Save the Date: Practical Advocacy Weekend 2025

Save the date for our annual Practical Advocacy Weekend!

Sold out in 2024, this intensive course offers valuable experience in appearing before the court for junior practitioners, practitioners, those new to litigation and anyone seeking to update their advocacy skills.

The course includes practical exercises in small groups with guidance and constructive feedback from volunteer coaches who are experienced advocates, including barristers and members of the judiciary.

In preparation for the weekend, you will attend a briefing session covering:

• Case theory and case analysis from our Head Coaches.
• Voice and performance coaching (also provided before the weekend).

The practical application comprises of one civil interlocutory injunction, where participants argue for either the applicant or the respondent, and one criminal matter, which will allow the participants to practice the examination and cross examinations of witnesses and closing statements. Aspiring advocates will recognise the benefits of this programme.

To register your interest, please email cpd@lawsocietywa.asn.au.

Compulsory Pre-Weekend Sessions:

Voice and Performance Coaching with Julia Moody

Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025

Time: 9.00am – 11.00am

Venue: TBC

This session will provide an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from one of Western Australia’s leading voice and performance coaches. Julia Moody will offer practical techniques to help you develop and improve your courtroom performance and case delivery.

Briefing Session with Bill Keane SC and Anthony Crocker

Date: TBC

Time: TBC

Venue: The Law Society of Western Australia, Level 5, 160 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Bill Keane SC and Anthony Crocker will instruct participants on the best ways to prepare their cases for the Practical Advocacy Weekend. You will receive a rundown of what to expect over the weekend, along with your course materials.

Practical Advocacy Weekend

Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025

Time: 8.20am – 5.00pm

and

Date: Sunday, 24 August 2025

Time: 8.30am – 1.30pm

Venue: The Children’s Court of Western Australia, 160 Pier St, Perth

At Practical Advocacy Weekend, you will gain hands on experience by performing as an advocate in a real courtroom environment, supported by a advocate/coach ratio of six to two. Experienced coaches will observe your performance and use proven techniques to provide effective feedback.

Comments from previous participants:

‘The course was the most rewarding course that I have ever done. I am so appreciative to have had this opportunity to get such valuable individualised feedback from esteemed members of the profession. I learnt so much over the weekend that I will be able to apply to both preparing for trials and appearing in court generally.’

‘The Practical Advocacy Weekend exceeded my expectations. I am definitely a more confident advocate because of it!’

Disclaimer:

1. This seminar is subject to change.
2. The Legal Practice Board of Western Australia states that CPD Units are awarded for a full hour and/ or half hour of attendance. Lesser periods are rounded down to the nearest half hour. 
3. A practitioner cannot claim CPD Units for attending a seminar that has the same content during the same CPD year. The content must extend the practitioner’s knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to the solicitor’s practice needs or professional development.  Practitioners should not request CPD Units for any subsequent seminars which contain the same or similar content within the same CPD year.