The Society marked the conclusion of its 2026 Advanced Advocacy Course with a celebratory dinner at Belfast’s Hilton on Friday 11 September 2026.
22 solicitors from across the public and private sectors completed this year's course, which is now in its 27th year.
Organised by the Society in conjunction with the Advocacy Working Party and the US-based National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), the course comprises a two-day Evidence element in the Spring and an intensive five-day programme in September. It provides participants with the opportunity to develop and refine their courtroom advocacy skills through intensive practical training, expert feedback and simulated advocacy exercises.
Launched in 1999, the course continues to grow in popularity, with hundreds of solicitors completing the course to date and achieving advanced advocacy certification.
Course chair Stephen McCourt said: “I was delighted to oversee the 2026 Advanced Advocacy Course on behalf of the Law Society’s Working Group.
"I want to thank all of those, especially our American colleagues from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, who participated and contributed to such a productive, intense yet enjoyable week of learning.
"All of this would not be possible without the support of the Working Group who give selflessly for the promotion and success of the course. We hope that there will be many more editions of this course in the years to come.”
