Part 3: Sarah Zielicka Edwards offers some tips on trial practicalities
In this age, with the emphasis on settling disputes, and when the costs of going to court can be prohibitive, many solicitors and their clients—even if the settlement is at the eleventh hour—do not often find themselves facing trial.
It follows that there is often a steep learning curve for parties and their advisers if they are to use time in court effectively. The learning curve is often not so much related to legal issues or to preparation of the case, but to practical and logistical matters. This article sets out some tips to ensure that your day in court runs smoothly.
Statements of case
It is a simple message, but it is essential that statements of case encapsulate all of your client’s arguments. Pleaded cases tend to alter slightly over the course of the proceedings and counsel, having read into the matter in order to prepare for trial, may wish to argue the pleaded case in a slightly