My first two months: Civil

I didn’t cause the accident. I didn’t say she could stay in the house that long. I did repair the property. I am owed my redundancy. I want my money out of the house. These are the reasons people go to Court. 

If you have ever wondered, like I did, what on earth does “general civil” mean, well I have learnt that it certainly includes going to court to answer all of those questions.

Throughout the last two months, each week although markedly different, has looked roughly like this.

I go to Court each day, I have been to the Court of Appeal, Stoke, Lincoln and many courts in the East Midlands. I have shadowed a broad range of barristers in our civil team which has exposed me to a wide range of advocacy styles.

The Night Before

I ascertain exactly where I am going and how I am going to get there: car or train?

I will read the case papers (online) the evening before. Before going very far, I always ask – why are we going to Court, what is it we are asking the court to decide? Since an exciting set of papers may only be listed for a directions hearing the next day.

I then decide what the issues are in the case. I will then research the law or procedural rules pertaining to the issues. Then I may prepare cross-examination questions, notes for a closing speech or notes for an interim application. 

The Morning

I arrive at Court and will compare my questions, notes and understanding of the case with my supervisor. I then observe the client conference. I have learnt that clients are usually keen to tell you their version of events. Curiously their version of events is often not exactly what I was expecting having read the papers and on one occasion it was completely different. In the courtroom I have been practising how to adapt a closing speech following oral evidence and usually enjoy comparing my cross-examination questions with the barrister I am observing.

The Afternoon

If the case continues in the afternoon, then I will discuss the case with my supervisor and ask any questions about the judgment at the end of the trial. Otherwise, I start reading the next day’s papers and continue preparing for my next meeting with my supervisor.

My supervisor holds a meeting with me most weeks where we discuss my written work, ethical situations, different areas of the law and oral advocacy. I have written advices, skeleton arguments and applications to appeal to hone my written advocacy skills. I have practised closing speeches, witness handling and advising clients in conferences. Being frank with your client without upsetting them is certainly challenging. I have learnt that people that decide to go to court, really do think they are going to win, telling them otherwise can prove difficult.

Family law is next…