Jason Robinson KC and Charles Littlewood will deliver a webinar discussing ‘witness statements under scrutiny‘ for the Commercial Litigation Association on Tuesday 14 April 2026.
The courts have made it clear: witness statements must tell the truth of the witness’s own recollection, not act as advocacy. Since the introduction of Practice Direction 57AC, Judges have been clamping down on statements that stray into commentary or argument. Failures can lead to strikeouts, adverse costs, and judicial criticism. This session will explore the rules, the latest case law, and practical steps to ensure your witness statements comply while still telling your client’s story persuasively.
Specific topics for discussion:
- Understanding PD 57AC core requirements and why compliance matters
- Common breaches – what the courts are striking out and why
- Case law update – recent decisions on non-compliance and costs sanctions
- Avoiding commentary and opinion – how to keep statements factual and admissible
- Draft techniques – building strong, compliant statements that support your case
- Working with witnesses – preparing them effectively without overstepping the mark
- Certificate of compliance pitfalls – how to get it right and avoid challenges
To register please click here.
This webinar will be recorded for those who wish to watch on demand after the event.
