Electronic working

The Civil Procedure Rule Committee has approved a pilot scheme for electronic working to be introduced in the Central Office of the Queen’s Bench Division. It is expected to run from October to December.

Upper tribunal chief

The Honourable Mr Justice Zacaroli has been appointed president of the Upper Tribunal Tax and Chancery Chamber. He succeeds the Honourable Mrs Justice Rose, who has been appointed to the Court of Appeal.

Bar’s Europe fears

The Bar Council has added its voice to the discontent surrounding the government’s Brexit white paper. The representative body said the ‘disappointing’ position taken by the paper to services would give the legal sector ‘real cause for concern.’

Gateley profits up

Gateley, the first law firm to float on the London Stock Exchange, has reported annual profits up by 11.7%, from £13.1m to £14.6m, and turnover up by 11% to £86.1m.

Solicitor apprenticeships

Travel company TUI has set up a solicitor apprenticeship programme with the University of Hertfordshire. The six-year programme will prepare apprentices for both a law degree and the forthcoming Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

Jurors go online

Potential jurors can now go online to confirm their availability, request a different date, or authorise someone else to respond for them. HM Courts & Tribunals Service said tests showed that 19% of jurors respond electronically within seven days, compared with 1% on paper.