The Sheriff Court (Civil) - Everything you need to know

Appearing at court can be a daunting prospect. While designed to meet the needs of trainee solicitors, this seminar provides guidance and practical tips for anyone preparing for, conducting and reporting on simple civil court appearances.

The course is particularly beneficial to second year trainees who have a restricted practising certificate.

This course covers the following topics:

• preparation for a court appearance
• the 'in court' basics: where to stand
• how to address the bench and refer to Counsel/your opponent/other agents
• using written submissions
• how to refer to authorities/Court Rules
• how to deal with your own clients/your opponent in court
• how to lodge productions/documents in court; appearing for both parties
• practical guidance on how to conduct the usual type of trainee-given 'first appearances' interim hearings, motions, Options Hearings, procedural hearings, pre-proof hearings, discharging a proof or debate
• practical tips on what to do/say when the unexpected occurs - e.g. the other side fails to appear or is a party litigant
• you miss the calling of your case
• there is a piece of process missing
• your opponent moves for expenses practical considerations such as time-recording court appearances/travel, file entries, maintaining a court diary and reporting outcomes to clients.

Those attending this course may also wish to attend 'Sheriff Court (Civil) Proofs and Debates'.