BARTON -V- WRIGHT HASSALL: JUDGMENT IN THE SUPREME COURT TODAY: A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE MAJORITY JUDGMENT
It is rare for issues relating to procedure to reach the Supreme Court. The judgment today in Barton -v- Wright Hassall LLP [2018] UKSC 12 concerned the issue of correct service of the claim form. The claimant lost the appeal (albeit…
CLAIM FORMS IN THE SUPREME COURT: SERVICE BY EMAIL NOT GOOD SERVICE: NO SPECIAL RULES FOR A LITIGANT IN PERSON
The Supreme Court dismissed the claimant’s appeal in Barton -v- Wright Hassall [2018] UKSC 12. Service by email on a solicitor who had not confirmed they would accept service was not good service. A claimant would not be granted any…
FIRST CLAIM FORM CASE OF THE YEAR: THE DANGERS OF LEAVING SERVICE UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
It is the middle of January (bluebells nowhere in sight) and we have already have a claim form case to consider. In Kennedy v The National Trust for Scotland [2017] EWHC 3368 (QB) Sir David Eady considered whether service (at the…
MYTHS ABOUT PROCEDURE: THE DATE FOR SERVICE IS NOT CALCULATED FROM THE DAY THE COURT RECEIVES THE CLAIM FORM: IT IS CALCULATED FROM THE DATE OF “ISSUE”
In an earlier post on limitation myths I recounted how I often received phone calls from worried solicitors who feared they had missed a limitation period. The papers had been received by the court within the period, the date of…
SERVICE ON SOLICITORS: A REMARKABLE VIEW LEADS TO MAJOR MISTAKE: THE LAW SUMMARISED
I have already written today about the decision in Higgins & Ors v ERC Accountants & Business Advisers Ltd [2017] EWHC 2190 (Ch). I want to isolate one element of that case that relates to the remarkable view that the claimants’ solicitor…
ANOTHER MONTH, ANOTHER DECISION ON NON-SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM: THE RESULT OF A “NEGLIGENT OR INCOMPETENT ERROR”
In Higgins & Ors v ERC Accountants & Business Advisers Ltd [2017] EWHC 2190 (Ch) His Honour Judge Pelling (sitting as a High Court judge) considered a number of issues relating to service of the claim form. It is another example…
ANOTHER CLAIM FORM CASE: PUTTING IN THE POST ON REQUISITE DATE IS GOOD SERVICE: NO SAFE HARBOUR FOR DEFENDANTS ON THIS ISSUE
Master McCloud has already made observations about the ” dry and unlovely crop of procedural service issues” that are regularly coming before the Masters. Another issue was considered in Jones v Chichester Harbour Conservancy & Ors [2017] EWHC 2270. “… the correct…
SERVICE OF PROCEEDINGS WITHOUT PERMISSION: THE COURT HAS POWER TO RECTIFY THE POSITION RETROSPECTIVELY
Can the court rectify the situation when a claimant, who requires permission to continue proceedings, has issued and served without such permission? That was the question considered by His Honour Judge Davis-White QC in Wilton UK Ltd v Shuttleworth & Ors…
ANOTHER SERVICE CASE: AVOIDING THE PROCESS SERVER CAN LEAD TO AN ORDER THAT ALTERNATIVE METHOD IS GOOD SERVICE
I resolved not to write about service of the claim form cases for a while. However the cases keep coming through. CPR 6.15(2) allows the court to order that steps already taken to bring the claim form to attention of…
SERVICE ON A NOMINATED SOLICITOR: BE CLEAR WHO YOU REPRESENT: “A THOROUGHLY TECHNICAL POINT”, UNATTRACTIVE, MISCONCEIVED AND “REFLECTS NO CREDIT ON THE INSURERS OR THEIR ADVISERS”
Earlier this week Master McCloud commented upon “a dry and unlovely crop of procedural service issues” in the Masters’ Corridor. These issues may well follow the Masters around. Master Davison sits as a Recorder. In that capacity he decided an…
STOPPING PROBLEMS WITH SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM SPRINGING UP: 10 KEY POINTS
In Caretech Community Services Ltd v Oakden & Ors [2017] EWHC 1944 (QB) Master McCloud described how the Masters’ Corridor is plagued by “a dry and unlovely crop of procedural service issues. Despite efforts by numerous courts at all levels to prevent their…
BLUEBELLS, THE MASTERS’ CORRIDOR AND THE CLAIM FORM: “A DRY AND UNLOVELY CROP OF PROCEDURAL SERVICE ISSUES”
There are numerous cases about service of the claim form on this blog. They are clearly a major issue in the Masters’ Corridor. Witness the opening words of Master McCloud’s judgment in Caretech Community Services Ltd v Oakden & Ors [2017]…
