Monthly Archives: April 2020


Sexism Claim Dismissed – Employment Tribunal rules telling a woman she “has balls” suggests ‘defiant bravery’.

Published: 28/04/2020 | News

Tom Bourne-Arton, acting for a Respondent in the Central London Employment Tribunal, has successfully defended a six figure claim for damages for sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation. The tribunal dismissed all claims brought by the Claimant. The judgment has received coverage in the press and can be read in full here. Tom Bourne-Arton is […]

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Top Tips for Conducting a Virtual JSM

Published: 23/04/2020 | News

Since lockdown restrictions were imposed, members of Farrar’s Building have continued with considerable success to organise, conduct and conclude a number of Joint Settlement Meetings by remote means. Nigel Spencer Ley and James Pretsell set out below, details of their experiences, followed by key recommendations for the smooth running of the negotiation.   Nigel Spencer Ley […]

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Skype Hearings – Trials and Tribulations

Published: 20/04/2020 | News

Much has been written about the need to ensure that civil litigation continues to progress during the Covid-19 crisis.  By now, most practitioners will have had some experience of using an on-line platform for work purposes (such as ZOOM or Skype).  Generally, these platforms work well for certain types of business between professionals, such as […]

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Message for Circuit and District Judges sitting in Civil and Family from the Lord Chief Justice, Master of the Rolls and President of the Family Division

Published: 17/04/2020 | News

Even before the lockdown announced by the Prime Minister on Monday 23 March we had indicated that the gathering emergency would require courts in all jurisdictions to use technology to conduct hearings in circumstances that had not been usual before. Both the Courts and Tribunals have risen to that challenge in a remarkable way. We […]

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How HMTCS will use Telephone and Video Technology During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Published: 17/04/2020 | News

HMTCS have extended the capacity and capabilities of their telephone and video conferencing facilities. Find the recent updates here, as well as a handy guide on how to join a hearing. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hmcts-telephone-and-video-hearings-during-coronavirus-outbreak?utm_medium=email&utm_source=

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County Court Updates for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire & Lincolnshire

Published: 17/04/2020 | News

Introduction This listing and hearing protocol is addressed to all civil court users. It is intended to give some guidance as to what work can be done and the manner in which it can be done. It applies to all Civil work at courts in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. It is guidance only. It is […]

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Further Update on our Head of Chambers, Patrick Harrington QC

Published: 17/04/2020 | News

We are delighted to be able to pass on the extremely good news received from Patrick’s wife, Susan, that Patrick is improving daily and will be going home at the end of next week. Patrick’s progress over the last 4 to 5 weeks has been remarkable. Susan and the family want to thank everyone for […]

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To Adjourn or not to Adjourn? That is the Question

Published: 14/04/2020 | News

The return of ‘normal’ court hearings is a necessity for the bulk of personal injury litigation. Court hearings and judicial determinations are essential: both for clients and their legal representatives (whether claimant or defendant). However vacating of hearings has become the norm. Listing will always be a matter for the judge and will be subject […]

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