Trainee solicitors are required to attend 3 days of coaching in Advocacy and Communications Skills. There are several reasons why this course is a compulsory module.

Lawyers and Communication

Communication and persuasion are the heart of practice in the legal profession.  A solicitor who cannot communicate is a bit like a doctor who can’t diagnose.

Yet it remains the case that the most complaints against legal practitioners throughout the world don’t relate to dishonesty or negligence or bad advice. They relate to communication. It is extraordinary that a profession which prides itself on its ability to write and speak clearly attracts the most complaints in that area.

It is also the case that most human beings find standing in front of a group and make speeches to be one of the most terrifying things they will ever do.

The SRA Authorises our Course

CPD Training’s PSC Advocacy course was validated in 2008 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) who described it as a “very well written and designed course which will benefit delegates”.

The subjects covered by the course are Confident Public Speaking; Interim Advocacy; Witness Handling (including cross-examination) and Making Submissions in Court. We also conduct a full-scale High Court trial.

The course materials, which the SRA said were of a high quality, are sent to the delegates well in advance of the course. We work with 2 fascinating case studies: the sale of ancient Assyrian art which is a large commercial dispute and an application by the Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office to prevent the sale of a property which has been paid for by the proceeds of money laundering.

Happy Clients

The course has been a big hit with our clients, including Berwin Leighton Paisner, Dechert, SJ Berwin, Mayer Brown, Hill Dickinson and Dickinson Dees. It is suitable for large firms and medium sized firms. We can also put together a consortium of smaller firms if you wish. It is an ideal course for local authorities and Government departments who have trainees.

Delegates are given proper, focused and positive feedback on each performance.

It is good value for the price. Trainees will come out of the course educated, trained and brimming with confidence.

Those who have attended have been impressed.

“Extremely valuable! The best course I have been on during my training contract.”

“Very interactive and allowed a lot of independent preparation. Very enjoyable.”

“Really engaging.”

“Very organised; very positive experience; built confidence and awareness of trial structures.”

“Although I wasn't looking forward to advocacy, I think this has been the best training session that I've had so far.”

“Very valuable insight into contentious court room litigation and the respectful behaviour.”

“Helped boost my confidence no end.”

“Three days of non-stop information and teaching delivered perfectly.”