THE SERVICE OF PROCEEDINGS WAS PHOTOGRAPHED AND FILMED : AND THIS TURNED OUT TO BE IMPORTANT
In Yukos Finance BV & Ors v Lynch & Ors [2017] EWHC 1812 (Comm) the claimants were so concerned about the defendant’s attempt to evade service that they arranged for the process to be photographed and filmed. As it turns out…
MICROSOFT, SERVICE AND FULL AND FRANK DISCLOSURE: HIGH COURT JUDGE SAYS “NO”
One feature of this blog for this year has been the duty owed by litigants making without notice applications. Another example of the problems caused can be seen in the judgment on Mr Justice Marcus Smith in Microsoft Mobile OY…
THE DUTY OF FULL DISCLOSURE ON WITHOUT NOTICE APPLICATIONS: ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF PROBLEMS OCCURRING
The New Year’s resolution for litigators that I recommended this year came (apparently) as a surprise to many: “Think very carefully before, during and after, making an ex parte application of any kind.” The judgment of Mrs Justice Andrews DBE…
FIRST CLAIM FORM CASE OF THE YEAR: AND THERE'S A BRIGHTSIDE
Every year brings a batch of cases relating to service of the claim form. This year starts with an unusual issue. In Brightside Group Ltd -v- RSM UK Audit LLP [2017] EWHC 6 (Comm) Mr Justice Andrew Baker considered issues…
DISPUTING SERVICE: USING THE RIGHT PROCEDURE: THE APPLICATION OF CPR 3.10
In Bank of Boroda, GCC Operations -v- Nawayny Marine Shipping FZE [2016] EWHC 3089 (Comm) Ms Sara Cockerill QC (sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court) considered issues in relation to disputing service. What is interesting here is…
ANOTHER CLAIM FORM CASE: WHY IT CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR A DEFENDANT TO TAKE TECHNICAL POINTS
The decision of Master Mathews in DB UK Bank Limited -v- Sinclair Solicitors [2015] EWHC B29 (Ch) has today been reported on Bailli. It is a case that shows the dangers of taking technical points as to service. “if I…
EXTENSION OF THE CLAIM FORM: A RARE SUCCESS FOR A CLAIMANT (BUT IT HAS GOT A LOT TO DO WITH CONDUCT)
Most cases relating to extensions of time for service for the claim form end badly for the claimant. The decision of Mr Justice Roth in The Khan Partnership LLP -v- Infinity Distribution Limited [2016] EWHC 1390 (Ch) is an exception….
EXTENDING TIME FOR SERVICE OF A CLAIM FORM: PROSECCO MAY HELP
There have been numerous cases relating to extension of the claim form on this blog. I can’t remember one which ended well for the claimant. However the claimant was successful in the Instone -v- Prosecco (Leeds) LImited [2016] EW Misc…
EXTENSION OF TIME FOR SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM SET ASIDE: A CASE ALL CLAIMANTS SHOULD KNOW
A really easy way for a claimant lawyer to get sued is to hold onto the claim form. Cases relating to late or mis-service of the claim form are a regular feature of this blog. It is equally dangerous for…
TAKING TECHNICAL POINTS AS TO SERVICE: JUDICIAL "DISMAY" THAT THE MATTER WAS PURSUED
One of the most difficult decisions that litigators now face is whether to take “technical points”. Technical points, particularly as to service of the claim form, can potentially bring proceedings to a premature end. However there are risks as well…
MORE ABOUT SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM: GOOD REASONS, DELAY AND A FAILURE TO PAY THE PROPER COURT FEES
In TMT Asia LImited -v- BHP Billiton Marketing AG [2016] EWHC 287 (Ch) Mr Justice Burton considered several issues relating to late service of the claim form and failure to pay the correct court fee. KEY POINTS The defendant’s application…
WHAT A DAY FOR CLAIM FORM CASES: DECISION IN THE COURT OF APPEAL
No sooner was the (metaphorical) ink dry on the post on the Abbott -v- Econwall case when the Court of Appeal decision in Barton -v- Wright Hassall [2016] EWCA Civ 177. In the case the judge allowed an application…
A FURTHER GENTLE REMINDER OF YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION 2: BE CAREFUL ABOUT THE ADDRESS FOR SERVICE
Now that the gyms are emptying out again this is a good time to provide one of the periodical reminders about the civil litigator’s new year’s resolutions. Just concentrating upon the address for service. RESOLUTION 2 KNOW THE ADDRESS AND…
