How to Write Legal Submissions for a Tribunal Hearing (Without Being a Lawyer)

Tribunal submissions are your written argument. They tell the tribunal what happened, what you want, and why the law supports you. Unlike court pleadings, tribunal submissions are less formal — but they still need to be clear, structured, and backed by evidence.

Most self-represented parties either write too much or too little. They ramble through irrelevant details, or they submit a single paragraph that says nothing useful. The submissions that get traction are the ones that make the tribunal’s job easier.

What tribunal submissions actually do

Submissions are not evidence. They are your interpretation of the evidence. They explain:

• What the dispute is about
• What orders you are seeking
• What evidence supports your case
• What law or tribunal rules apply
• Why the tribunal should rule in your favour

Submissions are typically filed before the hearing. The tribunal member reads them in advance. At the hearing, you speak to your submissions — not read them out word for word.

Structure of effective tribunal submissions

Use this structure:

1. Heading State the tribunal name, matter number, parties, and document title.

Example: > VICTORIAN CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL > Matter No: BP 123/2024 > Applicant’s Submissions

2. Introduction (1-2 paragraphs) Summarise what the case is about and what you are asking for.

Example: > This is an application for orders requiring the respondent to refund $4,800 paid for defective kitchen benchtops. The respondent installed benchtops that cracked within two months and has refused to repair or refund despite multiple requests.

3. Background / Facts (3-6 paragraphs) Set out the key facts in chronological order. Reference your evidence by exhibit number or page number.

Example: > On 12 March 2024, I engaged the respondent to supply and install kitchen benchtops (Exhibit A — quote). The agreed price was $4,800, paid in full on 15 March 2024 (Exhibit B — bank statement).

Do not editorialize. Just state what happened.

4. Issues in dispute List the specific questions the tribunal needs to decide.

Example: > The issues are: > – Whether the benchtops were defective > – Whether the respondent breached the Australian Consumer Law > – Whether the applicant is entitled to a refund

5. Legal framework Identify the law or tribunal rules that apply. You do not need to quote entire sections — just cite them and explain how they apply.

Example: > Under the Australian Consumer Law, goods must be of acceptable quality. This means free from defects, safe, durable, and fit for purpose. Benchtops that crack within two months are not of acceptable quality.

6. Application of law to facts This is the argument. Take each issue and show how the evidence and the law support your position.

Example: > The benchtops cracked within two months of installation (Exhibit C — photos). The respondent’s own installer admitted the material was “not suitable for that application” (Exhibit D — email dated 10 May 2024). This is a clear breach of the consumer guarantee.

7. Orders sought State exactly what you want the tribunal to order. Be specific.

Example: > The applicant seeks: > 1. An order that the respondent refund $4,800 to the applicant within 14 days. > 2. An order that the respondent pay the applicant’s filing fee of $68.

8. Conclusion (1 paragraph) Restate your position briefly.

Example: > The respondent supplied defective goods in breach of the Australian Consumer Law. The applicant is entitled to a full refund.

Tone and style rules

Write in plain English Tribunals are designed for self-represented parties. Do not try to sound like a lawyer.

Use short sentences Long sentences confuse the reader. Break them up.

Avoid emotion Do not say “I am devastated” or “this has caused me enormous stress.” Tribunals decide on facts and law, not feelings.

Do not attack the other party Do not say “the respondent is dishonest” or “the respondent is incompetent.” Focus on what they did or did not do.

Reference your evidence Every factual claim should point to an exhibit, witness statement, or document. Do not make assertions you cannot prove.

What to avoid

Do not submit a narrative essay Tribunals do not want your life story. They want the facts relevant to the dispute.

Do not quote entire statutes Cite the section number and summarise the principle. Do not copy-paste 500 words from legislation.

Do not submit irrelevant evidence Only include evidence that supports a fact you need to prove.

Do not exceed the page limit Most tribunals have a page or word limit for submissions. Check the practice directions. If there is no stated limit, aim for 5-10 pages maximum.

Do not file late Submissions are usually due 7-14 days before the hearing. Late submissions may not be read.

How to reference evidence

Use exhibit numbers or document names consistently.

Example: > On 15 March 2024, I paid the respondent $4,800 (Exhibit B — bank statement, page 2).

