Witness Familiarisation Training
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Succeeding at Oral Hearings
This intensive in-house legal training programme is delivered by lawyers experienced in training parties presenting at oral hearings and public inquiries.
795
Online
9:30am - 4:30pm
2 days
About this course
Oral hearings are a critical part of legal proceedings, and preparation is key to success. Discover strategies for effective communication and persuasion in this comprehensive course.
This course focuses on the procedures at an oral hearing, the order of events, the roles and functions of the different participants and the process of giving evidence.
It will deal with the expectations of the different participants and will also address the techniques lawyers use to disconcert and discredit witnesses. Attendees experience presenting a scheme in a mock oral hearing role-play and experience being cross examined on a case study related to their area of work.
This course is accredited by Engineers Ireland.
Why choose this course
Different professionals will be required to give evidence at oral hearings to ensure they are in compliance with proper planning principles and sustainable development. This is a daunting prospect for those who are unused to the rigours of questioning by other experts and skilled lawyers.
The legal training gives delegates a clear understanding of the procedures at an oral hearing, the process of giving evidence and an opportunity to be cross-examined on a typical scheme presented at a hearing.
An oral hearing can deal with:
A planning appeal
A valid objection to a CPO (compulsory purchase order)
A referral (a Planning Authority refers a request for declaration, as to whether something is ‘development or exempted development’, to the Board) or
An application for strategic infrastructure development
Course syllabus
Succeeding at Oral Hearings: Your Evidence
On this legal training course you will learn the importance of evidence and how it has potential of establishing or proving a fact. Our trainers will show you how to break down your case into each of its elements and decide what evidence you will use to establish each part. You will understand the importance of never assuming that someone else will provide the evidence, or that the Board will already know something. You will learn how to explain to the Board in clear terms how this evidence impacts your case.
Key Learning Points
- Understand the role and scope of an oral hearing,
- Understand your role and the limits of your role,
- Performance and behaviour expected,
- Learn how to prepare for your oral hearing, including your opening statement, an outline of your own oral testimony, questions for your witnesses, potential questions for other parties to be used in cross-examination,
- Learn how to make full use of your evidence including your own oral testimony, supporting documentation organised in a logical manner, photographs and objects,
- Essential elements in your Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Natura Impact Statement (NIS), where relevant,
- You will learn how to present an orderly cogent scheme,
- Experience in-depth cross examination training and how to come across best,
- How to deter questions which are not in your remit,
- Build confidence and gain master of your delivery,
- Improve your professional skills.
This course will be particularly beneficial to:
- Air Quality Consultants
- Appellant
- Applicant
- Archaeologists
- Architects
- Ecology Consultants
- Engineers
- Environmental Consultants
- Fire Engineers
- Groundwater and Surface Water Consultants
- Noise, Vibration and Acoustics Consultant
- Occupational Health Consultant
- Planners
- Soils and Geology Consultants
- Transport Planners
- And any other person making submissions or observations to the Board (in accordance with Planning Acts and Regulations)
Our expert trainers
La Touche Training Legal Experts
We work with a wide panel of specialist trainers, all chosen based on their experience and knowledge, experience both in practice and as trained trainers. The majority of our trainers are experienced...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Learn how to prepare for oral hearings
FAQs
The course focuses on the procedures at an oral hearing or public inquiry, covering the order of events, roles of different participants, and the process of giving evidence. Participants will also learn about techniques lawyers use to disconcert and discredit witnesses, and will experience presenting evidence through practical exercises.
This course is designed for professionals who may be called upon to give evidence in oral hearings, public inquiries, tribunals, or similar legal proceedings. It’s particularly suitable for experts, witnesses, and professionals who need to present evidence in formal hearing environments.
This is typically an intensive one-day highly practical and experiential programme. The training combines theory with hands-on practice to ensure delegates can apply their skills immediately.
The course is highly practical and interactive, featuring small group formats that allow every attendee to ask questions and participate in discussions. It includes practical exercises, role-plays, and realistic scenarios where delegates experience presenting evidence in mock hearing situations.
Delegates will learn to present evidence confidently under examination, understand hearing procedures and protocols, handle challenging questioning techniques, and develop professional witness presentation skills. The course aims to eliminate nervousness and build confidence for actual hearing appearances.
There are no specific prerequisites mentioned for this course. It’s designed for both new and experienced professionals who may need to present evidence in oral hearings, regardless of their previous experience in legal proceedings.
The training is delivered by La Touche Training’s team of qualified barristers and solicitors who are also trained trainers. This ensures participants receive guidance from experienced legal professionals with both practical courtroom experience and teaching expertise.
The course includes realistic role-play exercises where delegates experience being questioned on case studies. Participants practice presenting evidence under examination, with constructive feedback provided on their witness presentation skills to improve their performance.
Yes, La Touche Training offers in-house delivery options for organisations. They can tailor the course content to specific organisational needs and create customised scenarios relevant to participants’ particular areas of work or industry.
