Many thanks to everyone who attended our recent webinar,”Relief from sanctions” by Rebecca Paterson. We hope you found the talk useful and informative.

Rebecca Paterson presented a webinar on relief from sanctions under the Civil Procedure Rules. She explained that Rule 3.8 requires defaulting parties to apply for relief from sanctions, which are automatically imposed unless challenged, and outlined the requirements set out in Rule 3.9 including consideration of all circumstances and specific factors under CPR 3.9A and 3.9B. Rebecca detailed the three-stage Denton test, which involves assessing the seriousness/significance of the breach, determining the reason for default, and considering all circumstances of the case including the need for efficient and proportionate litigation.

She provided practical examples and case law illustrations to demonstrate when breaches are considered serious versus not serious, the types of reasons that might justify defaults, and the importance of prompt remediation and cooperation between parties. The presentation concluded with guidance on preparing successful applications for relief and the importance of acting reasonably to avoid cost consequences.

If you would like to review the webinar again, you can find the slides ​here (please email Chelsey Stuart if you would like to reuse the slides for your own purposes).

Rebecca Paterson is a civil barrister, specialising in professional regulation and employment law, with specific expertise in disputes arising within the healthcare sector.

Professional Regulation

Rebecca has a strong background in fitness to practise proceedings, having had robust training during her time as an in-house barrister at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and previously as a clerk at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. Her former roles give her a unique insight into how cases progress through different stages of the fitness to practise process.

She regularly represents both regulators and registrants in cases involving misconduct, conviction, health, and lack of competence. Her work also includes appearing in the High Court for interim order extension hearings, advising on prospects of appeal, reviewing evidence, and drafting charges for regulators ahead of final hearings.

Rebecca’s regulatory practice is complemented by her experience in employment law, proving helpful in fitness to practise cases arising from workplace disputes or challenging employment contexts.

Employment

Rebecca acts for both Claimants and Respondents across the full spectrum of employment law.

She has experience drafting complex pleadings and representing clients in cases involving discrimination, unfair dismissal, protective awards, and worker status. She advises on restrictive covenants and drafts claims and interim injunctions for companies seeking to enforce them.

She has particular expertise advising medical professionals on the nuances of their employment contracts, including those involving consultant Job Plans, and is adept at navigating the overlap between employment disputes and professional regulation.

Rebecca has provided specialist consultancy services for Paris Smith LLP, and assists firms with finalising settlement agreements.

General Civil

In addition to her core areas of practice, Rebecca regularly appears in the County Court in small claims and fast track trials. She accepts instructions in a range of civil matters including:

  • general commercial disputes;
  • breach of contract;
  • credit hire;
  • debt recovery;
  • personal and corporate insolvency;
  • personal injury and RTAs; and
  • property