On 6 August 2020, the Law Society of England and Wales issued a guidance for litigators and solicitor-advocates who face the prospect of working extended court hours in a pilot that begins next week.  

Extended court hours will be trialled for one month at the Liverpool Crown Court, where the court will have a morning list from 9am to 1pm, and an afternoon list from 2pm to 6pm. The guidance encourages litigators to make clear to their advocates at the plea and trial preparation hearing whether the case is suitable for listing during the extended operating hours. For clients who are not relying on legal aid, the litigators should discuss and agree with the clients any fee to take into account the extended times that the litigators will be in court or on standby. Solicitor advocates should also make submissions at the plea and case management hearing on whether the case is appropriate for extended court hours.  

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