Service of Papers During Lockdown
A solicitor acting for a claimant served particulars of claim on 25 March (i.e. two days after lockdown) at an empty and closed office knowing that the defendant had to acknowledge service by 9 April. The High Court judge granted the defendant relief from sanctions and overturned a decision to grant judgment against the defendant in default, giving permission to the defendant to file and serve an acknowledgement of service and defence within 14 days. The judge criticized the