Your direct examination is where you make your client's case. It is your opportunity to showcase the witness, establish his or her credibility and add weight to your theory of the case.

Knowing how to accomplish these objectives is key.
Setting goals, maximizing your good facts, minimizing your bad facts, and discretely walking your witnesses through testimony are topics which will be covered in this 4 hour course designed to provide participants with a condensed overview of the basic trial techniques which are more fully covered in our 2 and 3 day Basic Advocacy programs.

• Direct examination of Fact Witnesses: review of basic theorical notions
• Preparation and formulation of questions - rules to follow
• Rehabilitation of the witness on Re-direct - yes or no? Rules to follow
• Use of exhibits during examination-in-chief
• Each participant will be designated as Attorney for the plaintiff or for the defendant. Participants will play the role of witnesses
• Participants will work in groups in order to prepare a direct examination of one of their witnesses. One or more members of each group will then proceed to the direct examination and a general feedback will be provided
• Participants must familiarize themselves with the course materials before class

• Courses are available in English and French
• Each participant will receive in PDF format by e-mail a short case summary and résumés of discovery testimony. Hard copies will be distributed in class.

Advocacy skills workshops - Cross-examination skills "clinic" >>