Advocacy - Inns of Court School of Law

The skill of advocacy is of primary importance to the legal practitioner. To succeed as an advocate, one must master a number of skills. This Manual takes the different advocacy skills which are essential for the junior practitioner and presents them in a practical and accessible manner. The Manual is divided into several different sections. The early chapters look at the fundamental qualities and abilities which any successful advocate needs. They will assist any beginner, when observing a trial or other hearing in court, to understand what to look for. The key to advocacy is preparation. This Manual explains what is needed. In preparing for trial, the advocate begins at the end - by preparing the closing speech. The Manual therefore examines the crucial tasks of making opening and closing speeches. In turn, the plan for a closing speech will provide the framework for the examination-in-chief and cross-examination of witnesses. Several chapters explain how to perform these tasks, with reference to the advocate's ethical obligations. Questioning techniques are explained and illustrated with examples.;In addition to trials, there is a wide variety of applications that an advocate might take to a court or tribunal. The Manual concludes with chapters showing the junior practitioner how to prepare and perform many of these applications, including references to current practice and procedure. This Manual has been written by experienced advocacy trainers and practitioners. Their guidance on "do's" and "don'ts" provides a remarkable insight into the skills, techniques and good practice upon which any advocate's performance will be judged.