Why choose this skills course?

Traditionally, solicitors instructed barristers in chambers to draft statements of case, but solicitors are increasingly taking on more of this task. Solicitors, therefore, now have to assess barristers’ drafts critically to ensure they properly set out the client’s instructions, and to develop and maintain their own drafting skills.
This course will help you to draft statements of case in commercial matters that comply with applicable rules and conventions. It will also help you to meet the relevant SRA competence standard. 

What will you achieve by attending?

You will be able to

• • plead the client’s case concisely
  • understand and start complying with the rules and conventions that apply to statements of case
  • spot and avoid overly complex and obscure language

What will we cover?

• • Using precedents properly
  • Deciding on which causes of action and defences to plead
  • Planning and structuring a statement of case
  • Complying with rules of court on drafting conventions

What exercises will you do? 

You will work on a short case study involving a commercial dispute. Using the facts and instructions, you will:

• • decide on the appropriate causes of action or defences
  • plan the structure of a particulars of claim, a defence and counterclaim, and a reply and defence to counterclaim

Who is the trainer?

A highly experienced freelance trainer in all areas of commercial civil dispute resolution and Visiting Professor at the University of Law. He formerly practised as a solicitor and then as a barrister.