What is a legal chronology?

A legal chronology is a date-ordered table of key events, documents, and references used in litigation and tribunal proceedings. It serves as a neutral factual record to help organise evidence and assist the court. While not always formally required, preparing one is standard practice in civil litigation and Employment Tribunal cases, as it demonstrates preparation and helps judges follow the sequence of events.

Can I include my legal arguments or opinions in the chronology?

A chronology must remain a neutral document of facts and dates. You should not use it to make legal arguments or insert personal commentary. Keep all entries factual and brief. The chronology supplements your witness statement rather than replacing it, so ensure it contains only objective details relevant to the case timeline.

What are common mistakes to avoid when preparing a chronology?

Common errors include including argument or opinion, failing to reference the bundle page number for each document, leaving gaps without explanation, and not agreeing the chronology with the other party where directed. If there are periods with no activity, you should explicitly note 'No relevant events' to avoid confusion.

What information should be included for each entry in the chronology table?

Each entry in the chronology table should include the date of the event, a brief description of the event or document, and a reference. The reference typically points to the bundle page number or specific document, such as 'Bundle p.1 / Contract', to allow the court to easily locate the supporting evidence.

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Legal Proceedings

Civil Procedure

Updated 2026-04-17

Legal Chronology

Date-ordered table of key events, documents, and references for use in litigation and tribunal proceedings.

This template was not drafted by a solicitor.

It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.

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.

Before you send

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'

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

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Court or tribunal name*

Case number*

Claimant's name*

Defendant's / Respondent's name*

Prepared by (name and party)*

Date prepared*

Event 1 — Date*

Event 1 — Description*

Optional fields

Party who disputes entries marked *

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

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.

Related Guides

Official Resources

Employment Tribunals — Guidance on Preparation →

Frequently asked questions

What is a legal chronology?: A legal chronology is a date-ordered table of key events, documents, and references used in litigation and tribunal proceedings. It serves as a neutral factual record to help organise evidence and assist the court. While not always formally required, preparing one is standard practice in civil litigation and Employment Tribunal cases, as it demonstrates preparation and helps judges follow the sequence of events.
Can I include my legal arguments or opinions in the chronology?: A chronology must remain a neutral document of facts and dates. You should not use it to make legal arguments or insert personal commentary. Keep all entries factual and brief. The chronology supplements your witness statement rather than replacing it, so ensure it contains only objective details relevant to the case timeline.
When is a chronology required in court?: Chronologies are standard practice in civil litigation under the Civil Procedure Rules and in 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 to assist the judge in understanding the case history.
What are common mistakes to avoid when preparing a chronology?: Common errors include including argument or opinion, failing to reference the bundle page number for each document, leaving gaps without explanation, and not agreeing the chronology with the other party where directed. If there are periods with no activity, you should explicitly note 'No relevant events' to avoid confusion.
What information should be included for each entry in the chronology table?: Each entry in the chronology table should include the date of the event, a brief description of the event or document, and a reference. The reference typically points to the bundle page number or specific document, such as 'Bundle p.1 / Contract', to allow the court to easily locate the supporting evidence.