WITNESS EVIDENCE WEDNESDAY: KEEPING COMMERCIAL LITIGATORS OFF THE NAUGHTY STEP: WEBINAR PLUS USEFUL CHECKLISTS AND PRECEDENTS: 30th APRIL 2026

For the past week we have looked at cases where judges have been critical of the failure to comply with the provisions of PD57AC.  These issues are being addressed in the webinar tomorrow. In addition to looking at the guidance and case law in detail it provides a series of useful checklists and precedents for use when witness statements are being prepared and served.  Booking details are available here.

WHAT IS BEING COVERED

• What PD57AC really requires (and what it does not)
• How to ensure statements reflect true witness evidence—not advocacy
• The most common drafting errors (and how to avoid them)
• How the courts are approaching non-compliance and sanctions
• Practical techniques to produce clear, compliant, and persuasive statements

We will also provide practical checklists and template communications to help you implement best practice immediately.

Recent cases show the risks of getting it wrong:

• Costs disallowed for entirely non-compliant statements
• Evidence given reduced or no weight where witnesses did not properly engage
• Indemnity costs awarded for serious breaches and dismissive responses

The message from the courts is clear: PD57AC compliance matters—and it will be enforced.

Who should attend?

Commercial litigators, solicitors, barristers, and anyone responsible for drafting, reviewing, or supervising witness evidence. The session will also benefit practitioners dealing with witness statements in any jurisdiction.

” I required that the meaning of the certificates be properly explained to each witness before adding a signature (which is necessary under Practice Direction 57AC in any event), it was evident from the oral evidence of some witnesses that they had not properly reviewed their written evidence and that the formal certification carried little or no weight. That has the result of reducing the weight I am able to give to any controversial matter contained in the witnesses’ statements which is not supported by reliable corroborative witness evidence, or relevant contemporaneous documents, or inherent probability.”

Mosammat Shapna Khatun v Shamim Hasan & Anor [2025] EWHC 1658 (Ch), Caroline Shea KC, sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court.

The Cost

CLB Member discount is available, the  discount code is is at the foot of the post here or contact webinars@civillitigationbrief.com for more details.

• Webinar Individual Ticket: £100 plus VAT per person
  (*£75 plus VAT for CLB members).
• Webinar Group 5 Ticket: £400 plus VAT (up to 5 delegates can join)
  (*£300 plus VAT for CLB members).
• Webinar Group 10 Ticket: £700 plus VAT (up to 10 delegates can join)
  (*£525 plus VAT for CLB members