A new two-year pilot increases public access to Commercial Court documents in support of open justice.

Open justice is a fundamental principle of the English legal system. Reflecting that commitment, a two-year Access to Public Domain Documents Pilot came into force on 1 January 2026. The scheme requires parties in Commercial Court proceedings to upload certain categories of documents to the HMCTS online filing system (CE-File). Under Practice Direction 51ZH, this includes materials such as skeleton arguments, written submissions, witness statements and affidavits, as well as expert reports.

The LSLA will be hosting a panel discussion on this topic with Lady Justice Cockerill on this topic during LIDW 1-5 June 2026.

Natalie Todd is Honorary Secretary of the London Solicitors Litigation Association and a Partner at Cooke Young & Keidan. Polly Fletcher is a Senior Associate at Cooke Young & Keidan and LSLA Member. 

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