If you are submitting witness statements, refer to them by name and paragraph number.

Example: > The installer confirmed the material was unsuitable (Statement of John Smith, paragraph 8).

Common mistakes self-represented parties make

Confusing submissions with evidence Submissions are argument. Evidence is the documents, photos, contracts, and witness statements. Do not put new factual claims in your submissions that are not backed by evidence.

Writing a letter to the tribunal Submissions are not a letter. Do not start with “Dear Tribunal Member.” Use headings and structure.

Arguing the other party’s bad character The tribunal does not care if the other party is rude or difficult. Focus on what they did that breached the law or contract.

Submitting too late Check the tribunal’s directions. If submissions are due 7 days before the hearing, file them 10 days before to be safe.

Ignoring the other party’s submissions If the other party files submissions, read them. You may need to file a reply addressing their arguments.

Reply submissions

If the other party files submissions that raise new arguments, you can file a reply. Reply submissions should:

• Respond only to new points raised by the other party
• Be shorter than your original submissions
• Be filed within the timeframe allowed by the tribunal (usually 3-7 days before the hearing)

Do not repeat your original submissions. Only address what the other party said.

Formatting tips

Use headings Break your submissions into clear sections with headings.

Number your paragraphs This makes it easy to refer to specific points at the hearing.

Use a readable font 12-point Arial or Times New Roman.

Double-space or 1.5-space This makes it easier for the tribunal member to annotate.

Include a footer Put the matter number and your name on every page.

Final checklist before filing

Before you file your tribunal submissions, check:

• [ ] Have I stated what orders I am seeking?
• [ ] Have I referenced every factual claim to an exhibit or witness statement?
• [ ] Have I cited the relevant law or tribunal rules?
• [ ] Have I avoided emotional language and personal attacks?
• [ ] Have I stayed within the page limit?
• [ ] Have I numbered my paragraphs?
• [ ] Have I filed within the required timeframe?

If you can tick all seven, your submissions are ready to file.

What happens after you file

The tribunal member reads your submissions before the hearing. At the hearing, they may ask you questions about your submissions. You do not read them out — you speak to them.

If the other party has not filed submissions, you have an advantage. The tribunal member has only heard your side. Use that advantage by being clear, factual, and precise.

How Claim Done helps

Claim Done’s Legal Submissions service generates structured submissions based on your evidence, for you to check before you file them. You tell us what documents you have, answer a short intake form, and our Programmatic Algorithms draft submissions citing the applicable law and referencing your exhibits.

The service delivers:

• Structured submissions following tribunal best practice
• Citations to relevant Australian Consumer Law, contract law, or tribunal rules
• Clear statement of facts, issues, and orders sought
• Yours to check and adapt before you file them

Claim Done does not give legal advice. For straightforward tribunal disputes where you know your case but need help structuring it, Claim Done delivers fast.

Claim Done prepares tribunal submissions for $49. Tell us what evidence you have, answer a short intake form, and receive structured submissions citing the applicable law — for you to check, adapt and file yourself before your hearing. Start your Legal Submissions now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file written submissions for a tribunal hearing?

It depends on the tribunal and the type of matter. Some tribunals require written submissions, others make them optional. Check your tribunal’s practice directions or the directions issued in your case. Even if not required, filing submissions gives you an advantage — the tribunal member reads your case before the hearing.

How long should tribunal submissions be?

Most tribunals prefer 5-10 pages. Some have specific page or word limits set out in their practice directions. If there is no stated limit, aim for clarity over length. A well-structured 6-page submission is better than a rambling 20-page essay.

Can I submit new evidence with my submissions?

No. Submissions are argument, not evidence. All evidence should be filed separately as exhibits or witness statements. Your submissions reference the evidence — they do not contain it. If you have new evidence, file it as an additional exhibit before the hearing.

What if the other party does not file submissions?

You still file yours. If the other party does not file submissions, the tribunal member only has your written case to read before the hearing. This gives you an advantage — use it by being clear, factual, and well-structured.

Do I need to cite case law in tribunal submissions?

Not usually. Tribunals are designed for self-represented parties. Citing the relevant statute or tribunal rule is enough. If you are relying on a well-known case, you can mention it — but do not try to sound like a barrister. Focus on the facts and the applicable law.