Mastering Openings and Closings Workshop

The New Zealand Bar Association | Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture's Mastering Openings and Closings workshop provides you with first class training by some of the top members of the profession on the art of Openings and Closings.

This workshop will sell out quickly and is limited to 32 participants. This is the course you should attend if you are serious about improving your skills.

The workshop uses a combination of theory, performance and critique to ensure that each attendee receives the maximum learning experience. Advocates will have an opportunity to view a range of skills and styles over the course of the workshop and will gain insight into what might work for them.  

This workshop is part of the New Zealand Bar Association's Mastering Advocacy Programme.

Who should attend

The workshop is best suited to senior (8 years + Post Admission Experience) and intermediate practitioners (4-7 years PAE). There are streams for criminal, civil and family practitioners.

Our Course Directors and Faculty

Our Course Directors are Chris Gudsell KC, Rachael Reed KC, and Nikki Pender. Our Coaches are all senior counsel or near equivalent experience (senior juniors), together with retired and sitting Judges. 

Key features

• CPD credit is 12 hours (including attendance).
• Based on the highly successful programme developed by the Australian Bar Association and the Inns of Court College of Advocacy.
• Participant to coach ratio is 2:1.
• Highly experienced coaches from the top levels of the profession.
• Civil, criminal and family streams available with different case scenarios for each.
• Teaching is supportive, precise and there is a high degree of collegiality.
• Theoretical underpinning is taught by an on-demand webinar to allow participants to structure their own time.
• The time at the workshop is spent on practical activities including one on one coaching and simulated opening and closing presentations.
• You will be required to undertake at least four hours of preparation, including attending a one-hour webinar and preparing your openings and closings.
  
  

Structure

During the workshop, participants will: 

• Have coaching sessions with highly experienced coaches.
• Undertake simulated opening and closing sessions.
• Receive feedback from the judge.
• Receive feedback from coaches and be given an individualised summary of performance and areas to consider.
• Replay their opening and closing, addressing the points made in the morning session.
• Observe a demonstration of skills and techniques by senior counsel.
  
  

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will have improved their ability to:

• Structure opening and closing submissions effectively.
• Identify and frame the key issues.
• Develop a consistent, persuasive case theory for both opening and closing.
• Integrate the evidence in opening and closing submissions.
• Respond to evidential weaknesses, the opposing case and trial developments.
• Deliver persuasive oral submissions which engage the Judge.
  
  

Registration

Now open. Tickets are limited to 32 participants will sell out quickly, so we encourage you to register ASAP to avoid disappointment. Registrations close Friday 2 October 2026.