SERVICE OF PROCEEDINGS WHEN THEY ARE PUT IN THE BIN: A HIGH COURT DECISION
In Morby -v- Gate Gourmet Luxembourg IV SARL [2016] EWHC 74 (Ch) Edward Murray (sitting as a Deputy Judge of the Chancery Division) considered an issue relating to personal service. “If facts are in dispute, absent special situations, it would…
EXTENDING TIME FOR SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM: A RISKY BUSINESS
In Medhi Kohsravi -v- British American Tobacco PLC [2016] EWHC 123 (QB)Sir David Eady stated that he would have set aside an order extending time for service of the claim form. It is a timely warning that obtaining an extension…
SERVICE BY EMAIL IS GOOD SERVICE: FAMILY COURT DECISION
Issues of electronic service are still relatively novel. Some interesting issues were addressed by Mostyn J in Maughan -v- Wilmot [2015] EWHC 29 (Fam). This is a family case where important observations are made in relation to service by email…
LATE SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM, EXTENSIONS OF TIME AND RESTORATION TO THE REGISTER: IT DOESN'T END WELL
The decision in Hyfield Estates Ltd -v- Eggar [2015] EWHC 3773 (QB) (His Honour Judge Peter Hughes QC sitting as a Judge of the High Court) provides another example of the dangers of late service of the claim form “It…
TEN NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR LITIGATORS IN 2016
Some resolutions to keep you prosperous and out of difficulties in 2016. (Happy New Year) 1. NEVER, EVER, GUESS ABOUT A LIMITATION PERIOD (OR TAKE A CLIENT’S WORD FOR IT) Litigators of all types must have a clear idea about…
SENDING THE FEE WITH THE APPLICATION: FAILURE CAN BE FATAL
I am grateful to barrister Matthew White for sending me details and a copy of the decision of His Honour Judge Lopez in Price -v- Egbert H Taylor Limited (Birmingham County Court 2nd October 2015). “… there [are] numerous authorities…
WHEN TWO RULES COLLIDE:PART 36 OFFER DOES NOT OVERRIDE NEED TO SERVE THE CLAIM FORM
In The Former Owners of the Motor Vessel “Melissa K” -v- The Former Owners of the Motor Tanker “Tomsk” [2015] EWHC 3445 (Admlty) Mr Justice Males considered the interplay between Part 36 and the need to serve. It is an…
WHEN IS PERSONAL SERVICE EFFECTED? A CASE TO SEND TO ALL YOUR PROCESS SERVERS
In Tseitline -v- Mikhelson [2015] EWHC 3065 (Comm) Mr Justice Phillips had to consider whether effective personal service had taken place. THE CASE The claimants had attempted to serve the defendant outside, and then later inside, the National Gallery. The…
CPR 3.10 STOPS A CLAIM FROM SINKING: USING THE WRONG FORM NOT FATAL TO AN ACTION
In LD Commodities Rice Merchandising LLC -v- The Owners and/or Charterers of the Vessel Styliani Z [2015 ] EWHC 3060 (Admlty) Mr Justice Teare considered a case where the claimant used the wrong form to issue an action, this could…
ANOTHER CLAIM FORM NOT SERVED PROPERLY: SERVICE ABROAD AND SERVICE ON A SOLICITOR
In Transportes Viana E Fernandes LDA -v- Baban & others (Brighton County Court, 15th January 2015)* His Honour Judge Simkiss overturned the order of the District Judge in circumstances where the claim form had not been served properly. The claim…
SERVICE BY E-MAIL: ALLOWED BY THE HIGH COURT SO THAT INJUNCTION COULD BE EFFECTIVE
In JPH -v- XYZ [2015] EWHC (a decision made this Saturday!) Mr Justice Popplewell made an order allowing service by e-mail. THE CASE The claimant was bringing an injunction to prevent “revenge porn”. An application was made without notice to…
WHEN LAW AND POLITICS COLLIDE : IT'S ALL ABOUT SERVICE
It is rare for cases about service of the claim form to reach the headlines. This, however, is what happened in Ireland -v- Dorries [2015] EWHC 2781 (QB). Although service here relates to service of an Election Petition the court…
SERVED A COPY CLAIM FORM BY MISTAKE? THERE MAY BE A WAY OUT: BUT BE CAREFUL
In United Utilities Group PLC -v- Hart (HH Judge Wood, Liverpool County Court, 24th September 2015*) a claimant was granted a “reprieve” after having served a photocopy of the claim form by mistake. However this is another one of those…
SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM; RELIEF FROM SANCTIONS AND CHALLENGING THE JURISDICTION: A COMPLEX MIX?
