You may be concerned with developments relating to COVID – 19 and how this may affect the handling of the matter(s) in which we are acting as your solicitors. Please be assured that we are absolutely committed both to the safety of our staff and ensuring that our clients’ interests are fully protected in this difficult time.
First, all staff at Caytons are able to work from home by logging in remotely to all of the firm’s IT systems including emails and the document management system. Documents for each matter are stored electronically. The office phones can be diverted to mobiles. We also have a sister IT company (Caytons Cyber) who can resolve any IT issues that may arise.
Over the last few days we have been gradually activating this capability and our legal and claims teams areis already working from home. Even with a complete office lockdown we are able fully and properly to service new instructions and ongoing claims.
Despite this, there could be unprecedented impacts of a prolonged shutdown which are beyond our control which we are also seeking to anticipate through detailed consideration. For instance, the Courts have currently stopped dealing with all non-urgent matters until 20 April 2020 (at the earliest) and are likely to encourage or impose a stay on many cases so that timetables will be changed. Other procedures involving meetings with opponents and alternative dispute resolution are also likely to be affected and we will update clients on developments on specific cases if and when this becomes a realistic possibility.
Clients can assist by exchanging documents with us electronically wherever possible.
If you have any questions regarding the above please contact the partner responsible for the matter, who would be glad to give you further assistance. Please note that we continue to keep the situation under close review.
Most importantly, stay safe and well.
