Key Takeaways
- Meticulous preparation for a Costs and Case Management Conference (CCMC) hearing is vital to meet document deadlines and avoid costly mistakes.
- Failure to submit an accurate Precedent H costs budget or missing deadlines can result in the court restricting your costs recovery under CPR 3.14.
- Using a structured CCMC preparation checklist helps you assemble the correct documents, including your case summary, list of issues, and disclosure report.
- Remote attendance is usually permitted for CCMC hearings with the court’s approval; rehearsing your technology setup in advance helps prevent technical disruptions.
- Proactively negotiating and exchanging costs budgets (using Precedent R) before the hearing can achieve better cost clarity and save valuable hearing time.
- Proportionality in costs budgeting ensures your legal costs remain reasonable for the complexity and value of your case—a key legal standard at CCMCs.
- Go-Legal AI offers user-friendly templates, clear step-by-step guidance, and instant document review to streamline CCMC hearing preparation for individuals and small businesses.
- Go-Legal AI is rated Excellent on Trustpilot with over 170 five-star customer reviews.
- Overlooking required bundle items or making budget errors can weaken your case and risk the court refusing full recovery of your legal costs.
- By following this practical guide and utilising Go-Legal AI’s tailored solutions, you can approach your CCMC hearing confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
How to Prepare for a Costs and Case Management Conference Hearing: Step-by-Step Guide
A Costs and Case Management Conference can be daunting, particularly for entrepreneurs and individuals navigating legal disputes without daily legal support. Miss a deadline, submit an incomplete Precedent H, or forget a bundle document, and your entitlement to recover legal costs could be severely limited—potentially undermining your entire claim.
This practical guide equips you to prepare thoroughly for a CCMC hearing in England and Wales, focusing on the requirements set out by the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR). You’ll find a step-by-step checklist covering essential documents, court deadlines, bundle assembly, and hearing attendance, so you avoid procedural slip-ups and protect both your legal and financial interests.
If you want to work more efficiently, use our AI-powered template builder and document checker—smart tools that eliminate risk and stress from CCMC prep.
What Is a Costs and Case Management Conference (CCMC) Hearing?
A Costs and Case Management Conference (CCMC) hearing is a pivotal procedural hearing in civil litigation in England and Wales, especially for cases allocated to the Multi Track in the County Court and High Court. The CCMC is held after the initial claim and defence but before trial, allowing the judge to set a timetable for all future steps and to make decisions about each party’s recoverable legal costs.
The focus of the hearing is twofold:
- Case Management: The judge will set procedural directions, such as disclosure deadlines, witness evidence timelines, and arrangements for the final hearing or trial.
- Costs Budgeting: The judge will review and either approve or adjust the costs budgets submitted by both parties, typically using the Precedent H format.
Why Is Proper CCMC Preparation Important for Your Business?
Thorough CCMC preparation is essential to safeguard your position and to ensure the financial viability of your claim. The main document required—the Precedent H costs budget—sets out your projected legal expenses for each phase of the dispute. The deadlines around these documents are strictly enforced by the Civil Procedure Rules (particularly CPR 3.13 and 3.14).
If you fail to file your Precedent H budget on time, you risk triggering CPR 3.14, where the court may limit you to recovering only the applicable court fees—even if you ultimately win. This can turn legal victory into a financial defeat.
If you’re not sure you’ve ticked every box, our AI audit tool can review your bundle and deadlines in minutes—giving you instant compliance peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Checklist: CCMC Hearing Preparation
- Read the Court Order Carefully
Clarify your hearing date, court location or instructions for remote attendance, and specific directions. Each court may have slightly different requirements. - Complete and File Your Precedent H Costs Budget
Draft the costs budget with detailed, phase-by-phase breakdowns. Serve it on all parties and file at court. The usual deadline is at least 21 days before the CCMC for Multi Track cases. - Draft a Case Summary and Chronology
Prepare a short summary of the case background and a chronology of key events. These give the judge an immediate understanding of your dispute’s context. - Update Your Directions Questionnaire (DQ)
Ensure your DQ reflects your current approach on directions and is consistent with your proposed case timetable. - Assemble the Disclosure Report and List of Issues
Draft the disclosure report (where required) outlining your approach to evidence, and set out a clear, concise list of issues in dispute. - Prepare and Exchange Precedent R (Costs Budget Discussion Report)
Send this report to the other party no later than 7 days before the CCMC, showing areas of agreement and dispute on both sides’ costs budgets. - Compile and Paginate the CCMC Hearing Bundle
Organise all required documents, indexed and paginated as per court directions. Ensure both physical and digital bundles are error-free. - Track and Calendarise All Deadlines
Input key submission, service, and hearing dates in your calendar, with automated reminders. - Prepare for Oral Submissions
Review all documents, prepare clear points for costs negotiations, and anticipate likely judge questions or directions.
