The Isle of Man Law Society does much to promote best practice in advocacy. Among its measures are the mock court sessions it organises: real-time, real-life situations that provide trainee and junior advocates a setting in which to hone their courtroom skills and where they can benefit from advice and guidance from senior members of the Isle of Man judiciary.
The latest series was established in 2011 by M&P advocate Vicky Unsworth and aims to provide advocates with an opportunity to gain courtroom experience prior to their completing two years’ training. The mock courts are being held every quarter at the Isle of Man Courts of Justice, covering a wide range of proceedings and involving senior members of the Isle of Man judiciary and Bar, who give of their time voluntarily. His Honour First Deemster Doyle has presided over a mock civil trial while Deemster Montgomerie and Deputy High Bailiff Jane Hughes have both judged mock criminal trials. Deemster Doyle said: ‘Mock trials assist in developing written and oral advocacy skills. The judiciary willingly take part in these important continuing training initiatives as they assist in raising advocacy standards which will be of benefit to us all.’
The most recent session, a mock family court, was presided over by Deemster Sharon Roberts who explained: ‘Mock courts are less about “the law” and more about advocacy. A great deal of hard work goes into the behind-the-scenes preparation to create a realistic situation which presents trainee advocates with a golden opportunity to appear in court and make the odd mistake without “the fear factor”. In this way it’s not such a big leap when they’re acting on behalf of a client for real. The mock court experience also helps boost a trainee’s confidence and provides a taste of the courtroom environment which will assist them when dealing with clients’ queries about process and procedure.’
The mock family court saw three advocates act for the applicant and three for the respondent. Victoria Kiver, a trainee advocate with Simcocks said: ‘The mock court was an extremely valuable way to gain experience and presented me with situations where I really did have to think on my feet.’ Her colleague at the firm, Taryn Pyle, added: ‘The session provided an opportunity to learn different skills and demonstrated the importance of paying very close attention at all times to the arguments being put forward.’
Junior advocate with Quinn Legal Sarah Quirk said: ‘It was very worthwhile, gives you greater confidence and the feedback from Deemster Roberts was especially valuable.’ Pringle Law trainee advocate James Robinson was of the same opinion. He said: ‘The mock trial is an invaluable training tool for both trainee and newly qualified advocates. We get very little opportunities to prepare for “the real thing” and mock trials on various areas of law assist us in preparing for representing our clients at real trials and hearings. Often you learn the little tricks that can take a few years to acquire and these can assist in our training both in and out of the courtroom.’
And Stephen Mann, a senior associate with Kerruish Law & Trust observed: ‘The Law Society's mock trials have given advocates a wonderful opportunity to hone their court skills either generally or in areas of the law which do not normally fall within their daily work but which interest them. They also foster a spirit of co-operation between members of different firms. It is greatly appreciated that members of the judiciary give up their time to make these occasions as realistic as possible. I hope the mock courts will continue to be a major part of the Law Society's educational programme in the future.’
The Law Society also delivers advocacy workshops and in September will again welcome Bernard Richmond QC (barrister in the ‘Baby P’ case) to present classes and master classes to the whole Bar.
To find out more about the Isle of Man Law Society, visit www.iomlawsociety.co.im.
Photo caption - Participants in the recent mock family court: Her Honour Deemster Roberts, centre, with left to right, James Peterson, Taryn Pyle, Stephen Mann, Victoria Kiver, Sarah Quirk and James Robinson.
