Civil Litigation study guide
Civil Litigation · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Civil Litigation is a practice-focused credential for paralegals, legal assistants, junior solicitors and other litigation support professionals who need to demonstrate command of the full life of a civil case, from the first pleading through enforcement and appeal. It tests whether you can apply procedural rules to realistic scenarios rather than merely recall definitions, so questions often ask what step comes next, which filing is proper, or what consequence follows from a missed deadline. The Civil Litigation study guide has 9 sections and about 2,555 words.
01Commencement of Proceedings and Pleadings
This domain tests whether you can start an action correctly and draft a pleading that survives a motion to strike. The examiner focuses on limitation periods, the originating process, the material-facts rule, responses, joinder and amendment.
308 words, about 2 min02Service of Process and Jurisdiction
This domain tests how a claim is brought to the defendant's attention and whether the court can properly hear the dispute. Expect questions on personal service, substituted service, service outside the jurisdiction, jurisdiction simpliciter, forum non conveniens and attornment.
316 words, about 2 min03Pre-Trial Procedures and Case Management
This domain tests how a case is moved from pleadings to trial. Examiners focus on case-management orders, timetables, pre-trial conferences, mandatory mediation, summary judgment and the consequences of delay.
271 words, about 1 min04Disclosure and Discovery
This domain tests the scope of documentary and oral discovery, privilege, the implied undertaking and sanctions for non-compliance. Expect questions on relevance, materiality, proportionality, affidavits of documents and examination for discovery.
265 words, about 1 min05Motions and Interim Applications
This domain tests procedural motion practice, the evidence used on motions, urgent and ex parte relief, interlocutory injunctions, stays and security for costs. It rewards precision about notice, service and the legal test.
286 words, about 1 min06Trial Procedure and Evidence in Civil Context
This domain tests trial conduct and the rules of evidence in civil cases. Expect questions on the order of trial, examination-in-chief, cross-examination, objections, hearsay exceptions, expert evidence and the burden of proof.
279 words, about 1 min07Judgments, Orders and Enforcement
This domain tests how a court finalizes a case and how a successful party collects. Expect questions on default judgment, summary judgment, res judicata, issue estoppel, setting aside orders and enforcement mechanisms.
284 words, about 1 min08Appeals and Post-Judgment Review
This domain tests appellate routes, deadlines, leave requirements, standards of review, stays and fresh evidence. It also covers reconsideration and post-judgment motions.
267 words, about 1 min09Costs, Funding and Professional Ethics
This domain tests costs awards, settlement offers, funding arrangements and ethical duties in civil litigation. Expect questions on party-and-party costs, substantial indemnity, contingency fees, conflicts, confidentiality and candour.
279 words, about 1 min