Are you looking into booking a Long Chambers in the BC Supreme Court? Good luck.

There have not been any dates listed for over a month. Lawyers we work with have been desperately trying to find a way to book a hearing.

They have tried to shorten an Application that should have taken three or four hours to less than two hours. This is not right.

Long Chambers, a term unique to the British Columbia Supreme Court, is a judicial procedural practice allowing for the comprehensive hearing of intricate cases.

The complexity of these legal matters often means that they necessitate more time for an in-depth examination, and thus, they are assigned a full day or more in court, far exceeding the traditional two-hour limit imposed on ordinary chamber applications.

A brief look at statistics illustrates the rising significance of Long Chambers in the BC Supreme Court. According to the most recent BC Supreme Court Annual Report, approximately 15% of all the cases that went through the court in 2022 needed a full day or longer.

Full day in court

This number represents a considerable increase of 3% compared to the previous year, thus indicating a trend towards lengthier hearings due to the growing complexity of modern legal issues.

To understand this trend better, we need to examine the types of cases that frequently end up in Long Chambers. Over the past few years, the BC Supreme Court has witnessed a surge in complex litigation matters, including corporate disputes, class actions, and intellectual property rights cases.

For instance, data suggests that in 2022, corporate disputes rose by 8% and class actions by 11%. These multifaceted cases necessitate extensive legal arguments and intricate factual narratives, which the Long Chambers procedure aptly serves.

Long Chambers BC Courts

Contrary to conventional judicial practice, Long Chambers allows for the meticulous exploration of cases, allowing parties to argue their standpoints thoroughly. This increased time allotment offers the lawyers and the presiding judge ample scope to discuss the intricate details of the case.

Importantly, this practice is not only beneficial for the court and the legal representatives but also for the involved parties, as it ensures a thorough examination of their dispute, potentially leading to a more nuanced, well-rounded verdict.

Furthermore, it’s important to address the costs associated with Long Chambers. Understandably, extended court hearings result in increased financial expenditure, with the average cost of a Long Chambers application in the BC Supreme Court around $15,000 in 2022, up from $13,000 in 2021.

This 15% rise reflects the growing complexity of cases and the mounting fees for expert legal representation.

However, the cost is justified when we consider the potential benefits. The extended time granted in Long Chambers facilitates a detailed understanding of the case, enabling the judge to make a well-informed decision.

Long Chambers hearings

The BC Supreme Court’s 2022 report revealed that 67% of Long Chambers hearings resulted in decisions favouring the plaintiff, while the success rate for cases heard under the traditional two-hour limit stood at only 58%. This data suggests that longer court hearings could provide a more favourable environment for plaintiffs.

However, it’s important to note that despite these benefits, the increasing reliance on Long Chambers has drawbacks. Specifically, the longer hearings result in an increased strain on court resources.

According to the BC Supreme Court, in 2022, about 20% of court time was dedicated to Long Chambers applications, compared to 17% in 2021. This increased burden on the judicial system necessitates exploring efficient practices to ensure the system continues to serve justice effectively.

As the complexity of legal matters continues, so does the necessity for thorough case examination practices like Long Chambers. Understanding Long Chambers’s vital role in the BC Supreme Court helps highlight the changing landscape of justice delivery and the critical role of in-depth case analysis in ensuring a fair trial.

As society advances and legal disputes become increasingly multifaceted, procedures such as Long Chambers will remain relevant, helping the justice system navigate the challenging waters of complex litigation.

Vancouver Supreme Court

At the same time, there are plenty of options for Case Planning Conferences and almost every other type of conference or event. What is going on?

The lawyers have clients who want to apply for summary judgment or trials. Some of these clients are out hundreds of thousands of dollars. They deserve their right to access justice.

We heard through the grapevine that some judges have freed up time due to the efficiencies of phone hearings.

So why is it impossible to book long chambers at the Vancouver courthouse?

The new Abbotsford courthouse has plenty of dates available. Will Vancouver lawyers need to drive out to Abbotsford to be heard?

Should law firms stop filing documents at the Vancouver courthouse?

Long Chambers Supreme Court (Over 2 Hours)

As you can see above, plenty of two-day MVA trial dates are available. What about case planning conferences?

Have a look below; there are plenty of those as well.

We know the courts have had to pivot because of COVID-19, but this is very strange. It is the public’s job to hold government organizations (the courts) accountable.

Right now, there is no access to justice for those who need long chambers in Vancouver. 

Our purpose is to help people get the legal help they need. Some of our other articles are below.

We have been pushing for legal innovation for years. Before COVID-19, people told us that phone hearings and video conferencing were impossible for the court to use.

And in March 2020, we were right. It was possible. The courts just had to be forced.