BPTC Civil Litigation Revision Guide: Prepare to Pass 2018-2019 (Fifth Edition)

The Gap This Book Fills

The Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) is one of the most demanding stages of a barrister’s training. The centrally assessed Civil Litigation and Evidence paper is a particular hurdle — covering a vast syllabus of procedural rules, case law, and evidential principles. Many students struggle to organise the material chronologically and to apply it under exam conditions. This revision guide cuts through the complexity by presenting the entire civil litigation process from pre-action to trial and enforcement in a clear, chronological structure. It is designed to help you consolidate your knowledge quickly and effectively, so you walk into the exam with confidence.

What Is Prepare to Pass Civil Litigation and Evidence (2018-2019)?

This is the fifth edition of Gillian Woodworth’s targeted revision resource for the BPTC Civil Litigation and Evidence assessment. Published by Upfish Business Services Ltd in 2018, it follows the logical flow of a civil claim: from pre-action protocols and funding, through interim applications, case management, trial, and appeals, with a dedicated section on evidence admissibility, disclosure, and burden of proof. Unlike general textbooks, this book is built for revision — it uses concise summaries, bullet-point checklists, and exam-focused flowcharts to reinforce key rules and procedures. It is explicitly aligned with the Bar Standards Board (BSB) syllabus for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Who Should Read This Book?

This guide is written for BPTC students who need a focused, exam-ready resource for the Civil Litigation and Evidence paper. It is also invaluable for:

• Barristers and pupils refreshing their knowledge of civil procedure for advocacy or drafting exercises
• LLB or GDL students taking a civil litigation module who want a concise overview
• International lawyers preparing for the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) who need to master English civil procedure
• Legal academics and practitioners looking for a quick-reference procedural guide

It is not a substitute for the full Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) text, but an essential revision companion that distils the core principles into a digestible format.

Key Takeaways

This book covers every major topic in the BPTC Civil Litigation syllabus. Here are the five most important areas you will master:

1. Pre-action protocols and funding: Understand the steps before issuing a claim, including letters before action, Part 36 offers, and funding options (CFAs, ATE insurance, legal aid).
2. Issuing proceedings and service: Learn the correct court, methods of service, and time limits—critical for the exam and practice.
3. Interim applications and case management: Grasp summary judgment, interim injunctions, disclosure, and the court’s active case management powers.
4. Trial, judgment, and enforcement: Follow the trial process from opening to closing speeches, plus enforcement methods (third-party debt orders, charging orders, etc.).
5. Evidence admissibility and burden of proof: Master the rules on hearsay, opinion evidence, and the standard of proof in civil cases.

Each chapter includes revision checklists, practice questions, and key point summaries to reinforce your understanding.

Why This Book Stands Out

Other revision guides often present material in a topic-by-topic format that ignores the chronological flow of a claim. Woodworth’s book mirrors the actual litigation process, making it easier to recall the sequence of steps under exam pressure. It is also more concise than general textbooks like `Blaire and O’Leary’s Civil Litigation` or `Sime’s Civil Procedure` — which are excellent for reference but too dense for last-minute revision. Additionally, the book is specifically written for the BPTC assessment, not for the LLB or LPC, so every section is tailored to the BSB syllabus. The 2018-2019 edition includes updates on the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) amendments up to April 2018, ensuring you are learning the most current procedures.

Who Wrote This Book

Gillian Woodworth is a highly experienced barrister and legal educator specialising in civil litigation. She has taught BPTC students for over a decade and has authored multiple editions of this revision guide. Her practical courtroom experience is reflected in the book’s focus on what examiners and practitioners actually need to know. Upfish Business Services Ltd is a recognised publisher of legal education materials, known for producing focused, exam-targeted resources for the Bar and solicitor training. The fifth edition has been updated to reflect the latest BSB syllabus and CPR changes, demonstrating the publisher’s commitment to currency and relevance.

The Bottom Line

Yes. For any BPTC student facing the Civil Litigation and Evidence paper, this book is an essential investment. It saves you hours of organising notes by presenting the entire process in a logical, exam-ready format. The combination of chronological structure, concise summaries, and practice questions directly addresses the biggest challenge of this exam: applying procedural rules quickly and accurately. While it is not a standalone textbook, it is the best revision aid available for the 2018-2019 assessment. The price is modest compared to the cost of retaking the module or purchasing multiple resources. Our verdict: 9/10 — a must-have for BPTC success.

Add BPTC Civil Litigation Revision Guide: Prepare to Pass 2018-2019 (Fifth Edition) to Your Library

You are a BPTC student who needs to pass the Civil Litigation and Evidence paper. This fifth edition revision guide by Gillian Woodworth gives you the exact structure, content, and practice you need to succeed. Order your digital copy today and start revising with confidence. The 2018-2019 edition is current for this year’s assessment cycle — don’t wait until the last minute. Add to cart now and take the first step toward passing the Bar.