Duty Lawyer Training Programme

Duty lawyers are critical to the smooth running of a District Court list. This course gives you the basic knowledge and skills you need to apply to join this important group.

You will:

Undertake self-directed pre-course reading and preparation
Arrange to observe experienced duty lawyers for a minimum of five half days
Attend an introductory session in the centre in which you intend to practise (introductory session)
Work through case scenarios with an experienced duty lawyer (advising session)
Sit an open book exam (exam session)
Make critiqued practice appearances (practice court session)
Be observed and assessed while making your first real appearance as a duty lawyer (final assessed appearance).

Learning objectives

At the completion of this programme you will be able to:

Recognise what information is required to advise list court defendants.
Advise defendants as to their best course of action.
Recognise when to seek advice from a more experienced duty lawyer.
Recognise the limits of the duty lawyer role.
Make appropriate applications/submissions for a defendant.
Recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues which may arise.
Know how to interact appropriately with the Community Probation Service, Police, the Forensic Nurse and other services assisting in the list court.