Crafting Persuasive Legal Advocacy

Advocacy is making the most compelling case possible for your position as a zealous representative. Here are some principles for persuasive written and oral legal advocacy: In written advocacy like briefs:

• Frame facts favourably to advance your theory of the case
• Thoroughly research the law and cite beneficial authorities
• Analogize facts to favourable precedents and distinguish contradictory cases
• Argue policy considerations that support your position
• Craft persuasive themes using repetition and rhetorical techniques
• Refute counterarguments and highlight flaws in the opposing side's reasoning
• Use confident, assertive language and avoid equivocating
• Employ structural techniques like point-first paragraphs and roadmap introductions

In oral advocacy like hearings and trials:

• Prepare meticulously but be adaptable and think on your feet
• Grab attention immediately and focus on your strongest arguments
• Speak slowly, vary tone, make eye contact, mind-body language
• Emphasize key points with strategic repetition and pauses
• Use visual aids effectively to simplify complex concepts
• Convert questions into opportunities to reiterate your positions
• Maintain composure if interrupted or asked challenging questions