Litigation Executive Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Litigation Executive interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 11 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Litigation Executive interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Can you explain the three tracks in civil litigation and how a claim is allocated to each?

Why they ask: Track allocation drives costs, timetable and strategy, so it is basic knowledge for a litigation executive.

2. What is a default judgment, when can you obtain one and how can it be set aside?

Why they ask: Default judgment is a daily procedural point where errors can be costly.

3. What does a litigation executive do compared with a solicitor, and why do you want to progress via the CILEX route?

Why they ask: They want to see that you understand the role's scope and are committed to the pathway.

4. How do courts approach applications for relief from sanctions after a missed deadline?

Why they ask: Procedural compliance and the Denton test are fundamental in litigation.

5. Your client receives a Part 36 offer from the other side that is lower than they hoped but close to what you think a court would award. How do you advise?

Why they ask: Part 36 decisions are common and tests your ability to give balanced advice on costs risk.

6. Your opponent has failed to comply with a court order to serve its witness statements by the due date. What do you do?

Why they ask: They test practical case management and use of the CPR to enforce compliance.

7. On reading the client's witness statement draft, you realise it contradicts documents the client previously supplied. What do you do?

Why they ask: This tests professional ethics and the duty not to mislead the court.

8. Tell me about a time you managed a heavy caseload of litigation files and still met all your court deadlines.

Why they ask: A litigation executive's credibility depends on never missing a date.

A sample answer to question 1

Can you explain the three tracks in civil litigation and how a claim is allocated to each?

Under CPR Part 26, claims are allocated to the small claims track, the fast track, the intermediate track or the multi-track. The small claims track generally applies to claims up to £10,000, with limited recoverable costs, although personal injury claims have lower limits. The fast track is for claims between £10,000 and £25,000 where trial is expected to last no more than a day, with fixed recoverable costs. The intermediate track was introduced in October 2023 for claims between £25,000 and £100,000 that need a trial of up to three days and limited experts, also with fixed costs in bands. The multi-track covers higher value or complex claims, and the court manages them more actively. Allocation is decided after defendants file their defences and directions questionnaires are returned, looking at value, complexity, trial length, evidence and parties. I would advise clients on the cost consequences, because fixed costs can make some claims uneconomic to pursue.

Common mistake to avoid: Quoting outdated limits; ignoring fixed recoverable costs

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 11 questions are on the Litigation Executive interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.