Litigation Practice Materials

Have a question not covered in this guide? Check our FAQs where you can search for answers and submit new questions.

LibChat

Want to talk with a reference librarian? Send us a chat.

Pleadings

For general tips on drafting pleadings, consider the following advocacy guide from the ABA, Section of Litigation: Pleading your case : complaints and responses / Janet S. Kole [2 copies: MON KF 8870 .Z9K65 2011 and B,ABA KF 325 .194 .K655 2011]

Many trial practice resources will include sample complaints in addition to other forms.

Comprehensive set of state and federal forms. Includes commentary and “how to” guidance, plus statutory and procedural rules references. Covers notices, complaints, petitions, declarations, summonses, demurrers, answers, counterclaims, cross-complaints, interrogatories, replies, motions, affidavits, stipulations, bills of particulars, subpoenas, orders, writs, jury instructions, findings of fact, judgments, bonds, decrees, and more.

Articles focus on selected causes of action and include an overview of substantive law, checklists, a sample case and complaint.

Includes articles on how to litigate specific types of cases. Features include: Checklists, Model pleading, discovery, and motion forms, sample opening statements and final arguments

Federal Practice Forms

Forms companion to Moore's Federal Practice. Includes civil and criminal forms. Forms are organized into chapters based on the controlling procedural rules.

Covers the most frequently used pretrial, trial, and post trial motions authorized by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and federal statutes, and analyzes procedural issues connected with such motions.

Illinois Practice Forms

The handbook walks you through the typical sequence of events as a trial progresses: the opening statement; presenting testimony; preserving the record during trial; presenting the case-in-chief; motions during and at the close of the plaintiff’s and defendant’s cases; motions at the close of all the evidence; the closing argument; jury instructions and special interrogatories; return of the verdict and entry of judgment; and posttrial motions.

This set discusses the steps involved in processing civil matters, ranging from filing a pleading to appeal and review.

Part of the Illinois Practice Series on Westlaw. Chapters include: Introduction -- Pleadings -- Pre-Trial Procedures Trial -- Jury Verdicts, Post-Trial Proceedings, and Judgments -- Special Actions -- Alternate Procedures