Devils benefitting from new demonstration-driven training approach

Bruce Langlands (far left) with group tutor Anna Annandale (seated), and the rest of his group.

MEMBERS of Faculty returned recently from an intensive ‘train the trainers’ conference held in the Drakensberg in South Africa. 

The five-day advocacy training conference aimed to develop new skills among those responsible for training aspiring advocates. Roughly half of the attendees were from the South African Bar. The rest were drawn from various international bars, including the Faculty of Advocates. Those taking part attended a mixture of classroom teaching sessions and presentations on advocacy training from trainers from different jurisdictions. Faculty’s Director of Training and Education Bruce Langlands and Deputy Director of Training and Education Gillian Ross KC represented Faculty alongside Sheriff Kenneth Campbell KC. 

 

“One of the major takeaways was the importance of monitoring the overall welfare and mental health of the devils. Advocacy training can be an incredibly intense experience and following the conference we have adopted a more holistic approach when monitoring the wellbeing of our devils,” said Ms Ross. 

The method form of teaching, practised at the conference, will continue to be embedded in Faculty’s advocacy training programme. “We are already reaping the benefits, having implemented this new training method during the Foundation Course for the current cohort of devils here at Faculty,” she said. “It was well-received by the devils, who enjoyed this demonstration-driven approach.” 

During this past summer over 100 of Faculty’s advocacy trainers began mastering this new teaching method. “We’re looking to consistently grow the number of advocacy trainers at Faculty, “said Mr Langlands.

“We’re anticipating ever-increasing numbers of devils in the years ahead. Advocacy training is extremely rewarding, and I would encourage as many members as possible to get involved.” 

“Training initiatives like this one in South Africa enable us to share ideas, learn and benefit from new skills, and ensure our advocacy training remains best in class – while also forging strong links with other bars,” said Mr Langlands. 

Gillian Ross KC (seated second left) with her group tutor Janet McCurdie (seated directly to her left), and the rest of her group.