On 8 April 2020, Nathan Webb appeared in a bankruptcy hearing on behalf of a creditor in unusual circumstances in which the creditor had obtained carriage of the bankruptcy petition from the original petitioner. The hearing took place remotely before ICC Judge Prentis in the Insolvency and Companies Court and the technology functioned well, demonstrating the resilience of the Court system in processing cases during the current pandemic.
Of particular concern to legal advisers and clients in insolvency matters at the present time is the need to keep abreast of the various practice directions and guidance which have been issued. Nathan’s hearing went ahead in accordance with the Temporary Insolvency Practice Direction 2020 (which came into force on 6 April 2020) (“the TIPD”) because it involved a bankruptcy petition listed before an ICC Judge sitting in the Rolls Building. Many other matters have been adjourned in accordance with paragraph 4 of the TIPD.
The TIPD follows further procedural changes made in light of the coronavirus pandemic, including a Protocol Regarding Remote Hearings issued on 26 March 2020 and new CPR Practice Directions 51Y, 51Z and 51ZA.
Nathan is frequently instructed on a range of insolvency matters and along with other members of Forum Chambers is fully abreast of the wide-ranging changes currently being made to Court procedure.
Forum Chambers remains open for business remotely and our barristers are fully equipped for electronic instructions and video conferencing. To discuss further, please contact the clerks on 020 3735 8070 or clerks@forumchambers.com.
