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03 July 2026
Issue: 8168 / Categories: Legal News , Civil way , Procedure & practice
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NLJ this week: Remote hearings reshape the courtroom

Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person

Writing in NLJ this week, Stephen Gold, NLJ columnist, examines new cross-jurisdiction guidance favouring remote hearings for many case management matters, some trials and dispute resolution hearings, while confirming contested family hearings should usually remain attended.

He also rounds up a series of procedural developments, including higher court and tribunal fees, new rental measures, greater land ownership transparency and fresh HMRC powers over tax avoidance promoters. Gold notes that a recent Online Procedure Rule Committee debate even turned on whether rules should say ‘shall’ or ‘will’, underlining how drafting nuances can matter.

His brisk survey shows procedural reform continues on multiple fronts, with remote participation likely to remain one of the most significant practical changes for litigators.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Thomson Hayton Winkley—Jordan Wallace

Thomson Hayton Winkley—Jordan Wallace

Thomson Hayton Winkley strengthens family law team

Ward Hadaway—Barnaby Rosenthall

Ward Hadaway—Barnaby Rosenthall

Construction lawyer returns to Ward Hadaway in Teesside role

Bird & Bird—Shahin Baghaei

Bird & Bird—Shahin Baghaei

Bird Bird hires leading legal transformation expert

NEWS
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

How forcefully can a litigant criticise a public authority before robust advocacy crosses the line into unreasonable conduct? 
Can a meticulously maintained spreadsheet turn a couple’s informal financial arrangements into legally enforceable obligations? 
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