Whether you are a trainee, newly qualified or at senior level, taking time out to critically assess your skills of persuasion at court will not be time wasted.
This practical advocacy course equips family lawyers with essential skills for every stage of a case. It covers everything from thorough preparation, drafting clear, persuasive documents and learning to address judges with confidence, through to building practical skills in examination-in-chief, cross-examination, and delivering closing submissions.
Course content
- Hands-on role-play and simulations – Participants practise First Appointments, FDRs, and trial advocacy (private law children) with realistic scenarios.
- Constructive feedback throughout the course to enable participants to reflect and try different approaches.
- Personalised video review – One session is recorded (but not shared) so that participants can watch themselves back, privately and in their own time, and can identify strengths and areas to practice.
- Interactive discussion groups – Small groups encourages discussion, peer-to-peer learning, and practical problem-solving around common challenges in family proceedings.
- Expert-led sessions sharing practical tips on what really persuades in court, how to handle difficult clients, and how to adapt advocacy style to different hearings.
Learning objectives
- Confidence: Enhance courtroom presence and self-assurance when addressing judges and opponents.
- Practical skills: Learn and adopt techniques (not just theory) immediately transferable to live cases.
- Efficiency: Learn to prepare cases and draft more effectively, focussing on strategy and persuasion.
- Client service: Deliver confident advocacy, ultimately securing better outcomes for clients.
Important information about the course
- All pre-course materials and exercises will be sent electronically to delegates nearer the course date.
- In order to get the best out of the attended part of the course, we ask that you please work through pre-course materials and exercises, prepare thoroughly and be ready to take part on both days.
- Please bring your laptop/tablet and writing materials for additional notetaking, as materials for the first day will be circulated that morning.
Delegate feedback
Fantastic trainer. Very engaging. The course has been extremely helpful, especially as a newly qualified solicitor. A real confidence boost.
Massive thank you! This has been amazing course. I feel so much more confident, more prepared and less overwhelmed.
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