Tribunal Orders

Common Directions:

1. Schedule of loss – The Claimant will usually be ordered to supply a schedule of loss early in the proceedings, which is a document setting out what award they seek if successful. It puts a value on the claim and often assists in settlement negotiations.

2. Disclosure of documents – “The parties are ordered to give mutual disclosure of documents relevant to the issues by list and copy documents.” This order means that each party must create a list of the documents in their possession which are relevant and to send the list and a copy of the documents to the other side. This includes documents that hurt your position, these must also be disclosed. Sometimes the order varies and says lists are to be exchanged and for “inspection” to be carried out later. This means you send your list and receive the other side’s list, then you request documents on each other’s list which you want to “inspect” – essentially you are asking for copies of documents you do not have. My general rule is to always send my list and copy documents as it is more efficient.

3. Preparation of Trial Bundle – The bundle is simply a file, usually a ring binder or lever arch file (or multiple depending on the case) that holds all the documents for use at the Tribunal. The bundle usually comprises the pleadings (ET1 & ET3, any Tribunal orders) and all the evidence (documents) that the parties want to refer to in date order. This is then paginated for ease of use at the Tribunal and everyone participating in the proceedings will have the same bundle.

When a witness is giving evidence, a copy of the bundle will be in front of them at the witness table. It is common for documents to be added to the bundle later. The duty to disclose documents continues and therefore evidence can and often should be added even after the deadline for its creation has passed.

4. Exchange of Witness Statements – Both parties are usually ordered to produce a witness statement for each witness that intends to give oral evidence. The witness statement can and often should refer to the documents in the Trial bundle using the appropriate page number.

Most of the time the parties are to carry out a mutual exchange of witness statements, which means they draft their own statement without seeing the other side’s statement. You then liaise with the other side and exchange statements at the same time.

5. Cast List & Chronology – depending on the complexity of the case the Tribunal may order the parties to agree a cast list and chronology for use at Trial. This is essentially a document explaining the people involved in the matter (usually the witnesses) and a chronology setting out the key events and the relevant dates. This is often helpful to get the Tribunal up to speed as it will not be familiar with the case.