The Faculty of Advocates in conjunction with the Forensic Network (https://forensicnetwork.scot.nhs.uk) is delighted to announce a two-day advocacy training course focussing on the use of mental health experts (psychologists / psychiatrists etc) in litigation.

The course will be structured around a mock civil litigation exercise. The first day will explore the use of mental health experts in litigation through a seminar delivered by the Forensic Network to aid members in their understanding of mental health medicine relevant to the exercise. This will be followed by a group-led case analysis of the issues arising in the exercise, before concluding with a consultation with ‘your’ medical expert in advance of trial.

The second day will see delegates undertake examination in chief of their own expert, cross examination of the opposing expert and concluding with legal submissions. The witnesses will be qualified mental health medics who will be using the course to practice consulting with counsel and giving evidence in court.

The course will be run by experienced advocacy instructors from Faculty and throughout the course you will have the opportunity to discuss your work and received objective feedback to assist you with whatever area of your advocacy you would like to develop. This is an excellent opportunity to practice taking evidence from expert witnesses in the safety of the classroom and spaces are expected to fill up quickly.

No subject-matter legal knowledge nor medical knowledge is required to participate in the course. This is an exercise in developing advocacy skills meaning it is open to anyone, irrespective of area of practice, and no specific legal knowledge is expected.  

Terms and Conditions

1. The course is open to all members (including current devils), irrespective of year of call.
   
   
2. Spaces are restricted to a maximum of 30 members and will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served basis.
   
   
3. Members of Faculty will receive priority booking until 5 July 2026, thereafter any remaining spaces will be made available to other jurisdictions.
   
   
4. By registering to participate in the course, you accept to be bound by the following cancellation charges. The course is free to all members of Faculty. However, the following cancellation fees will apply and in the event of them being incurred, will be deducted from your FSL account at source. In the event of non-FSL members, payment must be made within 7 days of the conclusion of the event.
   1. Cancellation more than 14 days before the event: no charge
   2. Cancellation within 7 days of the event and where your space was filled by someone else: no charge
   3. Cancellation within 7 days of the event and where your space could not be filled by someone else: £350 + VAT
   4. Cancellation within 48 hours of the event irrespective of whether your space could be filled by someone else: £350 + VAT
   5. Failure to attend all aspects of the course: £350 + VAT