Advocacy
Skeleton Arguments & Oral Hearings
Learn to draft strategic skeleton arguments and deliver compelling oral advocacy for courts and arbitral tribunals.
- Intermediate
- English
- 2 months
- 6 lessons
- Certificate included
What you will learn?
Draft concise and persuasive skeleton arguments
Deliver structured and clear oral submissions
Understand tribunal expectations for hearings
Apply strategic persuasion techniques
Who this course is for
Litigation and arbitration lawyers
Trainee solicitors and junior advocates
In-house regulatory or compliance counsel
Junior arbitration and dispute resolution professionals
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of advocacy principles
Experience drafting briefs or written submissions
Familiarity with court or arbitral procedures
Willingness to engage in simulated hearings
Why this course
Skeleton arguments often decide hearings before oral advocacy begins, Gain practical frameworks for drafting structured, persuasive submissions, Learn how to make tribunals focus on your strongest points, Develop confidence in handling tribunal questions and objections
Course content
Objective
Gain insight into the strategic role of skeleton arguments and why they often shape the outcome of hearings.
Key topics
Explain the function of skeleton arguments in hearings
Identify tribunal expectations regarding written submissions
Analyse common pitfalls in skeleton drafting
Evaluate how skeletons influence oral advocacy strategies
Week 1
Lesson 1
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft/redline a clause based on the lesson focus and explain your drafting choices.
Objective
Learn the techniques of structuring skeleton arguments that capture attention and present your strongest case clearly.
Key topics
Draft skeleton arguments with logical clarity and flow
Prioritise issues and arguments for maximum impact
Integrate authorities and evidence strategically
Apply concise language without compromising precision
Week 2
Lesson 2
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft/redline a clause based on the lesson focus and explain your drafting choices.
Objective
Master the art of persuasion through written advocacy by framing issues effectively and reinforcing your case theory.
Key topics
Frame legal issues persuasively in writing
Identify key themes that resonate with decision-makers
Anticipate counterarguments and address them proactively
Apply tone and style appropriate for the forum
Week 3
Lesson 3
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Complete a short case study worksheet and summarize your decision/recommendation.
Objective
Learn how to prepare for oral advocacy that complements your written submissions and withstands tribunal scrutiny.
Key topics
Develop a structured plan for oral submissions
Align oral arguments with skeleton themes
Prepare responses to tribunal questions confidently
Manage limited time effectively during hearings
Week 4
Lesson 4
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Produce a practical checklist and a sample clause set aligned with the lesson objective.
Objective
Develop confidence and clarity in delivering oral arguments that persuade and impress tribunals.
Key topics
Open hearings with a compelling case narrative
Present arguments with clarity and authority
Use tone
pace
and emphasis effectively
Respond to tribunal interventions tactfully
Week 5
Lesson 5
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Complete a short case study worksheet and summarize your decision/recommendation.
Objective
Understand and apply Ensure consistency between skeleton arguments and oral submissions.
Key topics
Ensure consistency between skeleton arguments and oral submissions
Leverage skeleton themes during oral advocacy
Use written submissions as a roadmap for hearings
Manage unexpected shifts in tribunal focus
Week 6
Lesson 6
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Produce a practical checklist and a sample clause set aligned with the lesson objective.
Description
Skeleton arguments serve as the foundation of any hearing — often determining how effectively your case is understood and received by decision-makers. This course equips legal professionals with the essential skills to draft concise, persuasive skeleton arguments and complement them with impactful oral submissions.
Participants will explore the art of structuring written submissions that are not only clear and comprehensive but also strategically focused on issues that matter most. You will learn drafting techniques that align with judicial and arbitral expectations, ensuring your arguments command attention from the outset.
The course also delves into oral advocacy skills, emphasising clarity of delivery, responsiveness to tribunal questions, and maintaining composure under pressure. Through interactive exercises and mock hearings, you will gain practical experience in both writing and presenting arguments, reinforcing your ability to combine written precision with verbal persuasion.
By the end of this course, you will have mastered the dual competencies that define successful advocacy in any forum — powerful written submissions and persuasive oral presentation.
Participants will explore the art of structuring written submissions that are not only clear and comprehensive but also strategically focused on issues that matter most. You will learn drafting techniques that align with judicial and arbitral expectations, ensuring your arguments command attention from the outset.
The course also delves into oral advocacy skills, emphasising clarity of delivery, responsiveness to tribunal questions, and maintaining composure under pressure. Through interactive exercises and mock hearings, you will gain practical experience in both writing and presenting arguments, reinforcing your ability to combine written precision with verbal persuasion.
By the end of this course, you will have mastered the dual competencies that define successful advocacy in any forum — powerful written submissions and persuasive oral presentation.
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.
