Taking extra time at the outset of a case to properly frame a client’s claim can pay dividends in the long run. This paper seeks to illustrate the importance of pleadings in civil litigation. It includes an overview of the technical requirements for pleadings, as well as a discussion of the following topics: amending pleadings, requests for particulars, venue selection, notices to co-defendants, and third party notices.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s 6th Annual Law & Practice Update program in Calgary on October 14 & 15, 2016.