Drafting a Brief to Counsel

This e-learning course helps litigators to draft a brief to Counsel efficiently and effectively. Whilst there aren’t any formal legal requirements to writing a brief, a well-structured set of clear instructions is vital to ensure Counsel does the best possible job representing your client.

Delegates will find out what to put in and what to leave out, how to present the case clearly, and get tips to improve their writing. There is an option to add a drafting exercise at the end of the course.

Content

Our brief to Counsel drafting training covers the creation of the important instructions that a lawyer needs to provide to Counsel to undertake specified work or representation.

This can include instructions in relation to a trial, advice on quantum or liability, or a specific hearing type (application, child settlement etc.) Our online course covers:

• What is a brief for?
• What does Counsel want?
• Preparing a brief to Counsel
• Structure of the brief with examples and samples
• Writing with focus, includes hints and tips on writing techniques

The course also includes a brief to counsel template which can be downloaded for future use.

Drafting exercise and feedback

At the end of the course, you can participate in an optional drafting exercise. Here you will be asked to draft a brief to Counsel based on a case study.

You will then receive written and personalised feedback on your draft instructions from one of our experienced tutors.

Outcomes

After completing our brief drafting training course, delegates will be able to:

• tell Counsel (chambers, barrister, pupil or advocate) what to do
• cover the background, the facts and the law in sufficient detail
• describe the issues of the case
• set out our views on the strengths and weaknesses of the case
• produce well-thought out and structured briefs
•  

Delegates

Suitable for junior or trainee solicitors, paralegals, legal executives and claim handlers.

If you want to buy multiple subscriptions for your litigation team, please contact Kath Kinch.