Welcome to Litigation Process Overview — a comprehensive e-learning course designed to demystify the civil litigation process in England and Wales. Whether you’re a legal professional, in-house counsel, or a business stakeholder involved in disputes, understanding the litigation journey is essential for managing risk, making informed decisions, and navigating proceedings with confidence.
This course provides a structured overview of each stage of litigation, from pre-action protocols through to trial and judgment, with practical insights into disclosure, evidence, case management, and costs.
Grounded in the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and supported by real-world examples, this training equips learners with the knowledge to engage effectively with legal processes and promote fair, proportionate dispute resolution.
This course covers:
- The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and their overriding objective of fairness, efficiency, and proportionality.
- Navigating the Pre-Action Stage, including the role of Pre-Action Protocols and the importance of early disclosure and ADR.
- Learn how to issue a claim, including the preparation of the Claim Form, Particulars of Claim, and Initial Disclosure List.
- Understand the process for responding to a claim, including filing a Defence, Acknowledgement of Service, and the implications of Default Judgment.
- Explore case management and track allocation, including the Small Claims, Fast Track, Intermediate Track, and Multi-Track systems.
- Gain insight into costs budgeting and the role of the Case Management Conference (CMC).
- Understand the rules and responsibilities around disclosure, including ongoing duties and applications for specific disclosure.
- Learn how to prepare and present witness evidence and expert reports, including the use of joint experts and cross-examination.
- Follow the structure of a civil trial, from opening statements to judgment.
- Recognise the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and its impact on costs and court expectations.
- Understand how costs are awarded, and the factors influencing the Court’s discretion.
