The programme will start on 7th January 2025 and run until 25th February 2025.

This programme is designed for lawyers at all levels who want to refine their courtroom advocacy skills, particularly in examination-in-chief and cross-examination. Whether you’re newly qualified or have years of experience but feel that your case analysis and courtroom skills need improvement, this programme provides actionable strategies to achieve lasting results.

No prior advocacy experience is required. This programme is structured to benefit both beginners who want a strong foundation and experienced advocates seeking advanced techniques to enhance their performance.

Unlike programmes that focus solely on theory, Mastering Examination-in-Chief and Cross-Examination emphasizes practical application. You’ll receive personalised feedback, practise real-life scenarios with professional actors, and gain access to pre-course materials that set you up for success.

You’ll receive both oral and written feedback on your performance during role-play scenarios. Additionally, you’ll have access to video recordings of your formal performances which include detailed feedback to track your progress and refine your skills.

While attending live sessions is highly recommended to maximise your learning experience, you will still have access to valuable resources if you are unable to attend. The pre-session materials will provide a comprehensive understanding of the techniques, theories, and strategies covered. Additionally, you can participate in the weekly live Q&A session with Sonia, where you can ask questions and seek clarification. However, live attendance ensures you benefit fully from the practical application of skills.

To get the most out of the programme, we recommend dedicating 4 to 6 hours per week. This includes watching the mini-lectures, preparing for cross-examination and examination-in-chief exercises, and reviewing the two briefs and brief written materials provided. The programme is designed with your busy schedule in mind and is not academic. The programme focuses on practical advocacy skills. This preparation should be manageable and ensure you are well-prepared for each session.

Yes, participants will receive a certificate of completion. For Barristers in England and Wales, the programme qualifies as a CPD Advocacy activity for the Established Practitioners Programme (EPP). For Solicitors in England and Wales, the programme qualifies as a learning & development activity in accordance with Continuing Competence obligations. For lawyers from other jurisdictions, please check with your professional regulator.

The training is highly personalised. Twice during the course, you will perform a full Examination-in-Chief  and a full Cross-Examination of a witness and receive individualised written and oral feedback. Additionally, the weekly Q&A sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions about your own performances. During the weekly sessions, you will participate in practical exercises and receive tailored feedback on your strategies, techniques, and approach to advocacy.

While the cases used in this course are criminal in nature, the advocacy techniques taught are universally applicable across common law jurisdictions. Cross-examination principles are consistent across these jurisdictions, making the skills highly transferable.

In civil cases, where examination-in-chief is permitted, the techniques for eliciting evidence are broadly similar. In employment tribunal cases and certain civil hearings, witness statements often serve as the examination-in-chief, with supplementary questions occasionally allowed. Therefore, understanding examination-in-chief is still highly relevant and advantageous. Moreover, when drafting witness statements for such cases, a solid grasp of examination-in-chief techniques will ensure the evidence is effectively presented.

This comprehensive approach makes the skills learned in this programme invaluable across various legal contexts.

Yes, absolutely! The programme is open to participants worldwide. Please note that live sessions are scheduled in GMT, so you may need to adjust for your local time zone.