Let's get ready to rumble - Important changes in Commercial Court practice from February 2008

Client accountability and involvement in the process of litigation, shorter statements of case, shorter trials, use of court-endorsed lists of issues, early judicial view on issues and summary assessment of costs under £250,000 are among the changes coming into force in the Commercial Court from 1 February 2008. Parties and their advisers will be expected to be familiar with the changes and to conduct litigation accordingly.

The changes are not just "procedural". Some will impact directly upon businesses and in particular senior management, who will be required to take a pro-active role in cases and show a greater degree of demonstrable responsibility for the litigation being carried out in a business's name. Focus on "the day job" will not be an excuse and could lead to adverse costs consequences.

Are you ready to rumble? Wragge & Co's dispute resolution specialists provide further details and some useful action points.