.png)
Building confidence in the courtroom: CILEX Advocacy Skills Course receives strong student feedback
Developing strong advocacy skills takes more than knowing the law. It requires the confidence to analyse a case, prepare effectively, communicate clearly and respond thoughtfully under pressure.
The CILEX Advocacy Skills Course, delivered by CILEX Law School, is designed to help legal professionals develop these practical skills through immersive, practice-informed learning.
The five-day Civil Litigation – Open Court Rights course covers a broad range of advocacy and case preparation skills, including professional conduct, interviewing, fact management, negotiation, witness statements, evidence, case analysis, skeleton arguments, legal submissions and courtroom advocacy.
Through practical activities and formative assessment, learners have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice and develop the skills needed to approach court-focused legal work with greater confidence.
Putting advocacy skills into practice
A key feature of the course is its focus on realistic advocacy exercises. Rather than simply learning about advocacy in theory, students work through practical scenarios designed to reflect the demands of courtroom practice.
This includes developing skills in examination-in-chief, cross-examination, opening and closing speeches and legal submissions.
Students also receive focused feedback from experienced tutors, helping them identify areas for development and refine their own approach to advocacy.
Developing confident advocates
"Having developed and delivered the Civil Litigation Advocacy Skills Course, it has been fantastic to see how quickly learners are able to apply the knowledge and techniques covered throughout the programme. The course is deliberately practical, giving learners the opportunity to develop their advocacy through realistic exercises, mock hearings and targeted feedback.
Our aim is not simply to teach learners how to present a case in court but to develop confident advocates who can think strategically, communicate persuasively and make effective decisions throughout the litigation process. The feedback from our learners has been particularly encouraging and demonstrates the value of combining technical knowledge with practical advocacy experience."
Millie Grundy, Advocacy Programme Lead, CILEX Law School
For one recent student, Abraham Blay, the practical and supportive nature of the course was a particular strength:
“The Advocacy Course exceeded my expectations. It is exceptionally well structured, highly practical, and delivered by experienced advocates who create a supportive, engaging, and learner-centred environment.”
Abraham also highlighted the value of the realistic exercises and personalised feedback:
“The advocacy exercises closely reflect real court practice, enabling participants to build confidence, refine their advocacy techniques, and receive constructive, personalised feedback.”
He particularly valued the opportunity for learners to develop their own approach rather than simply follow a set formula, describing the course as “one of the most valuable professional development courses I have attended”.
More than courtroom advocacy
While the course is designed to develop practical courtroom skills, its benefits can extend beyond appearing before a judge.
Another recent learner, Benjamin Brown, highlighted how the skills developed through the course can support wider legal practice:
“The realistic mock hearings, timed exercises and focused tutor feedback quickly turned theory into usable skills.”
Benjamin particularly noted the impact of the cross-examination workshop, which he said improved his questioning structure and courtroom pacing.
He also emphasised that advocacy skills have a role to play throughout legal practice, including written advocacy, negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, client strategy and drafting persuasive documents.
For legal teams, these skills can also have a wider impact, helping lawyers prepare cases more effectively, supporting junior colleagues and allowing senior lawyers to focus on strategy and client outcomes.
Developing the next generation of advocates
For CILEX professionals pursuing advocacy rights, the course provides an opportunity to strengthen the practical skills and confidence required for court-focused legal work.
The CILEX Advocacy Skills Course is available to those who have completed the CPQ Professional Stage through the Dispute Resolution: Civil pathway and gained a Certificate of Eligibility from CILEx Regulation.
Successful completion of the course, alongside meeting the relevant litigation requirements through the Work Based Learning Portfolio, supports eligibility for authorisation by CILEx Regulation as a CILEX Chartered Legal Executive Litigator and Advocate.
But as the feedback from recent students demonstrates, the value of the course extends beyond the qualification itself. It is about developing the practical judgement, communication skills and confidence needed to become a more effective advocate.
As Abraham put it:
“The realistic advocacy exercises prepare you for appearing in open court and equip you with the confidence and techniques needed to present cases effectively before a judge.”
Find out more
The CILEX Advocacy Skills Course is delivered by CILEX Law School over five days, followed by an assessment.
If you are looking to develop your advocacy skills, strengthen your courtroom confidence and progress towards CILEX advocacy rights, find out more about the course and register your interest with CILEX Law School.