Practitioners are advised that the Courts Service will roll out a new Case Management System from 2nd October 2023, the first day of the new court term. This is a significant step in the modernisation programme currently underway, which aims to enhance the services available to court users.
It is envisaged that the new case management system will ultimately lead to further new facilities to include e-filing of documents, which will represent a considerable and welcome leap forward for all court service users. It is also expected that the new system will facilitate a revised format for the Legal Diary which will reflect "real-time" information to include listings, adjournments etc.
The Courts Service has highlighted that the introduction of the new system may impact on normal services for a period of time to facilitate staff training and initial set up. Reduced in person appointments will be facilitated at the Central Office between 25 September to 13 October and practitioners are encouraged to bear this in mind. In addition, the Courts Service has suggested that practitioners avail of alternative lodging arrangements where appropriate (rather than in person).
Commercial Court – New Practice Direction
Practitioners are also advised that a new practice direction (HC 122) in relation to the Commercial Court List has come into effect as of 2 October 2023. The new practice direction supersedes all previous practice directions in relation to the Commercial Court List.
HC 122 relates to both cases already entered into the Commercial List and those seeking entry to the List under Order 63A RSC. It provides directions in relation to the operation of the list; the solicitor's certificate; the use of electronic and hard copy books for Court; and the format of Court books for motions and trials.
HC 122 also provides guidance in relation to the new procedure for the transmission of electronic books to the Court. From 2 October 2023, all electronic booklets must be submitted through the mechanism of ShareFile in accordance with the applicable Transmission Protocol and File Naming Protocol provided for. A copy of practice direction HC 122 and the Transmission Protocol and File Naming Protocol can be found here.
