Testimonials

Advanced trial advocacy course

• Lebogang Joseph Ledwaba

  Dr. Willem Gravett is exceptional.  The trial advocacy course has fully met my expectations by providing a strong balance of theory and practice.  Through realistic simulations, I gained valuable courtroom skills such as opening statements, examinations, and objections, which helped me build confidence in oral advocacy.  The emphasis on strategic thinking taught me how to develop case theories and anticipate opposing arguments, while the focus on ethical grounding reinforced the importance of professionalism in litigation.  Constructive feedback and mentorship from Dr Willem Gravett further refined my approach, ensuring I could learn from mistakes in a safe environment.  Overall, the course prepared me not only with technical skills but also with the confidence and judgment necessary to succeed in real-world advocacy. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Kamogelo Komane

  All skills necessary to conduct a trial were properly explained, videos were displayed, and we also had an opportunity to practice each week, which gave us the practical exposure thereto. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Zamambo Mkize

  It was very insightful and carefully taught the required skills to be an effective trial attorney. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Emmanuel Seete

  It was a masterclass!  The course and its presentation are indeed practically effective.  It is an invaluable lifetime experience, which we all can use in practice till retirement.  The techniques therein will surely give me a practical edge in litigation. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Jared Robert Ishmael

   I was given the general principles of trial advocacy as well as practical training on opening statements, examination-in-chief, cross-examination, re-examination, and closing arguments. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Armandt Meyer

   It was an amazing experience.  Dr Gravett makes the course so interesting, and his classes are a pleasure to attend. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Ashlyn Mafaro

  The course focuses on how to apply advocacy principles in practice.  It will be difficult to forget the skills I was taught. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Riya Pillay

  It exceeded my expectations!  Dr Willem was always prepared and made the learning experience fun!  Learnt some great new skills - can't wait to put them into practice! (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Evelyn de Klerk

  It exceeded them [my expectations] greatly.  Dr. Gravett is a litigation genius who knows how to pass on knowledge. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Ahmed Seedat

  My initial objective in enrolling for the Advanced trial advocacy course was to obtain the certifications required, enabling me to apply for my right of appearance in the High Court.  However, the experience delivered far more than anticipated.  The programme not only enhanced my theoretical understanding of litigious proceedings but also explored the often overlooked and rarely addressed in legal training, psychological dimensions of trial advocacy.  These insights have profoundly deepened my appreciation of what truly drives success.  Success not only in the courtroom but across every facet of litigation.  The depth and breadth of knowledge shared by Dr Willem Gravett, an internationally recognised authority in advocacy, was transformative.  His guidance on persuasive storytelling, rhetorical techniques, and strategic case presentation has elevated my approach and understanding of trial work.  I highly recommend this course to practitioners at all levels, junior or senior, who seek to refine their advocacy skills and achieve excellence in litigation.  It is, without question, a true investment in professional growth and competence. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Raymond Sutton

  The course exceeded my expectations.  My trial advocacy abilities improved overnight.  Dr Gravett is an exceptional lecturer with a deep pool of knowledge and experience to draw from.  His insight and practical understanding of advocacy really come through in the way he teaches. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Caroline Kongwa

  Dr Gravett is a good imparter of knowledge and delivered the course very well.  The course was enlightening and focused on the practical implementation of trial advocacy.  I feel empowered to face any courtroom at this point on strategy and technique. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Kirstin Eloff

  The course absolutely met — and even exceeded — my expectations.  It was insightful, engaging, and exceptionally well-presented.  The practical exercises and feedback sessions provided valuable opportunities to refine my advocacy skills and apply legal principles in a realistic courtroom setting.  Overall, it was a truly enriching experience.  Dr Gravett’s expertise and passion for advocacy made the course both inspiring and impactful.  His practical insights and engaging teaching style brought the material to life. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Devlin Fenton

  It dealt with all the theoretical components I thought were relevant and provided us with practical application of the theory.  It was also fun, and the venue was pleasant. (Advanced trial advocacy course)

• Maryna Strydom

  This course met my expectations.  I am confident after this course to enter the courtroom. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Chanté Marais

