AGENDA

CHAIR: The Hon. Lord Armstrong

4.00 to 4.30 Registration

4.30 to 4.40 Welcome and opening remarks from Chair

4.40 to 5.00 Maria Maguire QC: Introduction and overviewProviding a background to the changes, how the new rules and practice note were developed and the key objectives for the new process. How this procedure aims to improve efficient progress of actions, through early disclosure, discussion and co-operation.

5.00 to 5.20 Amber Galbraith, Advocate: New Rules in Practice. Consideration of the practice note and focus on what will be required in terms of particular steps now to be taken at an earlier stage in the process: additional documents to be considered/drafted, what would be expected from Counsel and how that could/should be managed and organised with the assistance of the Clerks.

5.20 to 5.40 Darren Deery, Solicitor, Partner. Drummond Miller:New Rules in Practice, from the perspective of a pursuer’s agent. To consider what changes in approach or methodology might be required from a pursuers’ agent. For example, what investigations will require to be carried out at an earlier stage, and what additional information should be obtained or considered. Also, to address how earlier positive engagement with Counsel and the defenders’ representative might be managed.

5.40 to 6.00 Norma Shippin, Director of the CLO and Legal Adviser to the NHS in Scotland: New Rules in Practice, from the perspective of a defenders’ agent. To address the new rules, as they will affect the defenders’ agents in practice. What investigations and information should be obtained, and how effective liaison and discussion with pursuer’s agents might be managed.

6.00 to 6.30 Q&A/panel discussion

6.30 Closing remarks from Chair.

DRINKS

CHAPTER 42A: NEW PROCEDURE INFORMATION EVENT.