This blog is about my experience over the past two months as a non-practising pupil in the Family Law department.
On 24th February I represented a cyclist in a mock trial in the Royal Court’s of Justice. I received extensive feedback which was really useful. This was the final part of my Inner Temple pupil’s advocacy course which has been very helpful in preparing me for being on my feet. I have received teaching from multiple Court of Appeal judges and many KC’s which has ranged from how best to order a closing speech to how to adapt questioning to your witness.
Hammond Cup – Round One Success
On 19th March I competed in the first round of the Hammond Cup run by the Nottinghamshire Law Society. The scenario required me to persuade the judge that Jimi Hendrix’s guitar should not be exported to Bulgaria and should be returned to an educational musical trust. My application was for an interim prohibitory injunction, an order for inspection and an order for preservation of the guitar.
My submissions focussed on the wrongful interference of goods and the tort of conversion of goods. I clearly persuaded the judge that conversion of goods had occurred as the judge made both orders and the injunction. I am delighted that from the dozens of entrants, I am one of the four competitors that has progressed to the final of the Hammond Cup on 30th April.
Family Law
On the 2nd February I entered a Family Court for the very first time. To ensure the anonymity of the children in the proceedings the public cannot watch Family cases, therefore, when I first attended a Family Court, I was unsure what to expect.
My first experience involved a very upset client in private law proceedings. I quickly discovered that client care was highly important in family law.
The saying goes that “an advocate is only as good as their brief” I have learnt that when your client is in a difficult situation before the trial even begins then you need to manage your client’s expectations throughout the trial. This is to avoid the client being shocked, angry or upset when the outcome is not what they anticipated. I think the saying should be lengthened to: “an advocate is only as good as their brief and when the case is weak managing your client’s expectations is even more important.”
During my two months in the family department, I have observed many cases including two final care proceedings hearings where issues have included: burning, bruising, beating, sexual allegations, strangulation and much more.
I am now moving to the Criminal Department.
