Litigation Skills Programme 2024

Applications for 2024 have now closed. 

Now in its 39th year, this week long programme provides in-depth hands-on training in the skills needed for successful courtroom advocacy.

Outline

• Day 1 – Introduction, theory of the case and communication skills
• Day 2 – Leading evidence, cross-examination and production of exhibits
• Day 3 – Cross-examination and impeachment
• Day 4 – Examination of expert witnesses
• Day 5 – Mini trials and opening addresses
• Day 6 – Closing arguments and pre-trial conferences
• Day 7 – Full trials where you will be counsel in a jury trial in the District Court and be critiqued by a judge (until 5.10pm), followed by a dinner and presentation of certificates.

Learning by doing with critique

You will perform in simulated courtroom exercises a number of times every day. To help you to recognise and learn from your mistakes, you will be critiqued by faculty members as soon as you complete your performance. All faculty are trained in the NITA method of teaching and will build a positive and supportive atmosphere within which critiques will be specific, clear, constructive and candid.

Learning by observing

Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to observe others in your group and hear them being critiqued. Your performance will be recorded every day and then critiqued through video review. You will also have the opportunity to observe experienced faculty conducting a variety of demonstrations and discuss differences in styles and methods.

Teaching approach

• See faculty demonstrate and discuss a major skill
• Practise that skill in a small group of eight participants
• Receive individual advice from faculty on improving your performance
• Review your performance on video with a third faculty member
• Observe members of your group perform and listen to faculty comment.

Learning objectives

You will develop your skills as an advocate by taking part in a variety of litigation exercises and activities. You will further develop your advocacy skills through reflecting on your own performance, those of your colleagues, and observing faculty demonstrations.

Who should attend

Designed for practitioners in their first five years of practice. Some litigation experience is required, and participants should have had at least two years’ such experience. Note: Enrolments are restricted to 96 participants.

The faculty

• Director: Vivienne Crawshaw KC
• Deputy Director: Bob Hollyman KC
• Team Leaders: Her Hon Judge Bell, His Hon Judge Patel, His Hon Judge Sainsbury
• Faculty: 70 senior practitioners

Materials

Extensive materials comprising a course folder and casefile will be sent to you in advance.

Accommodation

This fully residential course will be held at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. Accommodation is in standard student accommodation comprising single rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
 

Cancellation & refund policy

Withdrawal from the programme before the application closing date incurs no cost. After that date if the participant is able to be replaced an administration fee of $400 is charged. If no replacement is found, no refund is payable.  Note: Applications MUST reach NZLS CLE Ltd by 5.00pm on Wednesday 5 June 2024. You will be notified within two weeks of the closing date whether you have a place on the course.