COVID-19 restrictions have not stopped NI’s Commercial Court from carrying out business.

ALG appeared in the first case to be dealt with by Mr Justice Horner in the Commercial Hub in Northern Ireland decided solely on the papers. We acted on behalf of a client in defending enforcement of an adjudicator's award which in pre COVID-19 would be turned around within 28 days.

Faced with the possibility of a delay due to the COVID-19 shutdown, the Commercial Hub employed a modern approach in agreeing directions, setting a timetable and accepting arguments electronically. The tight timetabling and remote working of all involved allowed Mr Justice Horner to hand down his written judgment in keeping with the usual time frame.

The client was delighted with the innovative approach which ensured their case was dealt with as normal in these most unusual of times.

If you have any questions in relation to the matters raised, or if there are any other issues relating to the impact of COVID-19 which you would like to see dealt with in future editions, please contact any member of Litigation & Dispute Resolution Belfast team.

Date published: 2 June 2020