Precedents for Applications in Civil Proceedings has been written to assist all, from aspirant novices to experienced practitioners.

The book contains more than 100 examples covering an extensive range of more than 50 subjects, with commentary on the requirements of applications and the identification of typical defences.

Precedents for Applications in Civil Proceedings comprises four parts: Part 1 - Introduction and General Guidelines: advice on drafting with emphasis on application papers; Part 2 - Generic Applications and General Matters: generic applications such as interdicts, reviews, appellate applications and the like; Part 3 - Procedural, Interlocutory and Incidental Applications Matters: An extensive range of interlocutory, incidental and procedural applications; Part 4 - Specific Substantive Applications: Comprising a wide range of subjects with commentary and precedents thereon.

Trial preparation is a process that often commences immediately after the close of pleadings. It involves what may be categorised as: external procedural steps directed at the opposing litigant or third parties, such as requesting further particulars and replying to requests, making discovery and subpoenaing witnesses; internal acts of preparation, such as identifying the issues in a matter, determining the witnesses required to be called, preparing to lead and cross-examine witnesses and undertaking research on law. An extensive range of the steps to be taken are dealt with in this book. Where they involve matters of procedural and related law, the basic principles are set out and practical advice is given to assist in deciding when and how to use these legal procedures. Practical steps to prepare for trial are also dealt with in a manner that can be readily understood. To explain abstract concepts, several examples of pleadings in different types of actions (in an appendix) are used as illustrations.

In 1998, the first edition of Legal Drafting: Civil Proceedings was written to bridge the gap between the academic study of law and its practical application insofar as the preparation of court documents is concerned. Drawing on his experience in coaching pupils at the Bar, the author explains elementary matters and poses useful reminders to more experienced practitioners. The second edition of Legal Drafting: Civil Proceedings has been updated to address changes in the law. It now includes a section on the preparation of documents for arbitrations as well as an extended chapter on the all-important task of preparing heads of argument.