Gain Confidence as a Family Advocate - An Introductory Guide with Stuart Barlow

Introduction

Family lawyers are often expected to undertake their own advocacy almost at the beginning of their careers. Many feel they lack the knowledge, skills or confidence to undertake this task and would benefit from some training in this area.

This course will assist those who wish to gain some elementary knowledge and practical training for their role as a family advocate. It will deal with hearings in domestic abuse, children (both public and private) and financial disputes.

There will be an opportunity to practice your advocacy skills in a mock hearing.

What You Will Learn

This course will cover the following:

• The benefits of undertaking family advocacy
• Types of hearings and court orders
• Negotiation
• Preparation and bundles
• Presenting evidence at the hearing
• Finding of fact hearings
• Expert witnesses
• Litigants in Person and McKenzie Friends
• Cafcass and Local Authority reports
• Order of advocates in opening a case, submissions, cross examination and closing speeches
• Drafting court orders
• Tips and pitfalls in advocacy