Civil Trial & Advocacy Skills Certificate

The Civil Trial & Advocacy Skills Certificate at GB Law School and Research Center is designed to equip participants with essential skills for civil litigation and courtroom advocacy. This course provides practical training on the procedures and strategies needed to handle civil cases effectively, from client representation to delivering persuasive arguments in court. Students will develop a strong foundation in trial techniques, case management, and legal ethics through interactive workshops, mock trials, and real-world scenarios.

Course Fee Structure

  • Regular Courses

    • Standard Fee: PKR 90,000
    • Discounted Fee: PKR 45,000 (after a 50% discount)
  • 3-Month Courses

    • Monthly Fee: PKR 15,000

For more details and course enrollment, please get in touch with our admissions team.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Civil Litigation (Weeks 1-3)

Week 1

Case Intake & Pre-Trial Strategy

  • Client interviewing techniques
  • Case merit evaluation & ethical considerations
  • Developing litigation roadmaps: cause of action selection

Week 2

Pleadings & Pre-Trial Motions

  • Drafting effective plaints & written statements
  • Applications for temporary injunctions & stays
  • Responding to interlocutory applications

Week 3

Discovery & Evidence Gathering

  • Interrogatories & request for documents
  • Admission/denial procedures
  • Preparing evidence affidavits & exhibit lists

Module 2: Trial Mechanics (Weeks 4-6)

Week 4

Opening Statements & Case Framing

  • Structuring persuasive openings
  • Theme development & storytelling techniques
  • Judge psychology & first impressions

Week 5

Witness Examination

  • Examination-in-chief: Eliciting favorable testimony
  • Cross-examination: Impeachment techniques
  • Handling hostile witnesses

Week 6

Documentary Evidence & Objections

  • Marking exhibits & proving documents
  • Hearsay exceptions & best evidence rule
  • Making & responding to objections

Module 3: Advanced Advocacy (Weeks 7-9)

Week 7

Expert Witnesses & Complex Evidence

  • Preparing & examining technical experts
  • Demonstrative evidence & visual aids
  • Scientific evidence challenges

Week 8

Closing Arguments & Post-Trial Procedures

  • Summation structure & rhetorical devices
  • Drafting written submissions
  • Execution proceedings & appeals

Week 9

Specialized Civil Proceedings

  • Summary judgment applications
  • Arbitration advocacy
  • Contempt proceedings

Module 4: Trial Simulation & Mastery (Weeks 10-12)

Week 10

Mock Trial I (Money Claims)

  • Full-day simulation: Debt recovery case
  • Peer evaluation & video review
  • Bench feedback session

Week 11

Mock Trial II (Injunction Matter)

  • Complex property dispute simulation
  • Stress-testing advocacy under pressure
  • Time management drills

Week 12

Final Assessment & Capstone

  • Graded Trial: Complete civil case before sitting judge
  • Portfolio Defense: Explaining strategic choices
  • Courtroom Etiquette Certification

Week 9

Introduction to Legal Tech & Its Impact

  • Evolution of legal technology (from databases to AI)
  • Key trends: AI, blockchain, smart contracts, ODR
  • Ethical considerations (data privacy, bias in AI)

Week 10

Legal Research 2.0 – AI & Advanced Tools

  • Westlaw Edge, Lexis+, Casetext CARA
  • AI legal assistants (Harvey, ChatGPT for Law)
  • Free & open-access legal research tools

Week 11

Case & Practice Management Software

  • Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther (comparative analysis)
  • Automating client intake & billing
  • Integrating calendars, deadlines & task management

Week 12

Document Automation & Contract Tech

  • HotDocs, Documate, Lexion
  • AI-powered contract review (Kira, Evisort)
  • Smart contract drafting (for blockchain transactions)

Course Modules

Month 1 : Foundations of Legal Technology

Week 1

Introduction to Legal Tech & Its Impact

  • Evolution of legal technology (from databases to AI)
  • Key trends: AI, blockchain, smart contracts, ODR
  • Ethical considerations (data privacy, bias in AI)

Week 2

Legal Research 2.0 – AI & Advanced Tools

  • Westlaw Edge, Lexis+, Casetext CARA
  • AI legal assistants (Harvey, ChatGPT for Law)
  • Free & open-access legal research tools

Week 3

Case & Practice Management Software

  • Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther (comparative analysis)
  • Automating client intake & billing
  • Integrating calendars, deadlines & task management

Week 4

Document Automation & Contract Tech

  • HotDocs, Documate, Lexion
  • AI-powered contract review (Kira, Evisort)
  • Smart contract drafting (for blockchain transactions)

Month 2: Litigation & Compliance Technology

Week 5

E-Discovery & Digital Evidence

  • eDiscovery platforms: Relativity, Everlaw, Logikcull
  • Managing metadata & ESI (electronically stored information)
  • AI in predictive coding for document review

