only apply to work in the County Court. As far as we are aware, there are no published listing priorities for the QBD or the District Registries, where cases and hearings will be assessed on a case by case basis. The only change to the County Court listing properties would appear to be that they now include “Applications or hearings pursuant to the Insolvency Act 1986 which concern the survival of a business or the solvency of a business or an individual” as Priority 2 work. This would not appear to affect the work of PIBA members.

Many of our hearings are included in these listing priorities. The key is whether the hearing is urgent or not. For example, an urgent Multi Track interim payment application should be treated, subject to triage, as Priority 1 not Priority 2. Similarly, a “living meso” Multi Track hearing, although not expressly listed, should be a Priority 1 hearing if it is agreed that it is urgent, although again that is subject to triage.

If you want to try and get a County Court hearing listed then refer to these published listing priorities.

E-bundles and paperless working

Many of us are used to working with e-bundles; many of us are not. PIBA has slotted in an additional webinar on 9^th April covering “Paperless working”. If you haven’t already mastered paperless working then it is a must attend session; if you think you have mastered paperless working there is still bound to be something you can pick up.

Some judges are adept at paperless working and using e-bundles. Others are not. One point that has been made to me by the DCJs and other Judges is that remote hearings are exceptionally difficult without well organised and focussed e-bundles. You cannot now “hand up” a better quality photocopy of the photograph of the vehicle damage [although I acknowledge you could email it!!!!]. Judges will not have access to the Court file to dig out missing documents or be able to ask the usher to chase up the missing bundle. Take the time to ensure that the Court has a well organised, indexed, book-marked and paginated e-bundle with the documents which are truly relevant/important. Provide a sensible reading list. I would advise against 2,000 page bundles where the parties are only ever going to refer to 50 pages at most!

Many of you will be doing this already. If you are not, I would encourage you to do so.

The PIBA AGM

We will be holding the online PIBA AGM [via Teams] on Monday 6^th April at 4:30pm. Instructions will be issued how to join and how to participate using the online chat/Q&A functions.

I know how busy you are and how tempting it will be to carry on drafting that Schedule in your “loungewear”. However, please try and find the time to attend. You may have questions about what we have been doing and what we plan to do in response to the challenges faced by the Bar/PI Bar in the COVID19 pandemic. You might be able to contribute to that discussion; at the very least you will hear the discussion which may give you some useful information to take back to your chambers and your Circuit. There may be other issues you wish to raise. It is an opportunity to connect with colleagues inside and outside of your Chambers, even if only remotely. We will also complete the election of the new Chair and Vice Chair. The former will outline his/her agenda for the next two years.

Local guidance

The DCJ for Greater Manchester has issued guidance on “Covid-19 Orders, Temporary Procedures and Listing Priorities”. Whether you are practising in and around Manchester or not, these are well worth a read. They provide a very useful template for how to work with the Court to get remote hearings listed and to have effective and successful hearings. That guidance and the relevant directions can be found here.

Thank you

This is probably my last message to you as PIBA Chair. Thank you all for your support over the last two years. Special thanks to the members of the PIBA Executive Committee, in particular Steven Snowden QC, Vice Chair and Chair Elect, who have all done such fantastic work to protect and further the interests of PIBA members.

Have a good weekend and stay safe.

Darryl

Darryl Allen QC

Chair of PIBA

Covid-19 Message from the PIBA Chair: 24 March 2020 - Update

Posted by Darryl Allen KC · March 24, 2020 10:23 AM

Dear PIBA Member

The Bar Council has published its own updated guidance this morning regarding attendance at Court following the Prime Minister’s announcement last night.

The guidance can be found here. Of importance to personal injury practitioners it includes the following:

Civil or Family Courts: you should not attend in person unless the hearing is genuinely urgent and it cannot be done remotely. Such a hearing will be a rare occurrence.

Please read and familiarise yourself with the guidance.

Stay safe.

Darryl

Darryl Allen QC

Chair of PIBA

Covid-19 Message from the PIBA Chair: 24 March 2020

Posted by Darryl Allen KC · March 24, 2020 7:01 AM

Dear PIBA Member

CIRCUIT LEADERS' ADVICE: DO NOT ATTEND COURT UNLESS ESSENTIAL

I understand that all Circuit Leaders have spoken to their Presiding Judges in the light of the Prime Minister’s latest announcement.

The Leaders of the Northern Circuit, the South Eastern Circuit, the Western Circuit and the North Eastern Circuit have all issued clear and unequivocal advice to the following effect: DO NOT ATTEND ANY IN PERSON COURT HEARING TODAY UNLESS IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE HEARING PROCEEDS IN PERSON. I have also been in touch with the Leader of the Midland Circuit who has confirmed that the position is the same on that Circuit.

This advice applies to the County Courts. It will remain in force until further notice. The advice does not specify it but by extension it must apply to hearings in the District Registries which occupy the same physical space as the County Courts. All hearings should be conducted remotely unless (i) there is genuine urgency, (ii) the hearing cannot take place remotely, and (iii) the hearing is truly essential.

My advice to you is to follow the advice of the Circuit Leaders. Their advice is clear: DO NOT ATTEND COURT FOR A HEARING UNLESS IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT IT GOES AHEAD IN PERSON. If you have any questions or are uncertain as to whether your hearing is going to go ahead then contact the Court. Some Courts have already closed.

The Leader of the Western Circuit has advised, regarding County Court cases, “All cases presently being heard should be adjourned part heard so that arrangements can be made, where possible, to conduct the hearing remotely.” That makes obvious sense and is likely to be followed. I suggest you make urgent contact with the Judge conducting your hearing if he/she has not already been in contact with you.

I will provide further information as soon as I have it.

Stay safe.

Darryl

Darryl Allen QC

Chair of PIBA