What Documents Are Required for a CCMC Hearing?
- Precedent H Costs Budget: Set out your projected costs for every phase of the case.
- Precedent R (Costs Budget Discussion Report): Clarifies costs items you accept or dispute after exchanging budgets with the other side.
- Case Summary: Details the dispute’s context in a single page.
- Chronology of Events: Outlines the factual timeline for the court.
- List of Issues: Identifies key points of dispute (legal and factual).
- Directions Questionnaire: Sets out proposed case management steps and timing.
- Disclosure Report: Details your intended approach to evidence (required for most Multi Track claims).
- Hearing Bundle Index: Organises all CCMC documents for fast judicial access.
Setting CCMC Deadlines and Timetables
- Consult the Court Order: This sets mandatory filing dates and format guidelines. Highlight any special instructions.
- Record All Key Dates: Precedent H is usually due 21 days before the CCMC, and Precedent R 7 days before.
- Stay Alert to Local Practices: Some courts have additional email filing, digital bundle, or index requirements.
- Implement Digital Calendar Reminders: Set up alerts for each step.
- Allocate Tasks if in a Team: Clarify responsibility for drafting, reviewing, and filing each document.
- Track Court Communications: Respond swiftly to any further case management directions.
You can download our printable CCMC deadline tracker and checklist to manage every step systematically.
Essential Documents and Clauses for Your CCMC Bundle
| Clause/Component | What It Does | Why It’s Crucial |
|---|---|---|
| Precedent H Costs Budget | Estimates costs for every stage of litigation | Determines recoverable costs if you win |
| Precedent R | Details agreed/disputed costs with the other side | Focuses court on remaining cost issues |
| Case Summary | Sets out dispute context and main legal issues | Enables judge to quickly grasp the case |
| Chronology | Timeline of events | Facilitates judicial understanding and reference |
| List of Issues | Sets out matters to be decided | Guides cost management and case focus |
| Directions Questionnaire | Proposes preferred case timetable | Influences litigation schedule and steps |
| Disclosure Report | Explains approach to evidence and document sharing | Mandatory for most Multi Track claims |
| Hearing Bundle Index | Contents overview for all hearing documents | Makes bundles accessible and court-ready |
How to Complete a Precedent H Costs Budget Accurately
Precedent H is a detailed spreadsheet where you break down your anticipated legal spend for each stage of the dispute—covering case management, disclosure, witness evidence, trial preparation, and the trial itself. Completing the form accurately is not just administrative; it’s critical for securing costs recovery.
Key steps for accuracy:
- Use Realistic Estimates: Base projections on actual quotes or similar previous cases.
- Phase-by-Phase Detail: List costs for each litigation stage separately.
- Clarify Assumptions: State reasons and assumptions for estimates (e.g., number of documents to review).
- Certify: Sign the statement of truth—the court can refuse budgets that lack certification.
- Revise if Necessary: If your case changes materially, file a revised Precedent H promptly.
What Is a Precedent R, and How Do You Use It?
Precedent R is the costs budget discussion report. It summarises which parts of the other party’s Precedent H costs budget you accept or dispute, and you must exchange it not less than 7 days before the CCMC.
Filing this report helps:
- Narrow disputes to key cost items.
- Show the court both parties have tried to negotiate seriously.
- Satisfy CPR 3.13’s requirements.
If you fail to serve a Precedent R, you lose your right to properly challenge the other side’s costs and risk being bound by their estimates.
Negotiating and Exchanging Costs Budgets: Strategic Tips
- Start Early: Ideally begin discussions soon after exchanging Precedent H forms.
- Be Specific and Polite: Set out your objections by stage or activity, referencing complexity and reasonableness.
- Keep a Written Record: Email is best—this proves compliance later.
- Seek Maximum Agreement: The less the judge must decide, the quicker and less costly the hearing.
- Be Timely: Never miss the 7-day deadline for exchanging Precedent R.
Use our AI-powered document review to check your Precedent H and Precedent R for completeness and compliance before you submit them.
Attending a CCMC Hearing: Remote or In-Person Strategies
Most CCMCs today allow remote attendance via video or telephone links. This can save you travel costs, but preparation is essential to avoid stress and technical mishaps.
- For In-Person Hearings: Arrive at least 30 minutes early, bring digital and printed bundles, and dress professionally. Be ready for ID and security checks.
- For Remote Hearings: Confirm the required platform (Teams, CVP, BT MeetMe), receive and test your joining links, and ensure your connection is reliable. Choose a quiet space and keep your bundle instantly accessible.
How to Attend a CCMC Remotely: Step-by-Step
- Install Necessary Apps and Update Devices: Only use platforms approved by the court.
- Conduct a Test Run: Double check audio, video, and file access.
