On 1 April 2013 new rules will come into effect in England and Wales which will have a significant impact on litigation.

Whilst the reforms look very much as though they affect mechanical aspects of the litigation process, they actually go to the root of the dispute resolution process.

The new rules will effect a sea-change in the financing of litigation, the commercial imperatives to be considered when deciding to make or defend a claim, and the conduct of cases before the Courts of England and Wales.