Consultant (Case Management)

The purpose of the consultancy is to consider, research, and draft a Commonwealth Guide to Case Management. Well-designed case management systems support the numerous activities required to facilitate effective management of court proceedings, and promote smoother, more efficient execution and coordination of administrative operations, leading to increased productivity. Moreover, digitalising the procedures imposes procedural standardisation and compliance with procedural laws that result in fewer exceptions to be managed and considerable cost savings.

The Commonwealth Guide to Case Management will promote the efficient handling of disputes by Commonwealth judicial systems and the dissemination of Commonwealth best practices. The Guide will aid the adoption of improved case management systems across the Commonwealth by promoting principles of good case management and the use of technology, law, and procedure.

Recognising that different Commonwealth countries have access to different levels of resources and different connectivity levels, the objectives of the Commonwealth Guide to Case Management are to:

• Explore comparative approaches to civil procedure rules on case management, e-filing, e-discovery, and the use of technology, and identify best practices from their advantages or disadvantages.
• Identify common underlying philosophies of Commonwealth civil procedure laws, despite their diversity, and share best practices that could guide actors and enable just outcomes.
• Assist countries to address the burdens of paper-based systems by developing fit-for purpose case management systems, including electronic case management systems, where applicable.
• Provide suggestions to improve the workings and outcomes of court processes, and in so doing, assist with the just, efficient, and timely disposition of cases.
• Assist with examining case management systems to remove superfluous procedural steps and reduce the administrative burden on courts and litigants.
• Promote flexibility in case management systems to identify and respond to different case types and party characteristics.
• Inform member countries’ strategic plans on strengthening their civil justice systems by researching the benefits and disadvantages of certain courtroom technologies, focusing on the impact on judges, lawyers, and litigants.
• Develop principles of the law of procedure and evidence for effective case management.

Increase transparency by facilitating access to information, securing legal documents, and reducing opportunities for corruption within the system.

Qualifications and expertise sought

• Degree in law and qualification as a lawyer in a Commonwealth national jurisdiction.
• Extensive experience in research and/or practice of case management across the Commonwealth.
• Publication history or evidence of extensive professional experience in case management.  
• Experience undertaking legal research or analysis in multiple Commonwealth jurisdictions.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines. 
• Fluency in English required. 

Experience gained from work for international organisations is highly desirable

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV to Francisca Pretorius at [email protected] by 17:00 BST 30 September 2022