Litigation Skills Programme 2025

Now in its 40th year, this week-long programme provides in-depth hands-on training in the skills needed for successful courtroom advocacy.

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 District Court jury trial and be critiqued by a judge, followed by dinner and presentation of certificates.

Learning by doing with critique
You will perform in simulated courtroom exercises several times every day and be critiqued by faculty members. All faculty are trained in the NITA method of teaching and will build a positive, supportive atmosphere with specific, clear, constructive and candid critiques.

Learning by observing
You will observe others in your group and hear them being critiqued, and your own performance will be recorded every day and the video critiqued. You will also observe faculty demonstrating and discussing different 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

By attending this course you will:

• Better understand the methods and skills required for successful advocacy.
• Develop your skills as an advocate.

Format

This practical, week-long course will develop your advocacy skills using a variety of activities including working with senior counsel in small groups, learning by doing and observing, and taking part in a mock trial on the final day.

Who should attend

Designed for practitioners in their first five years of practice.

Please note:

• Participants must have had at least two years of litigation experience.
• Entry is by application only.
• Registrations are limited to 96 participants.

Application details 

You must complete an application form to be considered to attend this course.

• Applicants must have a minimum of two years of litigation experience.
• Completing an application form does not guarantee you a place; you will be notified within two weeks of the closing date whether your application was successful.
• Closing date: Applications must reach CLE by 5.00pm on Wednesday 4 June 2025.

Please complete and return to:

Kylie Barton
Course Manager
[email protected]

Download course application form

Faculty

Director: Bob Hollyman KC

Deputy Director: Natalie Walker

Team Leaders: Her Honour Judge Debra Bell, Hon Paul Heath KC, His Honour Judge Jonathan Krebs and His Honour Judge Noel Sainsbury

Faculty: 70 senior practitioners

	Director: Bob Hollyman KC Shortland Chambers, Auckland Bob is an experienced litigator and has been a member of Shortland Chambers since 2006. He has specific interests in torts, contract, restitution, company and commercial disputes, and insolvency.
	Deputy Director: Natalie Walker Kayes Fletcher Walker, Auckland Natalie is the Crown Solicitor for Manukau, having been appointed to that role in May 2015. She is one of four directors of Manukau-based law firm Kayes Fletcher Walker which employs around 45 lawyers to undertake the prosecution of all serious crime on behalf of the Crown in South Auckland.

Materials

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.

Timing

• 1.30pm Sunday 24 August – 5.10pm Saturday 30 August followed by celebratory dinner and presentation of certificates.

Fee (incl GST)

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off 

Workshop

• $5,565 - Law Society members & associate members
• $7,950 - Non-members

Financial assistance

You must submit your course application form to CLE along with your scholarship application form/s. You cannot be considered for a scholarship if I have not submitted an application for a place on the programme.
Download course application form

• Shortland Chambers has provided a scholarship of $5,565 (incl GST) to a member of the Pacific Lawyers Association. Applications for this scholarship must be received by 5pm on Friday 16 May 2025. Download Shortland Chambers application form
• Shortland Chambers has provided a scholarship of $5,565 (incl GST) to a member of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa. Applications for this scholarship must be received by 5pm on Friday 16 May 2025. Download Shortland Chambers application form
• Limited financial assistance may be available through the Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust for New Zealand based lawyers. Applications for this scholarship must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 4 June 2025. Download a Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust application form
• The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa Wellington Branch Council is offering a one-off scholarship of $2,000 (incl GST) to a member of the Law Society Wellington Branch. Applications for this scholarship must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 4 June 2025. Download Law Society Wellington Branch application form
• Late applications cannot be considered.

Comments from past attendees

• “I had one of the best times. I wanted to challenge myself when I first registered for the programme and indeed, I was very much challenged. It was so intensive but very fulfilling.”
• “I really loved every part of this course and everyone who helped run it so I cannot rate it highly enough.”
• “Excellent critical feedback from the faculty. The variety and quality of the approaches and suggestions given to participants was invaluable.”
• “What a faculty. So fortunate to learn from these talented people.”

Cancellation and 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 CLE by 5.00pm on Wednesday 4 June 2025. You will be notified within two weeks of the closing date whether you have a place on the course.