Designed for practitioners with at least six years’ civil or criminal law experience, this advanced five-day, non-residential programme is based on the teaching method so successfully applied in the annual Litigation Skills Programme. 

This advanced course is based on one extensive civil case, however, the skills learnt are equally applicable to criminal lawyers. Using only one case will enable you to concentrate on improving your trial advocacy skills in the context of a case that requires mastery of many complex legal and factual issues with a heavy reliance on experts.

Learning by Doing with Critique
You will actively perform in simulated courtroom exercises every day and be critiqued by faculty members who include a member of the judiciary and some of New Zealand’s most experienced counsel. All faculty members are trained in the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) method of teaching.

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
Modules will include:

• Demonstration of a key skill
• Practising a key skill
• Receiving constructive advice on improving your performance
• Reviewing your own performance on video
• Observing others performing and listening to faculty comment.

Learning objectives 

You will further develop your skills as an advocate and take them to an advanced level by taking part in a variety of litigation exercises and activities.

Who should attend

The advanced course is designed for litigation lawyers with at least six years’ experience. You will benefit from attending this course irrespective of whether or not you have attended the annual Litigation Skills course.

Note: Enrolments are restricted to 27 participants.

Materials

Course folder and the casefile will be sent to you in advance.

The Faculty

Director: Paul David QC
Faculty members include: The Hon Justice Cull, Judith Ablett-Kerr ONZM QC, Janine Bonifant, Chris Browne, Kate Davenport QC, Chris Gudsell QC, Fiona Guy Kidd QC, Elizabeth Hall, Hon Paul Heath QC, John Katz QC, Coroner Donna Llewell, Andrew Skelton, Justin Smith QC, Anne Stevens QC and Les Taylor QC

Fee (incl GST)

Advocacy programme

• $3,165 

Application form

Entry to this course is by application only. Download an application form
Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 6 May 2021. 

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available through the Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust.  Applications for assistance must be received by 5pm, Wednesday 6 May 2021.  Late applications cannot be considered.

Please note: You must still apply to attend this course.

Download a Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust application form.

View PDF brochure here. 

Wellington

Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 June

Cancellation and refund policy

Withdrawal from the programme before the application closing date incurs no cost. After that date if the registrant is able to be replaced an administration fee of $250 is charged. If no replacement is found, no refund is payable. Note: Applications MUST reach NZLS CLE Ltd by 5.00pm on Thursday 6 May 2021. You will be notified within five working days after the closing date whether you have a place on the course.