Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Disclosure definition

What does Disclosure mean? Disclosure describes the process in litigation by which a party identifies, lists and, where not protected by privilege, allows inspection of documents within its control that are relevant to the issues in dispute, including confirming that a document exists or has existed. It covers paper and electronic material (ESI), and carries a continuing duty to preserve and disclose. In England and Wales, disclosure is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules: standard disclosure and inspection under Part 31, and in the Business and Property Courts, initial and extended disclosure under Practice Direction 57AD. Parties must conduct a reasonable and proportionate search, list...

Electronic disclosure under the CPR: duties, EDQ, budgeting, compliance and sanctions, plus TAR and personal devices (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert

Practice notes

Electronic disclosure

This Practice Note addresses common queries about electronic disclosure, covering what it entails, a solicitor’s duties in respect of it, the practical steps required, how to plan costs, and the consequences of non-compliance. It should be read alongside the Practice Notes: Introduction to electronic disclosure and Disclosure—technical glossary.

Electronic disclosure refers to the efficient handling of (typically extensive) stores of electronically stored information (ESI), whether arising before proceedings or after issue. With ESI now pervasive across businesses and individuals, dispute lawyers must understand electronic disclosure and a legal representative’s responsibilities under CPR PD 31B.

For additional guidance, consult the following Practice Notes:

Disclosure in multi-track cases
Case management—compliance

This Practice Note does not address the disclosure scheme in the Business and Property Courts. Electronic disclosure will almost invariably be relevant to matters within that scheme; while the guidance here may assist, the specific provisions of the scheme must be reviewed in each instance...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...