Law - Judicial Skills & Decision-Making

Programme structure and approach to learning:

This diploma will provide participants with case-management leadership skills and practical training on how to run a case in any forum. It will also prepare participants for adjudicatory, tribunal, and board roles, and will explore the skills needed to preside over various forums.



Practical workshops on arriving at a determination and drafting judgments will be facilitated by means of case studies. An interactive online module on mediation will take a look at the challenges arising from integrating the mediation process with the legal system, examine key mediation skills and give students an insight into how the Mediation Act 2017 affects traditional court-based proceedings. The diploma also features a distinct module on awareness and sensitivity training and dealing with vulnerable witnesses and clients.



CPD

We have designed our courses to enable you to satisfy as much of your CPD requirement as possible. Time spent attending lectures and workshops in person or completing these via e-learning as part of your course can be claimed towards your annual CPD requirement. The number of hours of CPD that you may claim in relation to your diploma/certificate course will depend on the way in which you access each of the individual sessions. For further information, visit the CPD scheme and download the CPD booklet.



The Diploma Centre team will host our annual CPD conference in November 2023. This complimentary event is a dedicated management and professional development skills and regulatory matters session. We will post an invitation on your Diploma Hub page later in the year.

Module 1: The exercise of judicial skills and decision-making

Ethical considerations; types of judicial roles/quasi-judicial bodies,

The application and recruitment process,

Understanding and managing the trial process,

Rules of evidence from the decision-maker’s perspective.



Module 2: Mediation, managing proceedings, and administering justice

Mediation overview from a judicial perspective,

The effect of the Mediation Act 2017,

Functions and duties of chairpersons of a board.



Module 3: Written judgments and decision-making skills

Drafting written judgments,

Proceedings involving litigants-in-person,

Assessing credibility; assessing expert evidence.



Module 4: The social context of law

Examination of cultural diversity in Ireland,

Independence and accountability,

Equality legislation and inclusion,

Consistency in sentencing,

Dealing with vulnerable clients or witnesses.



Workshops

Workshops are designed to be interactive and involve working in groups on selected case-study problems and analysis, with an emphasis on the application of the law to common scenarios encountered in practice.



*Selected workshops will form part of the continuous assessment for the course.



Workshop Title Date Time

1 Avoidance of bias and stereotyping Wednesday 13 November 2024 6pm (online)

2 Drafting Written Judgments Saturday 30 November 2024 10am - 12.30pm (onsite)

3 Personal Leadership Saturday 18 January 2025 10am - 4.30pm (onsite)

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for:

- Solicitors, barristers, and other relevant professionals who wish to develop the skills necessary to preside over various forums,



- Directors or other relevant professionals seeking to gain necessary training with regard to overseeing decision-making processes in a corporate environment.



We welcome applications from others who are suitably qualified. Please explain your interest and set out any relevant experience in a cover letter and a brief CV. Such applications are subject to a supplemental fee of €335.

Application information

The closing date for applications for this course is 4th October 2024. To apply please follow the instructions below.



Solicitors

To pay online click on the 'Book Now' button, otherwise please complete one of the application forms in the Download section below and send it to diplomateam@lawsociety.ie , indicating in your cover email should you need an invoice to pay by EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) or if you wish to pay by card over the phone.



Other Professionals

We welcome applications for this course from suitably qualified professionals. Your application must be approved before you can formally register on the course. To apply please email the following documents to diplomateam@lawsociety.ie :



A completed application form (see below)

Your Curriculum Vitae

A short cover letter setting out your relevant experience

Please note, for non-members this course is subject to a supplemental fee of €335 bringing the total course fee to €3,400. No fees are required prior to approval.

Delivery Method:

Lectures Wednesdays and occasional Saturdays with interactive workshops. Also available to view on-demand.



CPD Hours:

The number of hours of CPD that you may claim in relation to this course will depend on the way in which you access each of the individual sessions. For further information and the booklet, see CPD scheme.

Start Date: Saturday 19th October 2024 at 10:00 AM.