Advocacy
Skeleton Arguments & Oral Hearings
Learn to draft strategic skeleton arguments and deliver compelling oral advocacy for courts and arbitral tribunals.
-
Intermediate
- ENGLISH
- 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
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
Learn to draft strategic skeleton arguments and deliver compelling oral advocacy for courts and arbitral tribunals.
Instructor
Mian Sheraz Javaid
Advocacy
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.
