General Letter Before Claim
A formal letter before claim (LBC) to a potential defendant in civil proceedings, complying with the CPR Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct.
When to use this template
Use this template before issuing any civil court claim. The CPR Pre-Action Practice Direction requires claimants to send a letter before claim setting out the nature of the dispute, the legal basis, the amount claimed, and a reasonable deadline for response. Courts expect compliance and may impose cost penalties for failure to follow the pre-action protocol.
When NOT to use this template
Do not use this template for: personal injury claims (use the PI Protocol LBC); housing disrepair claims (use the Housing Disrepair Protocol LBC); debt claims (use the Debt Claims Protocol Response Pack); or employment disputes (use the ACAS conciliation process first).
Legal Basis
CPR Practice Direction — Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols. Parties are expected to exchange sufficient information to understand each other's positions, try to resolve the dispute, and only litigate if necessary. Unreasonable failure to engage with pre-action correspondence can result in adverse costs orders under CPR r.44.2.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Failing to give a reasonable response deadline — 14 days is standard for most civil claims
- ✗Not specifying the legal basis of the claim (contract, tort, unjust enrichment) — this can result in a complaint that the LBC was inadequate
- ✗Failing to identify the sum claimed or how it is calculated — courts expect the quantum to be specified
- ✗Not attaching or identifying the key documents you intend to rely on
- ✗Sending to the wrong address — ensure the letter reaches the correct legal entity (company, individual, partnership)
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR EMAIL] [DATE OF LETTER] [DEFENDANT'S NAME / COMPANY NAME] [DEFENDANT'S ADDRESS] --- Dear [DEFENDANT'S NAME / COMPANY NAME], **LETTER BEFORE CLAIM — CIVIL PROCEEDINGS** I write to notify you that I intend to issue civil court proceedings against you unless the matters set out in this letter are resolved within [RESPONSE DEADLINE (DAYS)] days of the date of this letter. **1. The Parties** I am: [YOUR FULL NAME], of [YOUR ADDRESS]. You are: [DEFENDANT'S NAME / COMPANY NAME], of [DEFENDANT'S ADDRESS]. **2. The Dispute** [DESCRIPTION OF THE DISPUTE] **3. Legal Basis of Claim** [LEGAL BASIS OF CLAIM] **4. Amount Claimed** The amount I am seeking is **[TOTAL AMOUNT CLAIMED (£)]**, calculated as follows: [HOW THE AMOUNT IS CALCULATED] In addition, I reserve the right to claim interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 / the County Courts Act 1984 s.69 at the rate of 8% per annum from [DATE FROM WHICH INTEREST RUNS]. **5. Documents I Rely On** In support of this claim I rely on the following documents, copies of which are enclosed / available on request: [LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS] **6. What I Require From You** I require you to, within [RESPONSE DEADLINE (DAYS)] days of the date of this letter: (a) Confirm whether you admit or deny the claim; (b) If you deny the claim, set out the grounds of your denial and provide any documents you rely on; (c) Indicate whether you are willing to negotiate or to use alternative dispute resolution (such as mediation) to resolve the dispute. **7. Consequences of Failure to Respond** If I do not receive a satisfactory response within [RESPONSE DEADLINE (DAYS)] days, I intend to issue a claim in the county court without further notice. In that event, I will draw this letter to the court's attention and invite the court to take your conduct into account when deciding costs. Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.