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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

Weightmans—Jason Slatcher

Weightmans—Jason Slatcher

Weightmans appoint new Chief Technology Officer

Mishcon de Reya—trainees

Mishcon de Reya—trainees

Mishcon de Reya announces trainee retention rate of 86%

Sackers—Charlotte Adams & Fraser Sutton

Sackers—Charlotte Adams & Fraser Sutton

Sackers welcomes two new Graduate Solicitor Apprentices

NEWS
LexisNexis will mark the 80th anniversary of Shawcross and Beaumont on Air Law with a live podcast exploring the evolution of aviation law from the Chicago Convention to the challenges facing modern aerospace, taking place on Tuesday 29 September
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Foreign judgment creditors have gained a route to recovery after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Drelle v Servis-Terminal
Surrogacy is growing in popularity, but parents-to-be face a complex legal framework
Winning a judgment may be only the beginning of an expensive enforcement battle, writes Professor Dominic Regan in this week's NLJ
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