Legal Chronology
Date-ordered table of key events, documents, and references for use in litigation and tribunal proceedings.
When to use this template
Use this to build a chronology for any legal proceedings. Courts and tribunals find a clear, dated chronology invaluable. Prepare one even if not formally required — it helps you organise your own evidence and demonstrates to the judge that you are prepared.
When NOT to use this template
A chronology is a neutral document of facts and dates — do not use it to make legal arguments or insert commentary. Keep entries factual and brief. The chronology supplements, rather than replaces, your witness statement.
Legal Basis
Chronologies are standard practice in civil litigation (CPR) and Employment Tribunal proceedings. In Employment Tribunal cases, parties are often directed to agree a chronology. In higher courts, a Chronology is routinely required as part of the trial bundle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Including argument or opinion in the chronology — it should be a neutral factual record
- ✗Not referencing the bundle page number for each document
- ✗Leaving gaps without explanation — if there are periods with no activity, note 'No relevant events'
- ✗Not agreeing the chronology with the other party where directed to do so
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
IN THE [COURT OR TRIBUNAL NAME] CLAIM/CASE NUMBER: [CASE NUMBER] BETWEEN: [CLAIMANT'S NAME] (Claimant) — and — [DEFENDANT'S / RESPONDENT'S NAME] (Defendant) --- **CHRONOLOGY OF KEY EVENTS** Prepared by: [PREPARED BY (NAME AND PARTY)] Date prepared: [DATE PREPARED] This chronology is provided for the assistance of the court. Entries marked * are disputed by the [PARTY WHO DISPUTES ENTRIES MARKED *]. --- | Date | Event / Document | Reference | |------|-----------------|-----------| | [EVENT 1 — DATE] | [EVENT 1 — DESCRIPTION] | [EVENT 1 — BUNDLE/DOCUMENT REFERENCE] | | [EVENT 2 — DATE] | [EVENT 2 — DESCRIPTION] | [EVENT 2 — REFERENCE] | | [EVENT 3 — DATE] | [EVENT 3 — DESCRIPTION] | [EVENT 3 — REFERENCE] | | [EVENT 4 — DATE] | [EVENT 4 — DESCRIPTION] | [EVENT 4 — REFERENCE] | | [EVENT 5 — DATE] | [EVENT 5 — DESCRIPTION] | [EVENT 5 — REFERENCE] | | [EVENT 6 — DATE] | [EVENT 6 — DESCRIPTION] | [EVENT 6 — REFERENCE] | | [EVENT 7 — DATE] | [EVENT 7 — DESCRIPTION] | [EVENT 7 — REFERENCE] | | [EVENT 8 — DATE] | [EVENT 8 — DESCRIPTION] | [EVENT 8 — REFERENCE] | --- Note: Bundle page references are to the agreed paginated bundle unless otherwise stated. Prepared by: [PREPARED BY (NAME AND PARTY)] Date: [DATE PREPARED]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.