03-29-2026, 06:47 PM
Yes, there is a way to apply a bit of pressure here, but it needs to be done in the right way.
The court is not asking for argument about the merits of the claim. It is simply trying to manage an overlisted trial list and find out whether the matter might settle. So this is not the place to start expanding on why the claim is weak. However, it is perfectly proper to make clear that there is no realistic prospect of settlement on the basis of any payment by you, and that you are ready to proceed to trial.
I would not just send a bare reply saying you want to proceed as normal, because that misses the opportunity to make your position clear. Equally, I would not try to “turn the screw” too aggressively in a listing email. The best pressure comes from calmly making it plain that you are not offering any money, you are fully defended, and you are ready to attend. That tells DCB Legal there will be no easy settlement and no commercial advantage in trying to squeeze you.
The best approach is to reply confirming that there is no possibility of settlement involving payment by you, that the claim is fully defended, and that you are ready to proceed on 31 March 2026. It is also worth adding that if the Claimant wishes to discontinue, that is a matter for them. That is a neat way of reminding them that discontinuance remains open, without sounding argumentative or improper.
So in substance, the message to the court is that there is no realistic prospect of settlement, you remain ready for trial, and if the matter cannot be heard because of overlisting then you will comply with whatever directions the court gives about transfer or relisting.
That is the right balance here. It keeps you firm, gives away nothing, and quietly signals to DCB Legal that the only way this ends without a hearing is if they pull the plug themselves.
Copy DCB Legal in. Use the court’s email thread if possible so the context is obvious. Replace the subject placeholder with the actual claim number.
The court is not asking for argument about the merits of the claim. It is simply trying to manage an overlisted trial list and find out whether the matter might settle. So this is not the place to start expanding on why the claim is weak. However, it is perfectly proper to make clear that there is no realistic prospect of settlement on the basis of any payment by you, and that you are ready to proceed to trial.
I would not just send a bare reply saying you want to proceed as normal, because that misses the opportunity to make your position clear. Equally, I would not try to “turn the screw” too aggressively in a listing email. The best pressure comes from calmly making it plain that you are not offering any money, you are fully defended, and you are ready to attend. That tells DCB Legal there will be no easy settlement and no commercial advantage in trying to squeeze you.
The best approach is to reply confirming that there is no possibility of settlement involving payment by you, that the claim is fully defended, and that you are ready to proceed on 31 March 2026. It is also worth adding that if the Claimant wishes to discontinue, that is a matter for them. That is a neat way of reminding them that discontinuance remains open, without sounding argumentative or improper.
So in substance, the message to the court is that there is no realistic prospect of settlement, you remain ready for trial, and if the matter cannot be heard because of overlisting then you will comply with whatever directions the court gives about transfer or relisting.
That is the right balance here. It keeps you firm, gives away nothing, and quietly signals to DCB Legal that the only way this ends without a hearing is if they pull the plug themselves.
Quote:Re: [Claim number] – trial listed on 31 March 2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
The Defendant confirms that there is no possibility of settlement involving any payment by the Defendant.
The claim is fully defended and the Defendant remains ready to proceed to trial on 31 March 2026 as listed.
If the Claimant wishes to discontinue, that is a matter for them. Otherwise, the Defendant will attend and proceed as directed by the Court.
If, due to overlisting, the matter cannot be accommodated at the listed court, the Defendant will abide by the Court’s directions as to transfer or relisting.
Yours faithfully,
[Defendant’s full name]
Defendant
Copy DCB Legal in. Use the court’s email thread if possible so the context is obvious. Replace the subject placeholder with the actual claim number.
Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. - Mark Twain
