High Court restructure to introduce new Business and Property Division

Announcing the changes on Tuesday (2 June), the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, Baroness Carr, said the new division would incorporate all Business and Property Courts.

These courts are currently spread across both the King’s Bench and Chancery Divisions, and deal with high-value, complex and often international disputes, including commercial, business, property, technology, construction and intellectual property cases.

The announcement, made by Baroness Carr and the Lord Chancellor David Lammy, said the courts play a significant role in supporting the UK’s legal services sector and wider economy, with a substantial proportion of cases involving international parties.

It added that the changes are intended to make it easier for court users to understand where to bring their cases; strengthen the international reputation of the Business and Property Courts by including them within a single, coherent divisional structure; and simplify governance arrangements for business and property work within the High Court.

It also said the move would support flexible judicial deployment, ensuring that judges can be assigned where they are most needed.

The judiciary said the new division will be led by a Head of Division – the President of the Business and Property Division – with the Chancellor of the High Court assuming this role.

These changes will not affect the wider structure or work of the King’s Bench Division, or the existing courts and lists of the High Court, the judiciary added.

It is thought that the new division will be established early in the next legal year.

Baroness Carr said: "I want to do everything in my power to ensure that our courts are open and straightforward for anyone who needs their services. So today, I'm delighted to be announcing the formation of a new business and property division, building on the success of the business and property courts."

She added: "The creation of the business and property division more accurately reflects the requirements of people and businesses today.

"Its clearer structure improves access to civil justice and reinforces the country's position as a leading global centre for dispute resolution, crucially supporting economic growth as well."

Adam Carey