What is the Practice Direction on pre-action conduct under English law?

The Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct is a set of rules and guidance issued by the Civil Procedure Rules Committee that sets out the expected standards of behaviour for parties before legal proceedings are commenced. It sets out the steps that should be taken to try to resolve disputes without the need for court proceedings, and the information that should be exchanged by the parties. The Practice Direction applies to all civil litigation cases in England and Wales, except for family proceedings.