Exhibit List Template
Create professional exhibit lists for trial, deposition, and motion practice. Court-compliant formats with proper numbering conventions.
What is an Exhibit List?
An exhibit list is a formal document that catalogs all exhibits a party intends to use in legal proceedings. Required for pretrial disclosures under FRCP 26(a)(3) and state equivalents, exhibit lists serve as the official index of documentary evidence.
Pretrial Disclosure
Filed with the court 30 days before trial (federal) or per local rules
Evidence Tracking
Track admission status: Admitted, Marked for ID, Withdrawn
Standard Exhibit List Format
Most courts accept exhibit lists with these standard columns. Add or remove columns based on your local rules.
| Column | Example Content |
|---|---|
| Exhibit No. | 1, 2, 3 (Plaintiff) or A, B, C (Defendant) |
| Description | Brief description of the document |
| Date | Document date or N/A |
| Pages | Total page count |
| Status | Admitted / Marked for ID / Withdrawn |
Sample Exhibit List
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Case No. 24STCV12345
SMITH v. JONES CORPORATION
Plaintiff's Exhibit List
| Exhibit | Description | Date | Pages | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Employment Agreement between Smith and Jones Corp. | 03/15/2022 | 12 | Admitted |
| 2 | Email from CEO regarding performance review | 06/01/2023 | 3 | Admitted |
| 3 | Medical records - Dr. Williams, January 2024 | 01/15/2024 | 45 | Marked for ID |
| 4 | Termination letter dated September 30, 2023 | 09/30/2023 | 2 | Admitted |
| 5 | Photographs of workplace conditions (5 images) | 07/2023 | 5 | Pending |
How to Create an Exhibit List
Gather All Exhibits
Compile all documents you plan to use. Organize in order of introduction—chronological or topical.
Assign Numbers or Letters
Plaintiffs use numbers (1, 2, 3), defendants use letters (A, B, C) per court conventions.
Write Brief Descriptions
Add clear, concise descriptions under 50 words. Include document type and key identifying info.
Add Page Counts & Dates
Note total pages and document dates. Helps court and counsel locate specific exhibits.
Format for Your Court
Use required format with case caption, party designation, and standard columns.
File and Serve
File with court per local deadlines and serve copies on opposing counsel.
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Exhibit Numbering Conventions
Plaintiff / Petitioner
Defendant / Respondent
Per California Rules of Court 3.1110(c) and similar state rules
Exhibit List Filing Deadlines
| Court | Deadline | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Court | 30 days before trial | FRCP 26(a)(3) |
| California | 30 days before trial | CRC 3.1302 |
| Texas | Per pretrial order | TRCP 166 |
| New York | Per pretrial conference | 22 NYCRR 202.16 |
| Florida | At pretrial conference | Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.200 |
Always check your court's local rules and any case-specific pretrial orders for exact deadlines.
Free Exhibit List Template
Plaintiff (numbered) + Defendant (lettered) · PDF
Exhibit List FAQ
What is an exhibit list?
An exhibit list is a document that catalogs all exhibits a party intends to use at trial, deposition, or hearing. It includes exhibit numbers/letters, brief descriptions, page counts, and admission status. Courts often require exhibit lists to be filed before trial as part of pretrial disclosures under FRCP 26(a)(3) or equivalent state rules.
What should be included in a trial exhibit list?
A trial exhibit list should include: (1) case caption with court name and case number, (2) party identification (Plaintiff/Defendant), (3) exhibit number or letter, (4) brief description of each document, (5) page count, (6) date of document if applicable, and (7) columns for tracking admission status. Some courts also require witness associations—which witnesses will authenticate each exhibit.
When do I need to file an exhibit list?
In federal court, exhibit lists must be filed at least 30 days before trial as part of pretrial disclosures under FRCP 26(a)(3). State court deadlines vary—California requires exchange 30 days before trial per CRC 3.1302, while Texas local rules may require 14-21 days. Always check your specific court's local rules and any pretrial order deadlines.
How do I number exhibits on an exhibit list?
Use sequential numbers for plaintiff/petitioner exhibits (Exhibit 1, 2, 3) and letters for defendant/respondent exhibits (Exhibit A, B, C). In multi-party cases, add prefixes: P-1 for plaintiff, D-A for defendant, TP-1 for third-party defendant. Beyond 26 exhibits, continue with AA, AB, AC for letters. Pre-number exhibits in logical order—chronological is most common.
What is the difference between an exhibit list and a table of contents?
An exhibit list is a standalone document filed with the court that catalogs exhibits for pretrial disclosures. A table of contents (TOC) is included within a trial binder or combined PDF to help navigate to specific exhibits. The exhibit list tracks admission status; the TOC provides page numbers. ExhibitPrep generates both—exhibit lists for filing and TOCs for your trial binder.
Can I update my exhibit list after filing?
Yes, but with limitations. Courts allow amendments to exhibit lists, but new exhibits may be excluded if added too late. Federal rules require disclosure 30 days before trial, with supplements allowed if discovered later. Opposing counsel can object to undisclosed exhibits. Always file an amended exhibit list and serve opposing counsel promptly when adding or removing exhibits.
How do I organize exhibits for a complex case?
For complex cases with 100+ exhibits: (1) Group by category using sub-numbering (1.1, 1.2 for contract documents; 2.1, 2.2 for emails), (2) Create a master index with categories, (3) Use witness associations to track authentication, (4) Color-code physical binders by category, (5) Include a "Key Documents" section for your most important exhibits. ExhibitPrep supports slipsheet dividers to separate categories in trial binders.
Do I need separate exhibit lists for each witness?
Not typically. One master exhibit list covers all exhibits for the case. However, you may create supplementary witness-specific lists showing which exhibits each witness will authenticate. This is helpful for trial preparation but not usually required by the court. The master exhibit list should note which witnesses are associated with each exhibit if requested by local rules.