Advocacy
Foundations of Legal Advocacy
A six-month foundational course designed for aspiring advocates to master oral and written advocacy techniques.
- Beginner
- English
- 6 months
- 6 lessons
- Certificate included
What you will learn?
Understand core principles of courtroom advocacy
Develop effective oral and written argument skills
Build confidence in tribunal and arbitration settings
Learn ethical standards and professional conduct for advocates
Who this course is for
Law students seeking practical advocacy exposure beyond textbooks
Early-career legal professionals looking to gain confidence in public speaking
case preparation
and forum etiquette
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of legal systems (preferred but not mandatory)
Commitment to weekly readings
simulations
and peer reviews
Why this course
Learn advocacy techniques used in international courts and arbitration forums, Gain templates, case files, and strategies for real-world legal challenges
Course content
Objective
Learn about the role of an advocate the distinction between various legal profesionals.
Key topics
Role and ethics of the advocate
Distinction between barristers
solicitors
and international counsel
Week 1
Lesson 1
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Downloadables
- 1
Activity
Analyze an ethics scenario and write a short “what would you do” response with reasons.
Objective
Explore the structures and systems of courtrooms
Key topics
Structure of courts and tribunals
Adversarial vs. inquisitorial systems: Forum strategy and jurisdiction selection
Week 2
Lesson 2
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Downloadables
- 1
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Objective
Learn how to build a legal case with burden of proof and statutory interpretation
Key topics
Building a coherent legal case: Rules of evidence and burden of proof
Statutory interpretation and precedent
Week 3
Lesson 3
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Downloadables
- 1
Activity
Complete a short case study worksheet and summarize your decision/recommendation.
Objective
Understand the importance of oratory in advocacy.
Key topics
Speaking with authority and persuasion
Handling interruptions
judicial engagement
Week 4
Lesson 4
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Downloadables
- 1
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Objective
Explore the difference between arbitral and courtroom advocacy through mock trials.
Key topics
Arbitral advocacy vs courtroom advocacy
Mock arbitration simulations
Week 5
Lesson 5
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Downloadables
- 1
Activity
Run a short role-play/simulation and write a 5-bullet reflection on what worked.
Objective
Know your niche and brand yourself accordingly.
Key topics
Career pathways: litigation
arbitration
mediation
Professional branding and networking
Week 6
Lesson 6
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Downloadables
- 1
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Description
The Foundations of Legal Advocacy is a comprehensive six-month programme tailored for those beginning their journey in legal practice. Advocacy is more than speaking in court—it is about structured thinking, persuasive writing, and strategic communication. This course equips participants with the essential skills to thrive in litigation and arbitration contexts, from crafting compelling written submissions to delivering convincing oral arguments.
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of advocacy principles, courtroom etiquette, and arbitral procedures. Topics include preparing opening statements, managing evidence, handling witnesses, cross-examination techniques, and presenting closing submissions with clarity and confidence. The programme also addresses procedural nuances, helping learners adapt their advocacy style across different forums.
Delivered through lectures, practical workshops, and mock hearings, this course blends theory with hands-on experience to ensure participants leave with skills they can apply immediately.
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of advocacy principles, courtroom etiquette, and arbitral procedures. Topics include preparing opening statements, managing evidence, handling witnesses, cross-examination techniques, and presenting closing submissions with clarity and confidence. The programme also addresses procedural nuances, helping learners adapt their advocacy style across different forums.
Delivered through lectures, practical workshops, and mock hearings, this course blends theory with hands-on experience to ensure participants leave with skills they can apply immediately.
Instructor
Mian Sheraz Javaid
Master In Advocacy Through Practical Legal Training.
Sheraz draws from his rare dual expertise as an engineer and barrister to offer elite training in contract drafting. These programs are crafted for professionals who draft or review complex contracts and seek to enhance clarity, enforceability, and risk control across jurisdictions and sectors.