Week 6

Digital Litigation & Virtual Courts

  • E-filing systems: PACER, Odyssey, Pakistan’s e-Courts
  • Virtual hearings: Zoom for courts, MS Teams integration
  • AI for litigation strategy: precedent analysis, outcome prediction

Week 7

Regulatory & Compliance Tech (RegTech)

  • Compliance tracking tools: Asana, LexCheck
  • AML & KYC software (Anti-money laundering and Know Your Customer)
  • GDPR/DPDPA compliance automation

Week 8

Legal Analytics & Big Data

  • Legal analytics platforms: Lex Machina, Premonition Analytics
  • Judicial behavior prediction models
  • Using data to build stronger legal arguments

Month 3: Emerging Tech & Capstone Project

Week 9

Blockchain & Smart Legal Contracts

  • Introduction to Ethereum, Solidity, and Chainlink
  • Enforceability of smart contracts
  • Use cases in real estate, IP, and supply chain

Week 10

AI Ethics & Legal Tech Startups

  • Bias, transparency, and accountability in legal AI
  • How to launch a legal tech startup
  • VC funding & innovation in law

Week 11

Cybersecurity for Law Firms

  • Preventing data breaches & ransomware attacks
  • Secure client communication tools: Signal, ProtonMail
  • Cyber insurance for legal practices

Week 12

Capstone Project & Certification

  • Develop a legal tech solution for a real-world problem
  • Present findings to a panel of legal tech experts
  • Certification in Legal Technology awarded

Week 9

Introduction to Legal Tech & Its Impact

  • Evolution of legal technology (from databases to AI)
  • Key trends: AI, blockchain, smart contracts, ODR
  • Ethical considerations (data privacy, bias in AI)

Week 10

Legal Research 2.0 – AI & Advanced Tools

  • Westlaw Edge, Lexis+, Casetext CARA
  • AI legal assistants (Harvey, ChatGPT for Law)
  • Free & open-access legal research tools

Week 11

Case & Practice Management Software

  • Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther (comparative analysis)
  • Automating client intake & billing
  • Integrating calendars, deadlines & task management

Week 12

Document Automation & Contract Tech

  • HotDocs, Documate, Lexion
  • AI-powered contract review (Kira, Evisort)
  • Smart contract drafting (for blockchain transactions)

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

  • Law students and recent graduates aiming for a career in civil litigation.
  • Legal practitioners seeking to enhance their advocacy skills in civil cases.
  • Paralegals and legal assistants involved in civil case preparation and court proceedings

Start your journey to the Bar with GB Law School and Legal Research Center.

Unique Pedagogical Features

  • “Learn by Doing” Approach: 70% practical exercises
  • Real Court Recordings: Analysis of master advocates
  • Judge Shadowing Program: Live court observation
  • AI Simulation Tool: Virtual witness examinations

Assessment Methodology

  • Weekly performance rubrics (voice modulation, framing)
  • Evidence handling proficiency test
  • Final trial scored on:
    • Legal knowledge (20%)
    • Courtroom presence (30%)
    • Strategic execution (50%)

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants will:

  • Master the skills required for presenting and arguing civil cases in court.
  • Gain expertise in drafting pleadings, motions, and other key civil litigation documents.
  • Learn effective strategies for examination and cross-examination of witnesses.
  • Understand courtroom procedures, evidence handling, and trial advocacy techniques.
  • Improve client communication skills and learn how to manage civil case timelines.
  • Participate in mock trials to practice and refine advocacy skills in a simulated courtroom environment.

Course Modules

Introduction to Civil
Litigation

Overview of civil law and court structures.
Key stages of a civil trial.

Drafting Civil Pleadings
& Motions

Preparing essential legal documents for civil cases.
Structuring arguments in pleadings and motions.

Trial Preparation &
Case Management

Case strategy, managing evidence, and pre-trial motions.
Organizing and presenting cases in court.

Advocacy Skills
in Court

Delivering persuasive opening and closing statements.
Techniques for examination and cross-examination of witnesses.

Ethical Responsibilities
in Civil Litigation

Understanding ethical obligations in civil cases.
Managing client relationships and professional conduct.

Mock Trials &
Simulations

Real-world role-playing exercises in a courtroom setting.
Hands-on experience with trial advocacy and civil case management.

Why Choose GB Law School and Research Center?

GB Law School offers a comprehensive and practical approach to civil trial advocacy, with instruction from experienced legal professionals. Our course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on courtroom experience, allowing students to develop the skills needed to succeed in civil litigation. With access to industry-standard resources and personalized feedback, students will gain the confidence to effectively represent clients and argue cases in court.