Essential Skills for Judicial Legal Researchers
This course offers judicial legal researchers the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the core competencies required to excel in a judicial support role.
Course Title: Essential Skills for Judicial Legal Researchers
Delivery Mode: In-person/Online
Duration: 4 days (Intensive programme)
Accredited by: University of Cape Town, Faculty of Law
Course Overview
This course offers judicial legal researchers the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the core competencies required to excel in a judicial support role.
Drawing on practical experience and established best practices, it combines ethical guidance with hands-on training in legal research, judgment writing, and speech writing to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial support system.
Participants will develop the critical skills needed to meet judicial expectations, navigate ethical challenges, and produce high-quality legal drafts and memoranda.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Articulate judicial expectations and apply core principles of judicial ethics to their work, including managing workplace conflicts.
Effectively access and utilise necessary legal research tools and judgments to support judicial decision-making.
Understand and apply the basic principles of judgment writing to draft and edit first-instance and appellate decisions.
Apply the principles of speech writing to prepare appropriate outlines or full speeches on judicial topics.
Write clear, concise legal memoranda and proofread judicial documents to a high standard.
Who Should Enrol
This course is designed for:
Judicial Legal Researchers and Law Clerks;
Research Assistants within the judiciary;
Advocates and legal professionals aspiring to roles within judicial support.
Participants should have a foundational legal education and an interest in supporting the judicial process.
How You'll Learn
Expert-led talks and discussions on judicial ethics, judgment writing, and speech writing;
Interactive scenario analysis to practice resolving ethical dilemmas and workplace conflicts;
Practical drafting exercises, including memo drafting and judgment writing from trial papers and speech outline preparation;
Hands-on sessions on accessing legal research tools and proofreading techniques;
Peer feedback and discussion to refine skills and share best practices.
Course Convenor
Dr. Mathilda Twomey, Academic Director, JIFA
With contributions from senior members of the African judiciary, academics from the University of Cape Town and other universities, and invited experts.
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Judicial Institute for Africa (JIFA), Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town.
Course Fee
US$ TBC
Includes full access to course materials, discussion forums, and certification.
Institutional and group enrolment options are available.
What graduates say
- "This course completely clarified my role. Understanding judicial expectations and ethics has made me a more confident and effective researcher."
- "The practical judgment and speech writing exercises were invaluable. I returned to my chamber with immediately applicable tools and frameworks."
- "The session on interpersonal skills and managing workplace conflict provided insights that are beneficial both professionally and personally."
Apply Now
Join an African-wide community of judicial professionals committed to excellence and integrity.