Evidence and Advocacy Masterclass
Cases are won and lost in the courtroom and this masterclass will give you the practical knowledge to emerge triumphant in your matters. The day will begin with presentations from preeminent and leading practitioners on a range of advocacy topics including case theory, written advocacy, examination-in-chief and persuasive opening and closing addresses. In the afternoon you will master how to expertly gather and leverage evidence by taking a deep dive into affidavits, evidence in ex parte applications
Description
Attend and earn 7 CPD units in Professional Skills
This conference was recorded in QLD on 29 August 2018
Session 1
Winning Advocacy Techniques
Chair: Mark Martin QC, Level 10 Inns of Court
9.00am to 10.00am: Case theory: What is it, How do you Identify it and When do you Present it?
Identifying and effectively presenting your client’s case theory is the foundation of persuasive advocacy. Your client’s case theory will act as the blueprint for the successful presentation of your client’s entire case at trial. Knowing how to identify your client’s case theory, how to use it in trial preparation and how to effectively present the case theory at trial are invaluable tools for the successful advocate.
Presented by Rebecca Nichols, Barrister, More Chambers
10.00am to 11.00am: Persuasive Written Advocacy: Tips to Adopt, Traps to Avoid
- When saying less means saying more
- How written submissions can improve your advocacy in court
- Practical tips on structuring your written submissions to ensure maximum impact on the reader
Presented by Genevieve Dee, Partner, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers; Accredited Family Law Specialist; Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer and Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer, Doyle’s Guide 2018; Best Lawyers 2019, Family Law
11.00am to 11.15am Morning Tea
11.15am to 12.15pm: Examination in Chief: Setting the Stage for Success
- The preparation: necessary steps
- The perspiration: what to ask and how to ask it
- The prevention: how to avoid common pitfalls
Presented by Michael Trim, Barrister, Level 27 Chambers; Preeminent Construction & Infrastructure Junior Counsel, Doyle’s Guide 2018
12.15pm to 1.15pm: Persuasive Opening and Closing Addresses
- The true purpose and nature of an opening and closing address
- Some practical tips
- Some examples straight from the coalface
Presented by Keith Howe, Barrister, Level 10 Inns of Court; Leading Insurance Barrister, Doyle’s Guide 2017
Session 2
Gathering and Maximising Evidence
2.00pm to 2.45pm: How to Gather and Use Evidence to Support your Client's Position
- Strategies for obtaining key documents
- Notices to Admit
- Notices of Non-Party Disclosure
- Subpoenaing documents and witnesses
Presented by Sarah Davies, Director, Sarah Davies Legal; Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation
2.45pm to 3.30pm: Persuasive and Admissible Affidavit Evidence
- Witness statements and affidavits: the differences
- Preparation of affidavits
- Evidentiary requirements of affidavits
- Deploying of affidavits in support of a client’s case
Presented by David Topp, Barrister, Bank of New South Wales Chambers
3.30pm to 3.45pm Afternoon Tea
3.45pm to 4.30pm: Expert Evidence: Are Your Instructions to the Expert Doing More Harm than Good?
- Understanding the role of the expert in court, arbitration and expert determination
- Understanding how much you need to know before you formally instruct your expert
- Understanding why instructions to experts are crucial to the veracity of their reports
Presented by Mark Ambrose, Barrister, Alfred Lutwyche Chambers and Hemmant’s List; Market Leading Construction and Infrastructure Junior Counsel, Doyle’s Guide 2018
4.30pm to 5.15pm: Navigating Evidentiary Issues in Urgent Ex Parte Applications
Evidentiary issues can be challenging, particularly when the heightened requirements and considerations tied to urgent ex parte applications are involved. Learn how to avoid the evidentiary pitfalls that can trip up an ex parte application.
- Understanding the requirements and standards that may come into play
- What you need to show and what can be omitted
- Ethical considerations and duties owed to the court
Presented by Mei Ying Barnes, Barrister, Level 27 Chambers and Melanie Hindman QC, Northbank Chambers; Leading Construction & Infrastructure Senior Counsel, Doyle’s Guide 2018