Introduction to Civil Litigation Skills 2025

Surveys of practitioners in their first years of practice repeatedly identify civil litigation as the area in which most want formal training. This programme responds to this need and complements both the skills-based pre-admission courses and the annual CLE New Zealand Law Society Litigation Skills Programme.

As a recently admitted practitioner, you should not miss this unique opportunity to develop practical skills in civil litigation and ensure you will be able to face a court case with confidence.

In this intensive, small-group workshop you will:

• Work through a summary judgment claim
• Identify and understand the various steps in the process
• Develop the practical skills you need to handle this, and other litigation files, competently and confidently
• Learn how to draft pleadings, evidence and submissions
• Become aware of the ethical issues involved
• Learn how to present an argument in court and improve your advocacy skills.

Learning objectives

After attending this workshop you will:

• Understand how to prepare for and conduct a civil trial.
• Know how to organise case materials and draft various court documents.

Format

Presenters will take you through lectures, discussions and preparing required documents in groups. Participants will present their individually drafted oral submissions on day two.

Who should attend

Recently admitted practitioners and those in their first two to three years of practice.

Note: Numbers are limited so register early.

Materials

Participants will be sent a set of materials in advance.

Timing

• Day 1: 8.30am – 5.00pm
• Day 2: 9.15am – 4.15pm

Fee (incl GST)

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off 

Entry Level Workshop

• $895 - Law Society members & associate members
• $1,280 - Non-members

Do you want to register more than one person for this course? Use the 'register others' button below or Click here 

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available through the Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust for New Zealand based lawyers. 

Applications for assistance for the May session must be received by: 5pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.

Applications for assistance for the October and November sessions must be received by: 5pm on Friday 19 September 2025.

Late applications cannot be considered.

Please note: You must still register to attend this course, either online or by completing a registration form.

Download a Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust application form

Download PDF registration form

Auckland 1	19 - 20 May
Wellington	28 - 29 October
Auckland 2	3 - 4 November

Presenters

	Sandra Grant Barrister, Auckland Sandra is a senior commercial and civil litigator with significant experience across many aspects of the law. She appears regularly in all of the higher courts and her practice covers a broad spectrum of commercial and civil disputes. Sandra has made and defended a wide variety of summary judgments, including some that have been finally determined in the Supreme Court.
	Roderick Joyce QSO KC Auckland Rod commenced practice as a barrister in 1975 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1985. For 20 years he was a District Court judge. Rod taught civil procedure at the University of Auckland Law School for 22 years and was also a Teaching Fellow there. He is General Editor of a prominent Australian civil procedure and practice journal, and General Editor of a standard New Zealand text on civil procedure.
	Adrian Olney Barrister, Wellington Adrian joined the independent bar in 2017 after 20 years of private practice, the last 10 of which were as a litigation partner at Russell McVeagh. He has led matters across a range of civil and regulatory litigation, including contractual, securities and property disputes, admiralty and international trade, judicial review, and Waitangi Tribunal claims.
	Rachel Roff Barrister, Wellington Rachel is an experienced litigator specialising in public and commercial law. Prior to joining the independent bar in 2016, she was Crown Counsel in Crown Law’s Revenue Team where she was involved in a number of significant and high-profile tax cases. Rachel’s litigation experience includes trial and appellate work, and she has experience acting as amicus curiae.

Comments from past attendees

• “Very worthwhile overall, I learnt lots, was encouraged and enjoyed participating. I would certainly recommend to others.”
• “Presenters were very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable.”
• “It was great - very worthwhile doing as a young practitioner.”

Cancellation and refund policy

You may cancel your registration eight working days in advance of an event, and you will receive a refund less a 25% administration fee. If you cancel less than eight working days in advance of the event, no refund is payable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person. If you wish to do so you must advise CLE New Zealand Law Society in writing of the change. CLE reserves the right to close registrations, and cancel or reschedule an event as necessary. Where an event is cancelled by CLE, a full refund is payable.