09 September 2019
Advanced Advocacy Course marks 20th Anniversary
Over 30 solicitors
participated in the annual Advanced Advocacy course which this year marked its 20th
Year anniversary.
Organised by the Law Society
of Northern Ireland in conjunction with the Advocacy Working Party and the
National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), solicitors are trained to improve
and develop their advocacy skills to assist in making them a more competent
advocate.
The intensive course combining
training in advocacy and evidence culminated in a mock trial in the High Court
presided over by members of the Judiciary from Northern Ireland including Mr Justice
Horner, His Honour Judge Kinney, District Judge Keown and Master Hardstaff
The course also involves some
of Northern Ireland's most senior A&E doctors taking on the role of key
witnesses.
The President of the Law
Society, Suzanne Rice said:
“I wish to take this
opportunity to congratulate those who have successfully completed the Advanced
Advocacy Course 2019.
The Law Society of Northern
Ireland recognises the importance of this course, not least in the advocacy
skills and techniques which it teaches, but also in the sense of empowerment
that it provides to the solicitors who undertake it.
The value of the Advanced
Advocacy Course goes from strength to strength with over 550 solicitors have
undertaken this course since it started.
Its popularity and its success
is explainable – it is well organised, well delivered and well worth it".
Solicitors in Northern Ireland
have unrestricted rights of audience to represent clients in the Magistrates
Court, County Court and Crown Court by virtue of legislation.
They also have limited rights
in the High Court by virtue of the Judicature (NI) Act 1978.
The Advanced Advocacy Course
delivers additional professional training which enhances solicitors’ advocacy
skills and techniques.