How to find precedents and forms
You can find precedents and forms in our library.
In this guide, precedents mean:
“A document, clause, legal formula or other form of words devised for the purposes of legal drafting and subsequently used as a standard form in similar contexts.” Jowitt’s Legal Dictionary, 5th edition.
Common queries database
Our common queries database on the library catalogue covers topics that our librarians have researched.
Many records will direct you to forms and precedents sources.
Some forms are available to download for free from external sources.
General collections of forms and precedents
Certain publications have general collections of forms and precedents.
Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents (EF&P)
EF&P is arranged alphabetically by subject area and covers non-contentious work, including:
- precedents
- checklists
- commentary
EF&P is in library bay 63.
To find a precedent, either:
- go directly to the volume that deals with that subject area and use the contents pages or index to locate your precedent or
- use the Consolidated Index volume, or the Form Finder volume
The references in the Consolidated Index are to the volume number (in bold) and paragraph number. For example, ‘35 [2679]’ means ‘volume 35, paragraph [2679]’.
The date on the spine of the volume will tell you when it was issued.
The volumes are periodically updated and replaced. You can find updates to the bound volumes in the loose-leaf service volumes in our library.
When you’ve found the pages you want in the bound volume, check the relevant service volume to see if there have been any recent changes.
EF&P is available online in our library through our LexisLibrary subscription.In the online version you can:
- search by words or phrases in the title or body of the precedent
- view the contents of specific volumes through the browse function
Atkin's Court Forms
Atkin’s Court Forms is in library bay 62.
Atkin’s contains:
- forms, precedents, and procedures for civil litigation
- procedural tables listing the steps involved in specific types of litigation
Atkin’s is arranged alphabetically by subject.
You can go to the volume covering the subject you want or use the Consolidated Index volume.
Use the Consolidated Tables volume if you need a form or precedent relating to a specific piece of legislation.
Atkin’s is available online in our library through our LexisLibrary subscription.
In the online version you can:
- search by words or phrases in the title or body of the precedent
- view the contents of specific volumes through the browse function
Practical Commercial Precedents
Practical Commercial Precedents can be found in our library in the commercial section in library bay 5.
This is a four-volume work containing a range of precedents, with commentary, for commercial agreements, including:
- sales of shares and businesses
- employment
- private equity
The index to the full work is at the back of volume 4.
Other titles with general collections of precedents
Other titles in the library that have general collections of precedents include:
- Kelly’s Legal Precedents, 21st edition (2014) – shelved in the drafting section in library bay 9
- Precedents for the Conveyancer (loose-leaf, 1970-) – shelved in the conveyancing section in library bay 8
- Nwakodo, Tolley’s Commercial Contracts, Transactions and Procedures, 2nd edition (2015) – shelved in the drafting section in library bay 9
- Smith, Precedent Library for the General Practitioner, 3rd edition (2016) – shelved in the drafting section in library bay 9
You can ask library staff for help locating these titles.
Precedents on areas of legal practice
Many textbooks on specific areas of legal practice contain precedents.
In our library these books can be identified by a gold star at the top of the spine.
If you’re not sure where to find textbooks on a particular subject, ask a member of library staff or check on a library book locations guide.
You’ll find these small booklets on the textbook shelves around our library.
Prescribed forms
Prescribed forms are often published as part of a piece of legislation.
For example, a landlord’s notice to end a long residential tenancy and propose an assured tenancy is contained in the Schedule to Statutory Instrument 1997/3008 (and amended by later statutory instruments).
Prescribed forms may also be reproduced in other sources. Ask library staff if you need help locating them.