  The course was excellent and exceeded my expectations.  It was excellent to get an expert perspective who had so much experience in the USA, as their system is different from ours, yet for basic trial tips and tricks, we can learn a lot from them.  The camaraderie and judgment-free atmosphere made it an excellent course to learn and practice the skills learned.  I had some trial experience, however,  I had learned so much during the course that I was able to identify mistakes or things I could have approached differently in previous trials.  The lecturer was excellent with constructive criticism and offering helpful advice, especially during the Moot Court on the Friday.  (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Jessica Oliphant

  I never had an opportunity to conduct or observe a trial during my articles.  This Trial advocacy course has taught me a lot about how to conduct a proper trial and also the pros and cons thereof.  It has also brought out the confidence within me when conducting a proper trial. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Christo Jantjies

  More than met my expectations.  An exceptional view on the 'Mount of Trial Advocacy'.  Every trial attorney will not only benefit from taking this course, but will carry and live up to the knowledge gained. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Bronwyn Naidoo

  The course instructor not only refreshed our skills but upskilled us on what is required for thorough preparation for a trial. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Tsholofelo Charity Ditlhobolo

  It was very helpful in trial advocacy and because of this course I believe that I am able to conduct a proper trial. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Alvin Green Khosa

  Dr Willem Gravett is such a great presenter.  I chose to attend this course, not only for the right of appearance in the High Court or for the certificate to be able to convert to an Advocate, but I participated to also refresh my "rusty brains" in the field of advocacy.  I got more than what I needed.  I got more than what I had bargained for, and it was such an experience.  I came out of this course with my memory refreshed and my skills enhanced.  I would recommend any colleague out there to take part in this course. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Yolande Schoultz

  I truly enjoyed the course.  The contents of the course are so valuable and will make my preparation for trial much easier.  I am now more aware of what I must concentrate on, especially during cross-examination.  This course is truly a must-have for any legal practitioner who wants to be a step ahead of the average legal practitioner.  And also want to ensure that the service rendered to their client is more than their best to ensure the best possible outcome. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Tshepo Mpshe

  I came back more confident of my appearance in court and ability to present a convincing case for my client.  I am now careful of word selection and the moral appeal in court.  My perception that presiding officers remain neutral throughout the trial has been realigned as I realise that it was humanly impossible to do so. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Xerené Wahl

  The course exceeded my expectations.  Dr Gravett has provided me with very insightful tips and strategies for the practical application of advocacy.  It has given me the necessary confidence to run a trial effectively. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys) 

• Michaeline Tsotetsi

  I am a pupil and it has consolidated everything I have learned in theoretical and applied observations of trials.  Now I understand the preparation for trial, techniques and tactics of conducting a trial. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Christinah Mahloko

  It did [meet my expectations], from a person who has no background in any litigation.  I gained insight on being a skilled litigant. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Tristan Louw

  The course exceeded my expectations.  It was very informative with the lecturer, Dr. Gravett, being an exceptional teacher. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Michiel Bouwer

  Dr. Gravett has a wealth of experience - and his ability to combine theoretical knowledge with real-life practical examples from his own court experience is tremendously valuable. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Sarina Bosch

  It was a very informative course, and the new presentation of the course material was easy to follow and to apply. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Phumlani Nhlabathi

  I wanted full confidence to appear in the High Court and run the trial, so through this course, I’m now ready for the challenge. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Philani Mthethwa

  The course in fact far exceeded my expectations.  It will now help me to structure my trial technique in a logical and comprehensible manner. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Victor Wilkens

  A course for professionals presented by professionals.  This was truly an excellent study of how to persuade the court to find in your favour.  The core of it being focused on practicality is a refreshing, yet necessary approach to the subject.  I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in litigation. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Reuben Phala

  Excellent course; excellent facilitator. (The fundamental principles of effective trial advocacy - for attorneys)

• Soleil Smit

  This course absolutely met my expectations. It was excellently presented by Dr Gravett. 

• Raeesah Isat

  The course was highly educational and extremely interactive.  We were able to grasp concepts through practical examples which I believe we will remember in practice forever.  The course allowed each one of us to develop and expand on our own advocacy styles.  Definitely worth every cent and highly recommend to anyone wanting to improve their advocacy skills.