Effective Advocacy

(SQE Advocacy Assessed skill - see www.sra.org.uk)

A competent advocate will be able to:

• Adopt a confident demeanour and use positive body language to reinforce ver­bal communication during a court presentation.

• Master their case or application through a thorough understanding of the fac­tual issues that require proof and the applicable legal principles that should make up the content of their arguments.

• Use reasoned and carefully researched arguments that are presented in a logical structure.

• Identify, pre-empt and respond to an opponent’s arguments and/or questions.

• Adapt the structure of the presentation to any interruptions made, for example by questions from the judge.

• Understand the principles underpinning how to persuade an audience and use these effectively to ensure successful outcomes.