Updates
-
NewsGuidance for court safety during lockdown
On 19 February 2021, we published updated guidance and best practice for court attendance and member safety in court and tribunal buildings.
-
News
Court ID scheme for solicitors
From January 2021, a new ID scheme will allow solicitors to have enhanced access through security in courts and tribunals.
-
Event
Lecture: Sir Geoffrey Vos QC on civil justice and LawTech (OnDemand)
Hear directly from the newly appointed Master of the Rolls about his plans for the civil justice system, his thoughts on LawTech and its implications for the profession.
-
News
Have your say: COVID-hours pilot in crown courts
HMCTS has published a rapid consultation on extended operating hours in crown courts during the pandemic
-
News
Recovery plan for civil and family courts and tribunals
HM Courts Tribunal Services has published its civil, family and tribunals recovery plan, detailing the progress that has been made to safely increase capacity to deal with outstanding cases.
-
News
Staying safe in court – best practice during coronavirus
With ongoing reports that the rate of coronavirus infections continues to increase across England and Wales, keeping our members safe remains one of our key priorities.
-
News
Training for remote hearings on the Cloud Video Platform
The government has released training to support civil court users when using Cloud Video Platform for remote hearings.
-
News
Lawyers should not break quarantine to attend court, says Law Society
Legal professionals should not be permitted to break quarantine to attend hearings and tribunals, the Law Society has warned.
-
News
Where are the new Nightingale courts?
In July 2020, the government announced plans to open ‘Nightingale Courts’ to help the justice system recover from the impact of coronavirus.
-
News
COVID-hours pilot in crown courts
As part of its coronavirus court-recovery plan, HMCTS has announced a pilot for extended operating hours in crown courts.
-
News
Fees reduced in civil and family courts
The Ministry of Justice has announced a reduction in court and probate fees in civil and family courts from 3 August 2020.
-
News
Wearing a mask in English courts and tribunals
From Monday 27 July, HMCTS is asking all court and tribunal users to wear a face covering in the public areas of its buildings in England.
-
News
Free access to online secure portal for Law Society members
Our partner Safelink is offering free access to its online legal platform for Law Society members during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
-
News
Assessing and managing coronavirus in court buildings
HM Courts Tribunal Service (HMCTS) has published an organisational risk assessment and an assessment tool , which will enable it to regularly review the safety of its buildings.
-
News
Using statement of truth forms during the coronavirus outbreak
In April 2020, the Law Society updated our guidance on court and tribunal forms.
-
News
Update on legal practitioner keyworkers
Advocates and solicitors who work on imminent or ongoing court or tribunal hearings are included in the government’s list of key workers during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
-
News
Give feedback on the flexible court hours pilot
The Flexible Operating Hours (FOH) pilot is due to finish in March 2020 and the government is seeking feedback from solicitors who took part.
-
News
Court closures must consider vulnerable users – says Public Accounts Committee
On 5 November 2019, the Committee of Public Accounts published its final report into the government’s progress on transforming courts and tribunals.
-
News
Flexible court hours pilot to start in September 2019
Court bosses have finally confirmed the start date for the long-anticipated extended sitting hours pilot.
-
News
HMCTS announces court reform extension
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has announced a one-year extension of its court reform programme.