- Use a Private, Distraction-Free Location: Avoid interruptions and background noise.
- Organise Your Digital Files: Title your documents clearly and have them open before the hearing starts.
- Dress Professionally: Court etiquette applies even on video.
- Join at Least Ten Minutes Early: Deal with any technical issues before the judge arrives.
Download our remote hearing checklist so you never get caught off-guard on the day.
What to Expect During Your CCMC Hearing
The hearing is typically structured and interactive. The judge will:
- Review the agenda, including the timetable, budget disputes, and proposed directions.
- Invite you or your representative to summarise your case and clarify disputed costs.
- Seek agreement on disputes where possible.
- Deliver a decision, or provide further instructions, on costs budgets and procedural directions.
Expect the judge to ask targeted questions—be ready with a clear index and easy document access. The goal is to narrow issues, keep costs reasonable, and manage litigation efficiently.
The Most Common CCMC Preparation Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Missing a Precedent H, Precedent R, or bundle deadline | Limits your costs recovery or delays your case |
| Using out-of-date costs budget templates | Fails to comply with the latest CPR; risks rejection |
| Failing to negotiate Precedent R | Undermines your costs challenge; exposes you to risk |
| Ignoring bespoke court/case directions | Leads to incomplete or non-compliant filings |
| Omitting bundle documents or index | Can result in hearing adjournment or missed issues |
| Not retaining written evidence of exchanges | Hard to prove compliance and bona fide negotiation |
How Go-Legal AI Makes CCMC Preparation Effortless
Go-Legal AI is designed by legal experts to help UK entrepreneurs, SMEs, and individuals tackle CCMC preparation confidently, without hidden traps.
With our tools, you can:
- Generate custom CCMC checklists in line with the very latest CPR requirements.
- Access Precedent H, Precedent R, and Case Summary templates—all lawyer-drafted for compliance.
- Instantly scan and review your documents for missing elements, deadlines, or legal risks using AI-powered self-check.
- Follow clear, step-by-step guides for both remote and in-person CCMC hearings, with practical advice on etiquette and troubleshooting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the judge at a CCMC hearing?
The judge establishes the timetable for the case, oversees document exchange between parties, and reviews or adjusts both parties’ costs budgets in line with the Civil Procedure Rules.
Do I need to use a solicitor at the CCMC?
You can represent yourself at a CCMC. However, mistakes in costs budgeting or procedure can be costly, so using Go-Legal AI’s lawyer-authored templates and on-demand expert guidance is highly recommended for peace of mind.
How do I complete a Precedent H for the CCMC?
Break down costs for each litigation phase, use honest figures based on past experience, clearly set out your assumptions, and sign the statement of truth. Our guided templates make each phase straightforward.
What if I miss the Precedent R deadline?
Missing the Precedent R deadline may prevent you from challenging the other party’s costs budget. The court is likely to accept their budget by default, significantly increasing your financial exposure.
Can I use free costs budget templates I find online?
Only use current, compliant templates updated for the latest Civil Procedure Rules. Outdated templates can cost you time, money, and credibility—use only trusted resources like our expert-drafted versions.
How long does a CCMC usually last?
CCMC hearings generally run from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the dispute’s complexity and the number of contested issues.
Is remote attendance available for every CCMC hearing?
Most county courts now offer a remote hearing option, but always check with your court to confirm procedures and receive the correct joining instructions.
How do I dispute the opposing party’s costs budget?
Submit a Precedent R setting out your specific objections, with supporting reasons. Early, written negotiations—supported by emails or letters—strengthen your position.
What should I do if I make an error in my CCMC paperwork?
Notify the other side and the court as soon as possible, and file an amended document. Timely, transparent corrections are viewed favourably by judges.
Do small businesses and individuals complete the same CCMC documents as law firms?
Yes, all parties—regardless of size—must file compliant Precedent H, Precedent R, and other CCMC documents on the required forms.
Prepare for Your CCMC Hearing with Confidence
Successfully navigating a Costs and Case Management Conference is critical to safeguarding your business’s legal and financial position. By preparing early, filing compliant documents, and meeting all deadlines, you strengthen your case, increase your chances of costs recovery, and avoid the frustrations of adjournments or avoidable errors. Overlooking requirements or relying on outdated resources remains a costly risk for small businesses and individuals.
Go-Legal AI empowers you with the latest tools, lawyer-approved checklists, and instant document reviews—built for simplicity, compliance, and practical success in English and Welsh courts. Take advantage of our AI-powered CCMC toolkit to handle every stage of your hearing prep with ease, accuracy, and peace of mind.
Start your CCMC preparation today with Go-Legal AI and keep your case moving in the right direction—protecting your costs, your business, and your peace of mind.

































