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Message from DSC on ‘Hybrid Working’ Guidelines

DSC have adopted a ‘hybrid’ working model, whereby both members and staff work partly from home, and partly in Chambers, based on need and other considerations. We therefore encourage you to continue to send instructions, papers and updates in electronic form.

We would also be grateful if instructions continue to follow the guidelines below – we appreciate many of you follow the requested approach already.  Our concern is not to inadvertently lose or overlook important documents.

  • Papers are indexed, tabbed and saved, ideally in .PDF format (with draft documents for our input in Word) and sent to the Clerks and relevant barrister (if applicable) via email.

  • Bundling of papers into a single .PDF or Word attachment (or series of bundles) and bookmarking is greatly appreciated.

  • If a single attachment is not possible please provide all relevant documents as attachments (or upload) in a single email We are particularly concerned that emails attached to or embedded within other emails creates a real risk of papers being lost or overlooked.

  • Where you are unable to provide all documents in one email, contact the clerking team who can provide a secure share-file into which documents can be placed and accessed.

  • If documents are not provided in the above format, it may prevent counsel from accepting instructions/ undertaking the work.

If following the guidelines above is difficult for your firm at this time – and we do appreciate that for many working electronically is very new - please do contact one of the Clerks to discuss alternative arrangements (file sharing for example). 

In the interest of ensuring GDPR-compliance, we can also provide a secure site for sharing documents.

If there is no alternative but to send papers in hard copy; please get in touch with one of our clerks to give us advance warning until further notice. 

Doughty Street Chambers remains open for business.  Our commitment to access to justice as a basic right is unwavering as is the dedication of our barristers to the interests of their clients, both professional and lay. Our staff will continue reliably to support our professional responsibilities.