No advocacy required
Judge: So, you are here to represent the London Borough of X in their application, Ms Janes.
Junior counsel: Jones, sir.
Judge [not hearing, writing and speaking at same time]: The case concerns [child's name]. The interim care order to the London Borough of X has lapsed. It ought to have been renewed on 9 December.
Junior counsel: Yes, sir. [Waits for judge to stop writing and look up or ask a question.]
Judge: Very well. I order: "Renew until 10.30am on 7 January 2010. 15.12.10." Your brief fee... [looks up]
Junior counsel: [Startled look]
Judge: ...is the price your local authority pays for not getting it done on time.
Junior counsel: Sir. Thank you, sir. [Exeunt, bobbing.]
Junior counsel: Jones, sir.
Judge [not hearing, writing and speaking at same time]: The case concerns [child's name]. The interim care order to the London Borough of X has lapsed. It ought to have been renewed on 9 December.
Junior counsel: Yes, sir. [Waits for judge to stop writing and look up or ask a question.]
Judge: Very well. I order: "Renew until 10.30am on 7 January 2010. 15.12.10." Your brief fee... [looks up]
Junior counsel: [Startled look]
Judge: ...is the price your local authority pays for not getting it done on time.
Junior counsel: Sir. Thank you, sir. [Exeunt, bobbing.]