Civil Procedure Updates and Best Practices
Presenters : Dwight Snyman
Overview
Civil litigation is ever-changing and no legal practitioner can afford to overlook the strategic use of procedural rules that safeguard efficiency and fairness in legal proceedings.
In this webinar, we will explore the most recent updates to civil procedure, with particular focus on changes that may affect case management, the presentation of evidence, and litigation timelines. This session will emphasize the critical need for procedural mastery and adaptability in the face of new legal developments, ensuring optimal trial outcomes and robust protection of clients' interests.
Join Adv Dwight Snyman to gain valuable insights into best practices that can help you secure tactical advantages while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Learning objectives
Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:
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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the recent amendments to summary judgment procedures, including the heightened requirements for plaintiffs and the implications for defence strategies.
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Understand the ongoing evolution of practice notes and their practical impact on litigation, including how to effectively incorporate these changes into your day-to-day litigation practices.
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Develop the skills needed to conduct litigation in a virtual environment with confidence and precision while staying compliant.
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Equip yourself with advanced negotiation and litigation strategies that can be continually adapted to evolving legal landscapes.
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Understand the consolidated practice directives that guide procedural conduct across various courts.
Content
The webinar will cover the following topics:
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Understand Changes to Summary Judgment Procedure
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Explore recent amendments to the summary judgment process.
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Discuss the impact of these changes on plaintiffs and defendants.
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Review the new evidentiary requirements and affidavit procedures.
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Analyze case law to illustrate the practical application of the updated rules.
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Highlight strategic considerations for using summary judgments in civil litigation.
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Examine Changes to and evolution of Practice Notes
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Discuss how advocates draw up practice notes to assist judges in understanding complex cases.
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Provide an overview of updated practice notes and how they affect case management.
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Analyze how updated notes influence courtroom dynamics, timelines, and trial preparation.
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Review specific cases where new practice notes have made a difference in litigation outcomes.
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Utilize Virtual Hearings Effectively
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Discuss the ongoing integration of virtual hearings in civil procedure.
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Examine best practices for conducting virtual trials and pre-trial hearings.
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Address technical and ethical challenges related to online proceedings.
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Analyze judicial perspectives on remote hearings in light of recent rulings.
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Offer practical advice on preparing clients and witnesses for virtual participation.
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Master Negotiation and Litigation Strategies
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Highlight effective negotiation techniques in light of procedural updates.
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Explore how procedural amendments affect settlement negotiations and ADR mechanisms.
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Provide guidance on balancing legal strategy with client interests during negotiations.
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Discuss the evolving role of expert witnesses and managing evidence collection post-amendment.
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Highlight key procedural tools, such as interlocutory applications and discovery, to improve litigation outcomes.
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Investigate Consolidated Practice Directives
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Review the introduction of Consolidated Practice Directives and their purpose in streamlining court procedures.
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Analyze how these directives standardize court practices across different regions.
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Examine the implications of these directives for case management and procedural compliance.
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Discuss the role of Consolidated Directives in facilitating judicial efficiency and reducing case backlog.
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Provide practical guidance on aligning litigation strategies with the new directives.
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