Resources On-Demand

Trial Advocacy

Overview   

Trial advocacy is both an art and a discipline demanding a balance of legal expertise, communication skill and professional decorum. From crafting persuasive arguments to managing courtroom dynamics and responding effectively under pressure, effective advocacy relies on preparation, confidence and ethical conduct. 

This webinar offers practical guidance on trial communication, structured questioning and the professional management of interactions with witnesses, colleagues and judicial officers. 

Join Adv. Lisa Thomas as she unpacks key advocacy techniques and trial etiquette designed to enhance your confidence, clarity and professionalism in judicial proceedings. 

Learning objectives 

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills: 

• Apply key communication principles for persuasive and professional trial advocacy. 

• Structure and deliver effective questioning during examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination. 

• Develop strong and structured opening and closing addresses to the court. 

• Manage difficult witnesses, opposing counsel and judicial interventions with composure. 

• Uphold courtroom etiquette, ethics and professionalism across all levels of practice. 

Content 

The webinar will cover the following topics:  

• Courtroom Communication Principles  

  •  Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques in court  

  •  Maintaining professional tone and demeanour across judicial forums  

  •  Using clear and persuasive language effectively  

  •  Active listening and adapting to courtroom dynamics  

•  Questioning (Examination-in-Chief / Cross-Examination / Re-Examination)  

  • Objectives and strategies for each phase of questioning  

  • Formulating open and closed questions for clarity and control  

  • Managing the flow of examination and avoiding common objections  

  • Illustrative examples of effective questioning techniques  

• Addressing the Court (Opening / Closing / Incidental)  

  • Structuring persuasive opening statements  

  • Summarising evidence and highlighting legal arguments in closing  

  • Handling incidental applications during proceedings  

  • Tailoring arguments to the judge’s reasoning and temperament  

• Difficult Witnesses / Colleagues / Judicial Officers  

  • Managing hostile or uncooperative witnesses effectively  

  • De-escalating confrontations with opposing counsel or colleagues  

  • Responding constructively to judicial interventions  

  • Maintaining composure and professionalism under pressure  

• Supplementary Resource: Courtroom Etiquette and Advocacy Guide  

  • Standards of decorum and appropriate dress in various courts  

  • Common protocol breaches and strategies to avoid them  

  • Best practices for maintaining ethical and professional courtroom conduct