Duration: Full Day (Approx. 8 hours with breaks)

Delivery: Online via Microsoft Teams (interactive, small group)

Audience: Anyone wanting to present their case more effectively in court or tribunal. Anyone looking for a real insight into advocacy from experienced barristers. Would also law/bar students looking for some real advocacy insights.

Emphasis: Practical, experience-based insights that go beyond what books or guides can provide.

Cost: £499

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand how court and tribunal hearings operate in practice.

• Be able to prepare and present a case clearly, confidently, and effectively.

• Learn how to examine witnesses, make submissions, and manage documents in court.

• Gain familiarity with courtroom etiquette, procedure, and communication techniques.

• Develop practical advocacy skills through guided exercises and feedback.

Programme Schedule

Session 1 – Understanding Advocacy & the Hearing Process

• The role of an advocate – persuading, not arguing

• Overview of courts and tribunals – civil, criminal, family, and administrative contexts

• The structure of a typical hearing or trial

• The importance of preparation and professionalism

• Advocacy in different courts and settings

• Practical Exercise: Identifying your case theme and objectives

Session 2 – Case Preparation & Structuring Your Argument

• Gathering, organising, and prioritising evidence

• Preparing your “case theory” – the story you want the judge to accept

• Drafting and using a skeleton argument effectively

• Creating a persuasive narrative from facts and law

• Workshop: Drafting a short skeleton argument for a sample case

Session 3 – Courtroom Behaviour & Etiquette

• Addressing judges, tribunal panels, and opponents

• Managing nerves and staying composed

• Communicating clearly and respectfully under pressure

• Handling documents, interruptions, and procedural points

• Handling difficult witnesses and experts.

• Handling difficult opponents and judges

• Demonstration: How to open and address the court correctly

Session 4 – Opening the Case

• Purpose and structure of an opening submission

• What to include and what to leave out

• Tone, clarity, and persuasion

• Practical Exercise: Participants deliver a short opening statement

Session 5 – Examination-in-Chief & Cross-Examination

• Purpose of examination-in-chief: telling your story through witnesses

• How to ask open, structured questions effectively

• Avoiding leading questions and common mistakes

• Cross-examination: controlling witnesses, exposing inconsistencies respectfully

• Dealing with difficult or evasive answers

• Role-Play Exercise: Conducting short witness examinations in breakout groups

Session 6 – Submissions, Applications & Appeals

• Making oral applications (adjournments, directions, costs)

• Using written notes and legal authorities effectively

• Understanding how appeals work and what to include in an appeal submission

• Example Review: Analysing a real-life application and appeal summary

Session 7 – Closing Submissions & Persuasive Communication

• Structuring your closing speech – reminding, summarising, persuading

• Using evidence and law together to reinforce your points

• Handling interruptions or judicial questions

• Practical Exercise: Delivering a concise and effective closing submission

Session 8 – Review, Feedback & Q&A

• Summary of key techniques and advocacy principles

• Discussion of common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Individual feedback and next steps for further practice

• Course wrap-up and certificate information

Course Features

• Led by experienced barristers with courtroom and tribunal expertise

• Interactive format with role-play and feedback

• Comprehensive materials, including templates, checklists, and advocacy scripts

• Confidence-focused: build composure, structure, and persuasive skill

• Applies across all areas of law – civil, criminal, family, employment, and more