Susie Shine
Solicitor and Director of Training
Witness Familiarisation Training
Most witnesses appear in court with no preparation. That’s a risk. Prepare witnesses to deliver clear, confident evidence under pressure.
Online / In Person
1 day
About this course
Are you a witness who feels nervous about testifying in court? Witness familiarisation training can help ease your anxiety and prepare you for the experience.
Witnesses are often petrified of giving evidence for whatever legal forum they may have to appear at, yet their evidence can be crucial to the outcome of a case. Many witnesses have never seen the inside of a courtroom, yet they are expected to face cross-examination without any preparation at all.
Witness familiarisation training helps demystify the process in a legal forum, giving witnesses increased confidence in the witness box, so that evidence can be delivered in the most effective manner. This can be done by us, without any suggestion of rehearsing or coaching of a witness, as the witness preparation training is provided by one of our panel of experienced lawyers/trainers, who have no knowledge of the facts of the case that the witness may be involved in. Our trainers can put the witness through mock cross-examination based on a fictional case study.
The witness familiarisation training will ensure that witnesses perform better and prepare more effectively for their time in the witness box.
Why choose this course
Unprepared witnesses create risk
Many witnesses enter the courtroom for the first time with no understanding of the process they are about to face.
Under cross-examination, even experienced professionals can:
> lose clarity.
> become uncertain.
> struggle to present their evidence effectively.
This is not a reflection of their expertise, it is a result of unfamiliarity with a high-pressure legal environment.
Witness Familiarisation ensures individuals are prepared for that experience.
Our training prepares individuals to:
Understand the structure and dynamics of legal proceedings.
Give clear, coherent evidence under pressure.
Respond effectively to cross-examination.
Approach the witness box with confidence.
Course syllabus
Practical, ethical witness familiarisation training delivered by experienced legal practitioners, including former High Court judge Mr Justice Bernard Barton
Key Learning Points
- Key skills of presenting effective evidence.
- The practice, procedure, and etiquette of giving evidence.
- How the adversarial system works.
- Roles of the various people in the court, tribunal etc.
- Personal preparation.
- Taking the oath or affirmation with confidence.
- Problems that arise in cross-examination and how to handle them.
- Who to speak to and what to call them.
- Giving coherent, sequential testimony under difficult cross-examination.
All training is delivered without reference to any specific case, ensuring it remains ethical, impartial and fully compliant.
Delivered by experienced legal practitioners
Our programmes are led by practising and former legal professionals with extensive courtroom experience.
This includes Mr Justice Bernard Barton, former Judge of the Irish High Court, who brings direct insight into how evidence is assessed and understood in court.
This practical perspective is what sets our training apart.
Who we work with
We work with legal teams and professionals who require individuals to give evidence, including:
- solicitors and litigation teams.
- clients involved in legal proceedings.
- expert witnesses.
- healthcare and social care professionals.
If someone may need to give evidence, this training is relevant.
Witness Familiarisation: what it is not
Please note we do not train or coach witnesses on how to answer questions for a particular case. Our training is unbiased and impartial and is focused on giving participants lifelong skills that will assist them in the event that they are required to attend as a witness in legal proceedings.
Meet the trainers
Practical 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.
We work with firms across Ireland to deliver practical, high-impact training.
FAQs
Witness familiarisation training helps demystify the legal process and gives witnesses increased confidence in the witness box without coaching them on specific case answers. The training is unbiased and impartial, focused on providing lifelong skills through mock cross-examination based on fictional case studies. Unlike prohibited witness coaching, familiarisation training does not tell witnesses what to say or attempt to change their evidence.
This training is suitable for anyone who may be required to give evidence in legal proceedings, including witnesses in civil, criminal, and family courts, arbitrations, oral hearings, inquests, tribunals, select committees, and inquiries. It’s particularly beneficial for those who have never seen the inside of a courtroom yet are expected to face cross-examination.
The course covers the roles of various people in court or tribunals, the process of giving evidence, how to handle adversarial questioning, and techniques for eliminating the effects of nervousness or over-confidence. Training includes mock cross-examination exercises and role-play to improve communication skills and increase witness confidence in delivering evidence effectively.
La Touche Training offers witness familiarisation as practical, cost-effective training available at short notice. The training includes role-play exercises and mock cross-examination, which suggests in-person delivery, though specific format options should be confirmed directly for current availability.
The duration varies depending on the number of witnesses and specific requirements. Industry standard for witness familiarisation typically ranges from three hours for one witness to a full day for groups of 4-6 witnesses, though La Touche Training’s specific course duration should be confirmed when booking.
Training is delivered by a panel of specialist trainers chosen for their experience and knowledge, with the majority being experienced barristers and solicitors who are also qualified trainers. All trainers have practical experience both in legal practice and as professional trainers, ensuring expert guidance throughout the familiarisation process.
The training helps witnesses perform better and prepare more effectively for their time in the witness box by providing comprehensive understanding of legal forum procedures and the process of giving evidence. Participants gain confidence, learn to handle cross-examination techniques, and develop skills to deliver evidence in the most effective manner possible.
Yes, La Touche Training designs sessions to help witnesses prepare for a variety of legal proceedings, including arbitrations, civil, criminal and family courts, oral hearings, inquests, tribunals, select committees and inquiries. The training can be adapted to the specific legal forum where the witness will be giving evidence.
La Touche Training offers witness familiarisation training at short notice, making it accessible when needed. However, for optimal preparation, industry best practice suggests scheduling training 3-4 weeks prior to the hearing to allow witnesses time to concentrate on the session content and undertake necessary preparation before giving evidence.
