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

Applying for a Litigation Solicitor job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Litigation Solicitor question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at mid-level level.

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

1. Walk me through the stages of a High Court or County Court civil claim from pre-action to trial.

Why they ask: The basic framework of every litigator's work.

2. How does Part 36 work and what are the consequences of beating or failing to beat an offer?

Why they ask: Crucial negotiation tool.

3. What are the limitation periods for the main types of civil claim, and what happens if a claim is issued late?

Why they ask: Missing limitation is a negligence risk.

4. You realise that the deadline for filing and serving your client's defence expires tomorrow, and the client has not provided instructions. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests case management and pragmatic action.

5. How does disclosure work in civil litigation, particularly in the Business and Property Courts?

Why they ask: Disclosure is a major cost driver.

6. You discover that your client has deleted relevant emails after receiving a letter of claim. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests duties to the court and handling preservation breaches.

7. Tell me about a time you used a procedural step or application to improve your client's position.

Why they ask: Shows tactical thinking in litigation.

8. Why do you want to be a litigation solicitor?

Why they ask: Checks real motivation for contentious work.

A sample answer to question 1

Walk me through the stages of a High Court or County Court civil claim from pre-action to trial.

It starts with the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct or a specific protocol, so I would send a letter of claim setting out the facts, the legal basis, the remedy sought and a response deadline, usually 14 days for simple matters and up to three months for complex ones. If that fails, I issue a Part 7 claim form with particulars of claim, and the defendant has 14 days to acknowledge service and 28 days to file a defence if they do. The court then allocates the case to the small claims, fast or multi-track and gives directions, including costs budgeting in multi-track claims. The parties exchange disclosure, witness statements and expert evidence, and complete a pre-trial checklist. Throughout, I would consider ADR and Part 36 offers. Before trial, there is a pre-trial review, preparation of the trial bundle and skeleton arguments, then trial and judgment, followed by costs assessment and enforcement. I would keep the client updated on cost and risk at each stage.

Common mistake to avoid: Skipping pre-action conduct; ignoring ADR

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Litigation Solicitor interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.