As a trainee solicitor, attending court hearings can be a daunting experience. However, it is also an essential part of the job that can provide invaluable learning opportunities. In particular, attending court hearings for time summons applications can be challenging as the court will be scrutinising whether there is a good reason for the delay and whether granting an extension would cause any unfairness to the other party. It is a unique experience that demands a thorough understanding of the legal process, the ability to think on your feet, and the confidence to present a convincing argument to the Master.
Looking back, there are several key takeaways that I gained from this experience. Firstly, it is essential to be well prepared. This means not only knowing the law but also being familiar with the facts of the case. Secondly, it is important to be confident and assertive when presenting arguments in court. This can be challenging, but it is an essential skill for any litigation solicitor. Finally, it is important to listen carefully to the judge’s questions and concerns and be prepared to address them in a clear and concise manner.
In court, I was nervous at first, but I soon found my footing.
Here are some tips that can help trainee solicitors improve their confidence in court:
- Preparation: One of the most effective ways to boost confidence is to be well-prepared. This means having a thorough understanding of the case, the law, the evidence, and any potential arguments that the other side might raise. Trainee solicitors should spend ample time researching and preparing their arguments and anticipating any potential questions or challenges that may arise. For effective preparation before a court hearing, it’s essential to identify and understand all the key dates and deadlines related to the case. Creating a detailed chronology of events using a tabulated format is helpful. It allows for easy identification of specific details during the hearing. This chronology should include all relevant events leading up to the hearing, such as any correspondence between parties or any significant developments in the case, the date the writ of summons was issued, the deadlines for filing court documents, and the close of pleadings, etc. By having a well-organized and detailed chronology, you can anticipate any questions or challenges that may arise during the hearing and be better prepared to respond to them. This also enables you to present a clear and convincing argument to the Master, ultimately increasing the likelihood of success for the client.
- Practice: Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true when it comes to court appearances. Trainee solicitors should take every opportunity to practice their courtroom skills, whether it’s through 3-minutes hearings or by attending court hearings as an observer. This will help them become more familiar with the courtroom environment and feel more confident in their abilities.
- Seek feedback: Feedback is critical for improving confidence. Trainee solicitors should seek feedback from their supervisors or colleagues on their courtroom performance, including their communication skills, body language, and overall presentation. This feedback can help them identify areas where they need to improve and build on their strengths.
- Learn from mistakes: It is normal to make mistakes, especially when starting out as a trainee solicitor. However, it is essential to learn from these mistakes and use them as an opportunity for growth. Trainee solicitors should reflect on their courtroom experiences and identify areas where they could have done better. By doing this, they can avoid making the same mistakes in the future and feel more confident in their abilities.
- Stay calm and composed: Finally, it is important to stay calm and composed in the courtroom. This means maintaining good eye contact, using a clear and confident voice, speak slowly, and remaining focused on the task at hand. Trainee solicitors should also be prepared for unexpected challenges and be ready to adapt their approach as needed.
Attending court hearings can be an empowering experience that allows trainee solicitors to develop their advocacy skills, build confidence, and gain exposure to the courtroom environment. With proper preparation and a willingness to learn, attending court hearings can be a rewarding experience that helps trainee solicitors to become better advocates and more effective solicitors.
For further information, please contact:
Christie Liu, Hauzen
christieliu@hauzen.hk
