A Letter Before Action is the formal written notice sent before starting court proceedings in civil cases. It sets out the alleged breach, the facts, the evidence you rely on, and what you want the other party to do to resolve the dispute. A solicitor drafts and serves this letter, reviews any reply, and may help organise supporting documents and witnesses. It shapes whether court action becomes necessary and can trigger pre‑court dispute resolution steps.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
The solicitor handles the drafting of the allegations, lists of facts, and key documents; identifies applicable rules, deadlines, and any pre‑action protocols; communicates with the opponent’s lawyer; and can advise on settlement prospects or alternative dispute resolution before a claim is issued.