EDUCATION ON THE WALES AND CHESTER CIRCUIT

The Circuit is committed to providing education to its members of the highest standard. It aims to assist and support members in their continuing professional development.

Established Practitioners

The Circuit usually holds two seminars each year. It is held on a Saturday, usually in spring and autumn. Topics are specifically chosen on the basis that they are of current importance or present issues in an area of practice from which members are likely to benefit from instruction and discussion. The range of topics ensures that there is something of interest to practitioners of all disciplines.

The seminars are conducted by senior members of the Circuit, members of the judiciary and guest speakers from a variety of professional disciplines.

In addition, ad hoc seminars are held throughout the year.

New Practitioners

A New Practitioners Course ("NPC") is held annually in May. It is a residential course which begins with a dinner on Friday evening and concludes on Saturday. Advocacy training is provided via the disciplines of civil, criminal and family law as well as instruction and training in ethics.

This is a very popular course. It also gives new practitioners the opportunity to meet and socialise with their contemporaries throughout the Circuit.

The NPC for 2017 be held in the Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff on the evening of Friday 12th May and Saturday 13th May 2017. New Practitioners must confirm attendance by 4pm on the 31st March 2017. Any queries please contact the Dee Bailey at the Circuit Office or the Director of Education, Heath Edwards at 9 Park Place, Cardiff.

Pupils

Advocacy training is held in January and February each year. The course covers case analysis, evidence in chief, cross examination, submissions and the drafting of skeleton arguments. There are practical sessions, a trail exercise and an opposed oral application. Teaching takes place in the evenings during the week. There are five sessions. The trail exercise is held on a Saturday in Cardiff Crown Court. Students from Cardiff University play the part of the parties and witnesses.

A Practice Management Course is held annually in Cardiff. It is held on a Monday and a Tuesday, usually in December. There is a pupils' dinner on the Monday evening.

Details of these courses and seminars will be posted from time to time on the Circuit web site.