Civil Submissions Made Simple: Your Next Step in Courtroom Advocacy
Whether you've spent years studying law, are coming to the profession through a non-law degree, or are making a career change into the legal world, there is one essential advocacy skill that often receives far less attention than it deserves: civil submissions.
While advocacy is often associated with dramatic cross-examinations, jury trials and persuasive closing speeches, the reality for many junior barristers and solicitor advocates is very different. Much of their time in court is spent making concise, structured submissions directly to a judge.
There are no witnesses to question. No jury to persuade. Instead, success depends on your ability to identify the key issues, apply the law with confidence and present clear, persuasive arguments under pressure.
For many aspiring advocates, that can feel daunting. The good news is that civil submissions are a skill that can be learned, practised and refined. In fact, developing this form of advocacy is one of the quickest ways to build confidence in the courtroom and prepare yourself for the reality of legal practice.
On Tuesday 28th July 2026, we are hosting a dedicated session in our Legal Skills Academy specifically on this topic. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this is your invitation to practise in a safe, low-pressure environment.
What Exactly are Civil Submissions?
In simple terms, civil submissions occur during interim applications or at the end of a hearing. You are asking the court to make a specific order: perhaps to strike out a claim, grant summary judgment, or even just to decide on a matter of costs.
It is your job to take the law (usually found in the "White Book") and apply it to the facts of your case so clearly that the Judge feels they have no choice but to agree with you.
5 Steps to Nail Your Next Civil Submission
Whether you're appearing in a case management hearing, an interim application or an appeal, these five principles will help you deliver clear, persuasive submissions.
1. Know the Rule
You don't need to memorise the entire White Book, but you do need to know the specific CPR rule or legal principle that supports the order you're asking the court to make.
2. Tell the Judge What You Want
Don't keep the Judge guessing. Within your opening minute, make it clear exactly what order you invite the court to make. Everything that follows should explain why that order is the correct one.
3. Signpost Your Argument
Give the Judge a roadmap before you begin. For example:
"I have three short submissions: first, the applicable legal test; second, how the facts satisfy that test; and third, why my learned friend's submissions should be rejected."
A clear structure makes your advocacy easier to follow and far more persuasive.
4. Keep It Concise
The strongest advocates are rarely the longest speakers. Judges value focused, well-prepared submissions. If a point can be made in two sentences rather than ten, make it in two.
5. Welcome Judicial Interventions
Questions from the Judge are not interruptions to your advocacy; they're an opportunity. They reveal exactly what the court is concerned about. Answer the question directly, deal with the concern, and then return to the structure of your submissions.
Join Us: Tuesday 28th July 2026
If you want a practical, supportive place to work on legal advocacy, the Legal Skills Academy is designed for exactly that.
Our upcoming session on Civil Submissions offers a clear, structured way to practise.
When: Tuesday 28th July, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Where: Online via Zoom
The Vibe: Low-pressure, supportive, and focused on growth.
We do the heavy lifting for you. We provide all the case materials seven days in advance. There is no drafting required and no deep research needed. You simply turn up, and practise your oral advocacy.
You’ll get to present your submissions and, more importantly, receive constructive peer feedback that helps you see what’s working and what isn't.
Why Practice Beats Theory Every Time
You can read every book on advocacy in the library, but you won't truly learn until you hear your own voice echoing in a room (even a virtual one).
At Speed Mooting, we believe that courtroom confidence is a muscle. You wouldn't expect to run a marathon without training, so why expect to nail a pupillage interview or a real-world hearing without "courtroom hours"?
The Legal Skills Academy is designed to give you those hours. Within your membership, you get access to regular sessions like this, a library of online bitesized courses, plus a community of like-minded aspiring lawyers who are all on the same journey.
Is This Session Right for You?
We often get asked if our sessions are only for "advanced" advocates. The answer is a resounding no.
If you are an undergraduate: This is the perfect way to see how the law works in practice outside of a textbook.
If you are on the SQE or BPC: These sessions directly translate to the skills you’ll need for your professional exams.
If you are a graduate: Keep your skills sharp while you navigate the pupillage or training contract application cycle.
We keep the environment friendly and encouraging because we know how intimidating the legal world can be. We’ve all been there, and we’re here to help you get through it.
Secure Your Spot
Civil submissions are a skill. Like any skill, they improve with structured practice and useful feedback.
To join the session on Tuesday 28th July, you simply need to be a member of the Legal Skills Academy. You can sign up today and get instant access to the materials as soon as they are released.
Click here to join the Legal Skills Academy and book your session.
See you on the 28th!
