SQE1 Dispute Resolution – Rules, Exceptions & Key Distinctions Cheat Sheet

Dispute Resolution can feel difficult because knowing the rule is only the beginning — you also need to know when it applies, what triggers the deadline, what happens if it is missed and what comes next.

This 77-page SQE1 Dispute Resolution revision guide is designed to turn civil litigation into one connected procedural system.

The guide helps you work through every question using the same method: where am I procedurally → what is the rule → who must act → when → what starts the clock → how is time calculated → what document or evidence is required → what happens if they comply → what happens if they do not → what exception or discretion applies → what is the costs consequence → what happens next

The full civil litigation journey is organised through:

pre-commencement → commencement → case management → trial → post-trial

Covered in the guide:

• Dispute resolution options and ADR

• Civil claims and pre-action procedure

• Commencing proceedings

• Service and deemed service

• Responding to a claim

• Default judgment

• Statements of case

• Interim applications

• Case management and allocation

• Disclosure and inspection

• Evidence

• Trial and appeals

• Costs

• Enforcement

Built for SQE1 procedural revision

The guide is structured to help you:

• Locate the correct procedural stage before applying the rule

• Tie every deadline to its trigger

• Distinguish the deadline for service from deemed service

• Calculate procedural time correctly

• Identify the correct form, document or evidence

• Understand the consequence of missing a step

• Distinguish automatic sanctions from applications requiring court intervention

• Identify when court discretion applies

• Follow costs consequences

• Carry each rule through to the next procedural step

The resource also includes a master litigation lifecycle, deadline logic, fast issue spotters, MCQ traps, “Do Not Confuse” distinctions, procedural chains and final lookup tools.

The aim is simple:

never stop at “I know the rule” — know the trigger, deadline, consequence and what happens next.

Use the guide alongside MCQ practice to consolidate civil procedure, improve deadline accuracy and prepare for mocks and final-stage revision.

Please note: This is an independently prepared educational revision resource. It is not affiliated with, approved by or endorsed by the SRA or any university, education provider or SQE preparation provider. Candidates should use the applicable SRA SQE1 Assessment Specification and their main study materials alongside this resource.

Accuracy and liability notice:

This resource has been prepared with reasonable care for educational and revision purposes. However, legal rules, procedural rules, deadlines, court requirements and assessment specifications may change, and errors or omissions may occasionally occur. Candidates should check the applicable SRA SQE1 Assessment Specification and relevant official sources for the version that applies to their assessment date.

This resource is not legal advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice or official assessment materials. Nothing in this notice affects any rights you may have under applicable consumer law.