The closing argument is when great advocates shine. It is an opportunity to tie the facts, law and evidence together in a way that paves the way for the decision-maker to decide in your favour. This Essential Skills program will teach you how to deliver credible, powerful and compelling closing arguments with skill and confidence.
There are two registration options: (1) plenary + workshop or (2) plenary only. Please see below for more information.
Plenary Details | Flexible New Format!
On-Demand Video + Live Q&A, December 2, 2025,12:00PM to 1:30PM (ET), Via Zoom
Your registration for the plenary session includes:
- On-demand access to the three-hour video recording of Compelling Closing Arguments (originally broadcast on May 29, 2024) for 60 days. In this video, judges and leading litigators will show you how to perfect the art of closing arguments through engaging panel discussions and dynamic demonstrations. Gain top tips for effective preparation, oral vs. written advocacy, persuasively incorporating evidence and law, use of rhetoric, and more! You can watch the video at your convenience any time in the 30 days prior to the live Q&A, and you also retain access for 30 days after the Q&A for your reference.
- Live Q&A. After watching the video you have the chance to meet with experienced litigators who can answer any other questions you have about evidence in a 90-minute Q&A session, live on December 2 via Zoom.
Workshop Details | Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 1:00PM to 4:30PM (ET), Via Zoom
Participants of the Compelling Closing Arguments plenary session are also eligible to join us for our hands-on skills workshop on December 3, with in person or online options available. The workshop is your chance to practise and refine your skills in preparing and presenting a closing argument in a supportive environment. You will be asked to prepare and present a closing argument based on a mock case file. You will then get practical, individualized feedback on your performance from our trained instructors. You will also learn from your peers as you work through the interactive exercises in small groups.
Please note that the workshop requires advance preparation based on a mock case file, which will be provided to you in advance of the workshop. Please ensure that you set aside enough time to prepare for the workshop, which may take up to a half-day to prepare for, depending on your level of experience.
Registration includes electronic materials, which will be provided prior to the program.
Free Workshops for Junior Members
Junior members (under 5 years of call) who joined The Advocates' Society in 2024 or who join in 2025 and who register for the plenary session of an Essential Advocacy Skills Workshop program in the 2025 calendar year can attend that program’s skills workshop for free.
This is a pilot initiative designed to engage Junior members in their first year of membership in the Society. The pilot does not apply to Student members or Junior members who joined The Advocates' Society prior to January 2024.
Please review the system requirements to view a Zoom event here.