Advocacy in Employment Tribunals

One
09:30 - Welcome, introduction and outline of objectives
09:45 - An overview of the tribunal process
· What is the general tribunal procedure?
· Tribunal case preparation: first steps: Completing ET1 and ET3; time limits; preparing a case strategy; investigating the claim
· Deciding whether to fight or settle: valuing the claim
· The merits and prospects of alternatives to the employment tribunal
· Documentation and the tribunal ''bundle''
· Preparing witness statements

10:45 - Coffee
11:00 - Preparing to win
· Who goes first?
· Note taking: top tips and techniques
· Presentation and dealing with witnesses
· Relationship with the tribunal
· Opening remarks and ''housekeeping''
· Examination-in-chief : as a witness and advocate
· Cross-examination and the rules that apply
· Re-examination
· Closing submissions
· Written advocacy

12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Tribunal advocacy essentials: developing the skills for success
· Delivery of opening remarks
· ''Housekeeping'' issues
· Calling the first witness
· Supplementary questions
· Cross-examination questions
· Re-examination questions
· Final submissions

16:30 - End of day one

Day Two
09:30 - ''Real-life'' tribunal role-play
This highly interactive exercise will provide you with the opportunity to practise your skills and knowledge in the context of a mock tribunal role-play of an unfair dismissal claim.

Participants will have the opportunity to take on the role of key players in the tribunal hearing: Chair, members, claimant, respondent, witnesses. Each role will be fulfilled using the practical tips and techniques covered in day one with guidance and feedback from the advocacy skills expert.

This session will also be recorded providing the opportunity for feedback later in the day.

Note: Precise format of role-play subject to change depending upon final group size.

12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Feedback for the future
Following the morning''s recorded role-play session, participants will receive individual feedback to maximise their future success.
· How do you deal with the professional opponent successfully?
· How do you deal with an unrepresented party?
· Handling the Chairman
· Top tips in handling questions from the panel
· The art of the advocate: tips and techniques for success

16:30 End of seminar