The decision of Judge Hacon in Cant -v- Hertz Corporation [2015] EWHC 2617 (Ch) raises some interesting issues. However, equally interesting, are the issues that were not addressed. In particular the issues relating to the applicability of CPR Part 11…
"HOW TO GET SUED, MAKE A LOSS AND BE MISERABLE": 22nd SEPTEMBER 2015: HARDWICKE BUILDING, LONDON: RAISING FUNDS FOR THE BILLABLE HOUR
LITIGATORS: HOW TO GET SUED: MAKE A LOSS AND BE MISERABLE RAISING MONEY FOR THE BILLABLE HOUR APPEAL (ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE APPEAL) Gordon Exall and PJ Kirby QC. Hardwicke Building, Lincoln’s Inn. TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2015 5.30 -…
SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM – FURTHER PROBLEMS: YOU CANNOT ALWAYS RELY ON WHAT YOU ARE TOLD
Service of the claim form is an issue that continues to cause problems. There is a brief report on Lawtel today of the decision of Stewart J in Dzekova -v- Thomas Eggar PPL (QBD 17/07/2015)*. It is another example of…
ANOTHER MIS-SERVED CLAIM FORM: CLAIMANTS DO NOT PASS GO AND DO NOT GET TO THE BANK
There are a number of issues considered by Mr Justice Arnold in Chopra -v- Bank of Singapore [2015] EWHC 1549 (Ch). However the claimants failed at the very first, and very familiar, hurdle – service of the claim form. THE…
ASHLEY -v- TESCO STORES: FULL TRANSCRIPT NOW AVAILABLE: CLAIMANT HAS SIX MONTHS TO SERVE ON A SCOTTISH COMPANY
The case of Ashley -v- Tesco Stores [2015] EWCA Civ 1423 has been looked at earlier in this blog. The full transcript is now available. THE JUDGMENT OF LADY JUSTICE ARDEN This appeal from the order of Patterson J dated…
DECISION REGULARISING SERVICE OF UNSEALED CLAIM FORM NOT SET ASIDE EVEN THOUGH UNAUTHORISED BODY HAD SERVED THE CLAIM FORM
In Heron Bros Ltd -v- Central Bedfordshire Council (No 2) [2015] EWHC 1009 (TCC) Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart declined an application to vary his original order that service of an unsealed claim form, served under the Public Service Regulations, was an…
IS SERVICE OF AN UNSEALED CLAIM FORM GOOD SERVICE? NOW THAT'S A QUESTION
In Heron Bros Ltd -v- Central Bedfordshire Council [2015] EWHC 604 (TCC) Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart considered the question of whether service of an unsealed claim form is good service. In most cases the answer is probably “no”. However the judge…
LATE SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM: EXTENSION REFUSED: REMINDER TO SERVE PROMPTLY AND PROPERLY
The case of Bellcrown Associates Ltd -v- Royal Bank of Scotland (QBC) 17/03/2015 is reported on Lawtel today*. It provides another example of the dangers of not serving a claim form properly. THE CASE The claimant was bringing an action…
THERE ARE NOW UNEXPLODED GRENADES IN YOUR FILING CABINET: SERVE PROCEEDINGS PROMPTLY AND PROPERLY
One problem with the flurry of issuing proceedings last week is that there will now be numerous actions that have been issued which are not fully ready and where service will be delayed. Remember that un-served proceedings means that there…
FOUR IMPORTANT POINTS FOR THOSE HASTILY ISSUING PROCEEDINGS THIS WEEK
Twitter and other sources have been full of stories of solicitors issuing numerous proceedings to avoid the (wholly ridiculous) price hike next week. There are a few things that should be borne in mind by all those who have issued…
FOR TWO DOLLARS MORE: THE DANGERS OF NOT SENDING THE CORRECT COURT FEE
I am grateful to Gerard McDermott QC for sending me details from the American Bar Association Journal of a £2.5 million case in Powhattan Circuit Court where a $2.5 million dollar action failed because the court fee was incorrect by…
SERVICE OF THE CLAIM FORM: E-MAILING A COPY IS NOT GOOD SERVICE (AND WON'T BE EXCUSED)
Service of the claim form raises its head for the second time in two days. In Dunbar Assets Plc -v- BCP Premier Limited [2014] EWHC 10 (Ch) Mr John Baldwin QC (sitting as a Deputy Judge) overturned an order that…
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