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Callan Withers, a Bridging the Bar Academy alumnus starting pupillage this year, shares his experience of the Academy's Fundamentals of Advocacy training
One challenge faced by all who embark upon the journey to the Bar is finding opportunities to practise advocacy. Participants of the Bridging the Bar Academy (‘the Academy’) have the great fortune to receive training on the Fundamentals of Advocacy from Bibi Badejo, a practising barrister at 4 Brick Court, Bencher at Inner Temple and founder of The Advocacy Coach and The Advocacy Podcast. The Academy receives access to a bespoke course designed to boost advocacy skills and experience.
We were provided with a series of online teaching modules, each designed to build upon the essential techniques and skills needed when appearing in court. The series began with in-depth training on the tenets of case analysis and insight into effective ways in which to develop case theory. I found this module to be of particular interest, as it challenged me to consider in greater depth how a case can be perceived from different perspectives. The programme also offered training on oral addresses and encouraged participants to practise a range of style and delivery techniques for compelling advocacy.
During the modules on cross-examination and examination-in-chief, participants learnt how to utilise open and closed questions, sequencing, transitions and commands. We came away with insights into an array of dynamic and forensic approaches in these areas, which will be of considerable benefit to all participants going forward in our training. The curriculum also contained a number of practical exercises which proved to be of great benefit in consolidating the programme’s lessons.
The training concluded with a live event, in which all participants were given the opportunity to advocate in front of a large audience in the form of a simulated court with trained actors. This was a truly rewarding experience, as it allowed our cohort to practise what we had learnt from the online training and exercise the skills needed to deliver a high level of advocacy. Participants could chose to deliver either a mock examination-in-chief, a cross-examination or a closing speech. The opportunity to practise advocacy is always of great value and this was a highlight for many on the programme. We were also fortunate to receive bespoke, constructive and encouraging feedback from Bibi as to the strengths of our advocacy, as well as areas to focus on going forward.
The Fundamentals of Advocacy programme was of great benefit to all participants, no matter where they were on their journey to the Bar. For those just at the start of their legal studies, the mock trial provided them with their first true advocacy experience and they found it particularly beneficial to be able to practise among peers in a supportive environment. For those further along in their studies, the programme helped to enhance the skills learnt during Bar training. Personally, I found the programme to be of great benefit as it enhanced the ways in which I prepare for cases and structure my submissions, and it helped me to find my own advocacy style.
In addition to developing technical skills, the chance to build confidence in delivering oral advocacy in front of others was a vital part of the programme. Many participants commented that the supportive yet challenging environment allowed them to test their skills in ways that mirror the realities of practice. The opportunity to observe the techniques of peers was equally important.
I would say that the entire experience proved invaluable to every member of the cohort, profoundly enhancing our development as advocates – from refining our skills and deepening our understanding to strengthening our ability to deliver effective advocacy in proceedings. I believe I speak for the whole cohort in relaying our deepest gratitude to Bibi and the Bridging the Bar team for providing us with this opportunity.
One challenge faced by all who embark upon the journey to the Bar is finding opportunities to practise advocacy. Participants of the Bridging the Bar Academy (‘the Academy’) have the great fortune to receive training on the Fundamentals of Advocacy from Bibi Badejo, a practising barrister at 4 Brick Court, Bencher at Inner Temple and founder of The Advocacy Coach and The Advocacy Podcast. The Academy receives access to a bespoke course designed to boost advocacy skills and experience.
We were provided with a series of online teaching modules, each designed to build upon the essential techniques and skills needed when appearing in court. The series began with in-depth training on the tenets of case analysis and insight into effective ways in which to develop case theory. I found this module to be of particular interest, as it challenged me to consider in greater depth how a case can be perceived from different perspectives. The programme also offered training on oral addresses and encouraged participants to practise a range of style and delivery techniques for compelling advocacy.
During the modules on cross-examination and examination-in-chief, participants learnt how to utilise open and closed questions, sequencing, transitions and commands. We came away with insights into an array of dynamic and forensic approaches in these areas, which will be of considerable benefit to all participants going forward in our training. The curriculum also contained a number of practical exercises which proved to be of great benefit in consolidating the programme’s lessons.
The training concluded with a live event, in which all participants were given the opportunity to advocate in front of a large audience in the form of a simulated court with trained actors. This was a truly rewarding experience, as it allowed our cohort to practise what we had learnt from the online training and exercise the skills needed to deliver a high level of advocacy. Participants could chose to deliver either a mock examination-in-chief, a cross-examination or a closing speech. The opportunity to practise advocacy is always of great value and this was a highlight for many on the programme. We were also fortunate to receive bespoke, constructive and encouraging feedback from Bibi as to the strengths of our advocacy, as well as areas to focus on going forward.
The Fundamentals of Advocacy programme was of great benefit to all participants, no matter where they were on their journey to the Bar. For those just at the start of their legal studies, the mock trial provided them with their first true advocacy experience and they found it particularly beneficial to be able to practise among peers in a supportive environment. For those further along in their studies, the programme helped to enhance the skills learnt during Bar training. Personally, I found the programme to be of great benefit as it enhanced the ways in which I prepare for cases and structure my submissions, and it helped me to find my own advocacy style.
In addition to developing technical skills, the chance to build confidence in delivering oral advocacy in front of others was a vital part of the programme. Many participants commented that the supportive yet challenging environment allowed them to test their skills in ways that mirror the realities of practice. The opportunity to observe the techniques of peers was equally important.
I would say that the entire experience proved invaluable to every member of the cohort, profoundly enhancing our development as advocates – from refining our skills and deepening our understanding to strengthening our ability to deliver effective advocacy in proceedings. I believe I speak for the whole cohort in relaying our deepest gratitude to Bibi and the Bridging the Bar team for providing us with this opportunity.
Callan Withers, a Bridging the Bar Academy alumnus starting pupillage this year, shares his experience of the Academy's Fundamentals of Advocacy training
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