Litigation skills video series

Video 3 – Cross Examination

Welcome to the third video in our Litigation Skills Webinar Series, Cross Examination.
In this 35-minute video Brian Dickey, a New Zealand barrister with 30 years’ commercial and civil litigation experience, explains the key elements of a successful cross examination.

Good cross examination techniques include:

  • Obtain from the witness what will be favorable to your case
  • Be clear with the witness what your theory of the case is
  • Raise inconsistent statements with the witness
  • Question vulnerable witnesses with empathy and respect.

The video concludes with follow up questions for Brian from The Law Association’s Rachel Oldham-Ormiston.

Please note this video is restricted to approved users. If you have not been sent a password, email us at contact@PJSP.govt.nz with your full name, country of residence, your role and place of work, and include a clear request to be provided with access to the video.

Video 2 - Trial Preparation

Welcome to the second video in our Litigation Skills Webinar Series, Trial Preparation. 

In this 45-minute video, New Zealand senior defense counsel with 40 years’ experience, Marie Dyhrberg KC, explains the importance of counsel being well-prepared and confident during a trial, and what that involves.

Elements of good Trial Preparation include:

  • Being disciplined about file organization
  • A cross-examination plan
  • A record of important dates of disclosure
  • An evidential analysis
  • Helpful witnesses
  • A good working relationship with your client

The video concludes with questions for Marie from The Law Association’s Lizzie Chapman.

Please note this video is currently restricted to approved users.  If you have not been sent a password, please email us at contact@PJSP.govt.nz with your full name, country of residence, your role, and place of work, requesting access to the video.

Video 1 - Theory of the Case 

PJSP is pleased to share the first video in our six-part Litigation Skills video series.

In The Theory of the Case, expert barrister Christopher Stevenson KC explains why it is important for counsel to have a logical theory of the case to present in court. The Theory of the case is the story you tell about:

  • what happened,
  • why it happened, and
  • why your theory should prevail.

We suggest you watch the video in groups or individually, test your knowledge with our quick quiz hosted at Survey Monkey, and download a copy of the NZ Law Association’s written guide to The Theory of the Case to keep for future reference.  Please email us at contact@pjsp.govt.nz with your name, role and place of work, for the password to watch The Theory of the Case.