As we approach what is considered the 'second wave' of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is worth reflecting on how the operations of courts and arbitral centres have been transformed over the past eight months. In the early stages of the pandemic, courts moved quickly to re-open their doors virtually through 'remote hearings' and arbitral institutions rapidly adapted their rules and practice to the new realities. Indeed, the LCIA has recently issued a new version of their rules taking the pandemic fully into account.