The course, organised by the Law Society through the Advocacy Working Party and in conjunction with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), provides solicitors with training to improve and develop their advocacy skills to enable them to become more competent advocates.

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have unrestricted rights of audience to represent clients in the Magistrates Court, County Court and Crown Court by virtue of legislation. They also have limited rights in the High Court by virtue of the Judicature (NI) Act 1978.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the course, the Law Society has produced a new video which highlights the significant achievements of the course with interviews with those who set up the course, participated and contributed to its success over the last two decades.

Aoife McShane, partner at McShanes Solicitors, completed the course in 2015 and said: “A lot of my work is court-based and I found that completion of the course really increased my confidence whenever I’m presenting cases in court.”