Workshop On Advocacy Skills (Hampel Method)

Every lawyer must figure out a way to hone the advocacy skills that makes presentation of winning arguments a matter of habit. I was a bit reluctant to attend this course at first because i was quite busy in the office with my files and court cases. After considering, this workshop can help me to be more articulate and confident. InsyaAllah. 

Lawyers' skills develop as we go along in this line. In order to have better skills, attending Workshop on Advocacy Skills is such a bonus! 

The Workshop on Advocacy Skills ( Hampel Method) was conducted on 31 October- 2 Nov 2012 at ILKAP, Bangi. It was jointly organised by the Bar Council Professional Standards and Development Committee, ILKAP and Attorney General's Chambers. 


What is Hampel Method 

The Hampel teaching method requires trainee to perform as an advocates in a simulated courtroom environment under the guidance of experienced practitioners/ trainers  who will observe their performance and offer guidance. ( source : Malaysian Bar) 

Having observed the trainee’s performance, the advocacy trainer will follow the six-step Hampel method:

1.Headline:

• Identifying one particular aspect of the performance to be addressed.

2.Playback:

• Reproducing verbatim that identified aspect of the performance.

3.Reason:

• Explaining why this issue needs to be addressed.

4.Remedy:

• Explaining how to improve this aspect of the performance.

5.Demonstration:

• Demonstrating how to apply the remedy to the specific problem.

6. Replay:

• The pupil performs again, applying the remedy.  

(source : advocacy training council.org) 

Trainee  will be divided into groups of six and were trained by four trainers. We were given number (P1-P6. I was P4 ) The numbers signify our roles and which party we need to represent in a case.

Being a newbie in legal practice this workshop really showed me the correct way to present my-selves and my arguments in court. Being a junior lawyer (1-3 years of practice), I get the chance to identify and correct the basic mistakes in my advocacy. 

The five trainers who volunteered their time and knowledge for the three-days-intensive programme were :  Mr Brendan Navin Siva, Mr Kitson Foong (brother of YA Tan Sri James Foong, Federal Court Judge), Puan Tina Ishak, Mr Amritpal Singh and Mr Abdul Rashed Ismail. They are among senior and experience lawyer in Kuala Lumpur. The trainer were very approachable and pleasant. I didn't feel humiliated at all in front of the trainers and other participants even though I did a few (few?) mistakes. 

 

These are basically our mistakes that were point out by the trainers.

Mine was no 4. Mr Amritpal Singh said i given up once i heard the witness not giving the answer which i hoped/aimed for. So, he giving me the technique on how to zoom in and tie the witness so he only can give me the answer that i want. Really helpful! thanks Mr Amritpal! 

The workshop includes a video review sessions, where trainee were recorded during our  closing oral submission. The session very helpful as i had the chance to see myself performing as advocates thus highlighting areas that needed improvement. 





P4 Be Calm:PPP               Mr Amritpal explained one of this technique and tips to one of the participant. 

It was really an awesome experience! I have no doubt, that all of us participant leave the workshop as better advocates than we were before. ( Yakin!). 

Good news fellow young lawyers, II was told by the trainers that this course/workshop will be held from time to time all over Malaysia. So check with your State Bar Committee and book  a place :))))

For more details go contact Bar Council Professional Standards and Development Committee/ www.klbar.org :)

So I share with you my favourite quotes of all time 

"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."