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Just a few points to add into the debate:-

1) "LiPs should understand the rules on service by email as they are easy to understand." Really?

A search on Google (as somebody below suggested) for "service of claim form by email" comes up with:-

a) a box highlighting some points by Practical Law. Which reads:-
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Despatching the claim form
For service in the jurisdiction, after a claim form is issued, it must be despatched, by completing the steps required by CPR 7.5, within the four month period in which it is valid. ...
(For service out of the jurisdiction must be served within six months of the date of issue (CPR 7.5(2)).
More items...
Service: a quick guide | Practical Law
https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/1-383-3079
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b) Followed by an article (ironically by Mills and Reeve) which is 1,445 words discussing the aspects of it, and which presupposes the reader knows the rules anyway.

c) Followed by a link to Part 6, with the link saying "Jump to Notice and certificate of service relating to the claim form - ... the court serves a claim form, the court ... Date of sending the e-mail or other ..."

and so on.

CPR Part 7 is headed "How to Start Proceedings". It refers to issuing a claim form and serving it. It even has a section saying The Claimant must complete the step required by the following table.... Method of Service: 'Other Electronic Method' ... Step Required: 'Sending the e-mail or other electronic transmission'

CPR Part 6.3(d) on service of documents refers to a claim form can be served by any of the following methods "(d) fax or other means of electronic communication in accordance with Practice Direction 6A; or (e) any method authorised by the court under rule 6.15"

Why would a person reading these things have the slightest inkling that service by e-mail was prohibited? Indeed, why would anybody search for "service of claim form by email" instead of just "how can you serve a claim form"?

What about N215, the Certificate of Service? Assuming the litigant in person has found this, it gives rules on service by email, thus presupposing this is a legitimate means of proceedings.

And if, despite this, you still think it is straightforward and simple, how can this be squared with Brett -v- Colechester Hospital (a costs case) where the Master declared that CPR PD6A para 4.2 is obsolete; Higgins -v- ERC Accountants where HHJ Pelling held that an email sending a copy claim form could not validate service of a copy of a claim sent by post because para 4.2 hadn't been complied with; and numerous other cases on service by email contested by legally represented parties.

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