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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

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

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The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
Should a conviction stand when a later ruling reveals that the law underpinning it was wrong? The answer exposes a clash between finality and justice
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
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