Notes from meeting of HHJJ Cotter, Russen and Matthews with local litigators

Posted on28 April 2020

Ben Holt, President, hosted a very useful and well attended meeting organised by BLS with HHJJ Cotter, Russen and Matthews for local litigators earlier this month ago to encourage a two-way discussion of court practices and procedures during this difficult time.

The key elements to note were:

Hearings are being held remotely if health or welfare is not an issue. Telephone and VC facilities are being used but they tend to take longer, and different systems being used by court service and firms so check compatibility/ required internet speeds before conference starts etc. The Court service is looking to finalise its own VC platform but it is not fully available yet. The court will aim to facilitate other options. HMCTS will not allow Zoom to be downloaded onto judicial computers, but some judges are prepared to access Zoom via their personal computers. If a hearing is to be on Zoom, the lawyers will be asked to co-ordinate and undertake to record the hearing (and provide a copy to the Court).
Unless a hearing is designated as private, it is public and this applies to remote hearings. The media should be able to easily access hearings.
E-bundles should be kept as slim as possible. WP material could be submitted separately with password protection.
The current position in Bristol is that there is nothing that the Court will not consider hearing, but work is prioritised and Central Court Guidance has been provided on listing priorities.
Any case that is urgent should be dealt with, regardless of size, including where the result is likely to affect solvency
Staffing levels are producing difficulties while trying to work with Govt. guidance. Understandably, this is causing delays and it will take time to sort backlog
The Court is looking to be pragmatic with issues and will generally accept e-signatures.
PTRs are likely to be required to e.g. check that a trial can be conducted remotely
CPR 55 landlord and tenant claims
- have been adjourned generally with liberty to restore.
- It is difficult for Judges to know when to re-list these, but the intention is to work through as efficiently as possible and generally in date order
- Consideration is being made for additional Court time for these

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS