The Lawyer (UK): Grapevine: Thoroughly modern Langley: it’s time courts caught up: “…a few years ago it would have been unheard of, just as Mr Justice Laddie’s imminent departure to a lowly law firm would historically have resulted in his being shunned by his colleagues at the bar.” Posted Tuesday 28 June 2005

27 June 2005

In the midst of the very un-British heatwave last week, it was heartening to learn that the stuffiest traditions of the court system were being set aside.

Presiding over the Equitable Life trial, Mr Justice Langley allowed counsel and witnesses to shed their jackets in favour of more seasonable shirt sleeves. Judge Langley has already dispensed with robes in his courtroom.

This sensible gesture may not sound like much, but a few years ago it would have been unheard of, just as Mr Justice Laddie’s imminent departure to a lowly law firm would historically have resulted in his being shunned by his colleagues at the bar.

Judge Langley was also applauded for making sure that one witness finished giving his evidence before the court dispersed in order to ensure that tickets to Wimbledon the next day were not wasted.

Let’s hope more people follow the example of this thoroughly modern judge in the future.

http://www.thelawyer.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=115995&d=122&h=24&f=46

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