The new Commercial Court Guide has just been published. This session highlights the key changes which practitioners need to be aware of. The panel of Thomas Macey-Dare KC, Nicola Allsop, Maya Chilaeva and Turlough Stone summarise and discuss the changes. John Kimbell KC, who sits as a Deputy High Court Judge, gives a judicial perspective on topics including:

• Case Management
• Disclosure
• Trial Management and Preparation
• Proof of foreign law
• Negotiated Dispute Resolution
• New guidance on the determination of jurisdiction challenges in arbitration

These latest changes are part of a wider direction from the English Courts on how litigation is conducted. The panel discuss the themes which are emerging such as:

• A bespoke approach to case management
• Investment in litigation from the outset, including the new ‘agreed factual narrative’ document
• A return to fundamentals
• The key drivers: increased co-operation between the parties and communication with the Court, leading to improved efficiency
• Court encouragement of advocacy by junior counsel